Materials analysis in archaeometrical studies - The cases of ceramics pigments and of gold objects


Materials analysis in archaeometrical studies - The cases of ceramics pigments and of gold objects

Constantinescu, B.; Bugoi, R.; Cojocaru, V.; Grambole, D.; Herrmann, F.; Popovici, D.

The scientific analysis of archaeological objects ideally requires the availability of methods, which are simultaneously non-destructive, fast, universal, versatile, sensitive and multielemental. Analyses of source materials combined with analyses of the objects could distinguish from pieces produced in different regions. Our purpose is to help archaeologists to identify objects provenance (workshops, technologies, mines) and to explain different commercial, military and political aspects. We used 241Am source based XRF (X-ray Fluorescence), 3 MeV protons induced PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission), 11 MeV proton activation analysis (PAA) and 3 MeV protons micro-PIXE methods. The above mentioned methods are complementary and they work better together. Some results on pigments from Cucuteni Neolithical and Iznik Medieval ceramics, especially the case of black (Manganese) and blue (Cobalt) colours are presented. We also report a study on ancient Dacian gold coins. The method used were XRF and PAA. Three groups of coins with different composition were found, corresponding to simple, complex and no monogram pieces. Possible historical conclusions are discussed. Finally, micro-PIXE results on some ancient gold objects from Romanian Pietrosa hoard are reported.

Keywords: XRF; PIXE; PAA; microPIXE; ceramics; pigments; gold

  • Rom. Journ. Phys. 48 (2003) 347-354

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Publ.-Id: 6465