Accurate Measurements of Low Z Elements in Sediments and Archaeological Ceramics Using Portable X-ray Fluorescence (PXRF)

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Archaeological Ceramics ◽  
X Ray

Provenance Study of Venezuelan Pre-Columbian Ceramics Employing Radioisotope X-Ray Fluorescence

1988 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 1482-1487 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. J. Labrecque ◽  
J. E. Vaz ◽  
K. Tarble ◽  
P. A. Rosales
Keyword(s):  
Source Area ◽  
Fluorescence Analysis ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Provenance Study ◽  
Archaeological Ceramics ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Provenance Studies ◽  
Better Than

Radioisotope x-ray fluorescence analysis was performed to determine normalized elemental intensities for pre-Columbian sherds and roller stamps from different archaeological sites in the Middle Orinoco region of Venezuela. These normalized intensities were used to construct three-component (Triangle) graphs separating the sherds into three groups based on their known origin. The three-component graphs were: (Zn, Sr, Zr), (Rb, Sr, Zr), and ( A, Sr, Zr), where A = Cu + Zn + Pb normalized intensities. The total precision was shown to be better than 5% absolute for all cases studied. It was concluded that two of the roller stamps found at one site were probably manufactured in a different source area. This lends support to the notion that the roller stamps were a trade item in late pre-Columbian times (1000–1400 A.D.). The method applied in this study using a 109Cd (2 mCi) source seems to be appropriate for provenance studies of archaeological ceramics where many samples are processed, because it has the inherent advantages of being simple, economical, and rapid.

Mineralogical and geochemical characterization of archaeological ceramics from the 16th century El Badi Palace, Morocco

Clay Minerals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 459-470
Author(s):  
Mouhssin El Halim ◽  
Lahcen Daoudi ◽  
Meriam El Ouahabi ◽  
Valérie Rousseau ◽  
Catherine Cools ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sixteenth Century ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Archaeological Ceramics ◽  
Geochemical Characterization ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Firing Tests

ABSTRACTTextural, mineralogical and chemical characterization of archaeological ceramics (zellige) from El Badi Palace (Marrakech, Morocco), the main Islamic monument from the Saadian period (sixteenth century), has been performed to enhance restoration and to determine the technology of manufacturing. A multi-analytical approach based on optical and scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence, X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction was used. Re-firing tests on ceramic supports were also performed to determine the firing temperatures used by the Saadian artisans. A calcareous clay raw material was used to manufacture these decorative ceramics. The sherds were fired at a maximum temperature of 800°C in oxidizing atmosphere. The low firing temperature for ‘zellige’ facilitates cutting of the pieces, but also causes fragility in these materials due to the absence of vitreous phases.

X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD)

2016 ◽  
pp. 326-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Heimann
Keyword(s):  
Powder Diffraction ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Powder Diffraction File ◽  
Thin Beam ◽  
Archaeological Ceramics ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Cell Dimensions ◽  
Unit Cell Dimensions

X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) is an important tool to determine the phase composition of archaeological ceramics. In principle, a thin beam of X-rays incident to a lattice plane of crystalline matter is scattered in specific directions and angles depending on the distances of atoms. This allows determination of characteristic unit cell dimensions and serves to unambiguously identify crystalline phases in the ceramics. In this chapter, generation of X-rays and the theory of diffraction will be briefly discussed as well as equipment, focusing conditions, and sample preparation procedures of common XRPD methods. The X-ray pattern obtained will provide an analytical fingerprint that can be matched against the Powder Diffraction File of the International Centre for Diffraction Data. Examples will be given of application of this analytical technique to archaeological clays and ceramics.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of X-ray fluorescence methods for elemental composition determination of the archaeological ceramics from low sample quantity

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-33
Author(s):  
G. V. Pashkova ◽  
◽  
M. M. Mukhamedova ◽  
V. M. Chubarov ◽  
A. S. Maltsev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elemental Composition ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Bulk Composition ◽  
Fluorescence Analysis ◽  
Total Reflection ◽  
Late Neolithic ◽  
Burial Site ◽  
Archaeological Ceramics ◽  
X Ray

Wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (WDXRF) and total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis were applied to study the elemental composition of the Late Neolithic ancient ceramics collected at the Popovsky Lug burial site (Kachug, Upper Lena river, Russia). Semi-quantitative non-destructive analysis of ceramic pieces showed that measurements of the upper and lower sides of the ceramic are less informative than the measurement of its cut. Various sample preparation techniques for the low quantity of crushed ceramics such as fusion, pressing and preparation of suspensions were compared to preserve the material. Samples were prepared as 150 mg fused beads and 250 mg pressed pellets for WDXRF, and as suspensions of 20 mg sample based on the aqueous solution of the Triton X-100 surfactant for TXRF. Certified methods were used to validate the obtained contents of rock-forming oxides and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to confirm the results of trace elements determination. Based on the carried-out studies, a combination of the wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (glass) and total-reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis (suspension) methods was chosen to obtain the data on the elemental bulk composition of archaeological ceramics. The proposed combination allowed the quantitative determination of Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Pb, and Ba from the sample of crushed ceramics weighing only about 170 mg.

Sensitivity, Precision, and Accuracy: Their Roles in Ceramic Compositional Data Bases

1990 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald L. Bishop ◽  
Veletta Canouts ◽  
Patricia L. Crown ◽  
Suzanne P. de Atley
Keyword(s):  
Neutron Activation Analysis ◽  
Compositional Data ◽  
Analytical Sensitivity ◽  
Geological Environment ◽  
Data Bases ◽  
Archaeological Ceramics ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Commercial Laboratory ◽  
Characterization Studies ◽  
Precision And Accuracy

Differences in analytical sensitivity, precision, and accuracy exist among techniques and laboratories involved in the chemical analysis of archaeological ceramics. Large differences in these analytical parameters become significant in the formulation of data bases where comparability of the data is being sought. Small differences become significant when comparing pottery produced from clay resources located within a discrete geological environment. To better assess and report on the analytical results being obtained from laboratories, neutron-activation analysis and X-ray fluorescence are discussed relative to the level of precision required for ceramic characterization studies, the use of standards, and the preparation and submission of samples for commercial laboratory analysis.

Geochemical analysis of colonoware and brick artifacts from Brook Green Plantation using portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

2021 ◽  
pp. 019769312110339
Author(s):  
Alexis Widdifield ◽  
David T Palmer ◽  
Carolyn D Dillian
Keyword(s):  
South Carolina ◽  
Fluorescence Spectrometry ◽  
American People ◽  
African American People ◽  
Geochemical Composition ◽  
Archaeological Ceramics ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fluorescence Spectrometer ◽  
The 19Th Century ◽  
Excavation Site

This study used data collected using a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to examine ceramic artifacts found during the excavation of historic Brook Green Plantation, in Georgetown County, South Carolina. Excavations at this site yielded culturally significant artifacts associated with African and African American people held in bondage during the 19th century. The geochemical composition of Colonoware and brick artifacts was compared to clay samples that were taken from six locations on the grounds of Brookgreen Gardens. Some Colonoware sherds were found to be consistent with a clay source close to the excavation site. This research is part of a larger goal to demonstrate the applicability of portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry in the analysis and interpretation of archaeological ceramics.

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