Applications of earth science techniques to archaeological problems — Introduction

2004 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 655-657 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leanne M Mallory-Greenough ◽  
John D Greenough

The thematic set provides examples of the many techniques that earth scientists can offer for use in archaeology. These studies use methods such as electron microprobe analysis, inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, optically stimulated luminescence, and soil and sediment stratigraphic analysis. Materials examined range from soils to basalt and dacite artifacts, glass, ceramics, phytoliths, and even ore assay beads. They cover 8000 years of time and are derived from three continents. The diversity of materials and techniques underscores the potential for collaboration as we open new doors into our collective past.

Minerals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Dimitrina Dimitrova ◽  
Vassilka Mladenova ◽  
Lutz Hecht

The colloform pyrite variety incorporates many trace elements that are released in the environment during rapid oxidation. Colloform pyrite from the Chiprovtsi silver–lead deposit in Bulgaria and its oxidation efflorescent products were studied using X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Pyrite is enriched with (in ppm): Co (0.1–964), Ni (1.8–3858), Cu (2.9–3188), Zn (3.1–77), Ag (1.2–1771), As (8179–52,787), Se (2.7–21.7), Sb (48–17792), Hg (4–2854), Tl (1.7–2336), Pb (13–7072), and Au (0.07–2.77). Gypsum, anhydrite, szomolnokite, halotrichite, römerite, copiapite, aluminocopiapite, magnesiocopiapite, coquimbite, aluminocoquimbite, voltaite, and ammoniomagnesiovoltaite were identified in the efflorescent sulfate assemblage. Sulfate minerals contain not only inherited elements from pyrite (Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, In, As, Sb, Hg, Tl, and Pb), but also newly introduced elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Mn, Ga, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Sn, Cs, Ba, REE, U, and Th). Voltaite group minerals, copiapite, magnesiocopiapite, and römerite incorporate most of the trace elements, especially the most hazardous As, Sb, Hg, and Tl. Colloform pyrite occurrence in the Chiprovtsi deposit is limited. Its association with marbles would further restrict the oxidation and release of hazardous elements into the environment.


1990 ◽  
Vol 185 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Scott

AbstractTwo silver plates in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum were studied by non-destructive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, xradiography, optical metallography, electron microprobe analysis and lead isotopic composition. One plate depicts a scene of philosophical discourse (the ‘Philosopher plate’) and the other an aged fisherman with his catch (the ‘Fisherman plate’). Both plates have designs on the fronts made not by repousse but by a combination of working and annealing followed by carving to shape. Technical and analytical results are described which support the attribution of a date in the early centuries AD. There are several differences between the two plates, such as the way in which the footring has been made and attached. Both, however, have thick corrosion crusts and have suffered intergranular corrosion. Determination of trace elements, such as zinc and gold, together with the method of manufacture suggests that both plates are ancient. Lead isotopic data for the two plates is different, with the Philosopher plate showing a close relationship to other Byzantine objects, even though a Renaissance date had been suggested.


Author(s):  
Georges-Ivo Ekosse ◽  
George Elambo Nkeng ◽  
Nenita Bukalo ◽  
Olaonipekun Oyebanjo

This study assessed the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of geophagic clays sold in some markets in Cameroon to ascertain their provenance, contamination status and human health risk. To achieve this, 40 samples from 13 markets in Cameroon were purchased and analysed using X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for their mineralogy and geochemistry, respectively. The geophagic clays were dominantly made up of kaolinite and quartz. Their chemistry was dominated by SiO2, Al2O3 and LOI with means of 48.76 wt%, 32.12 wt% and 13.93 wt%, respectively. The major, trace and rare earth elements data showed that these geophagic clays were predominantly derived from felsic rocks. The contamination assessment indicated no enrichment of metals from anthropogenic sources, except for Zn in samples from Acacia, Madagascar and Mfoudi markets. The index of geo-accumulation indicated no contamination to moderate contamination of the clays. The non-carcinogenic index values for Fe, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were generally less than 1, suggesting no non-carcinogenic risk exposure to children and adults consuming the geophagic clays from these metals. The carcinogenic risk index (TCR) for Ni and Cr were above 10−6, which implies that children and adults are vulnerable to minimal carcinogenic health risk. The TCR values from Ni posed the highest risk, especially to children consuming clays from some markets.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1788-1795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olushola S. Ayanda ◽  
Olalekan S. Fatoki ◽  
Folahan A. Adekola ◽  
Bhekumusa J. Ximba

In this study, fly ash was obtained from Matla power station and the physicochemical properties investigated. The fly ash was characterized by x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Surface area, particle size, ash and carbon contents, pH, and point of zero charge were also measured. The results showed that the fly ash is alkaline and consists mainly of mullite (Al6Si2O13) and quartz (SiO2). Highly toxic metals As, Sb, Cd, Cr, and Pb as well as metals that are essential to health in trace amounts were also present. The storage and disposal of coal fly ash can thus lead to the release of leached metals into soils, surface and ground waters, find way into the ecological systems and then cause harmful effect to man and its environments.


Minerals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qin ◽  
Cao ◽  
Wei ◽  
Wang ◽  
Liu

This paper reports the mineral compositions and geochemical characteristics of the No. 5-2 high-sulfur coal (Taiyuan Formation) from Dongpo Mine, Weibei Coalfield, Shaanxi, Northern China via transmitted and reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). We also confirmed the input of intermediate-felsic volcanic ashes into the Taiyuan Formation coals in Dongpo Mine, Weibei Coalfield. The results show that Dongpo coals are enriched in Ga and Li compared to the average values for world hard coals, and they are depleted in Al2O3 compared to Chinese coals. The coal low temperature ash contains kaolinite, illite, quartz, calcite, pyrite, and to a lesser extent, chlorite, plagioclase, dolomite, ankerite, and apatite. The concentration anomalies of Ga and Li in No. 5-2 high-sulfur coal were not caused by the Benxi Formation Bauxite, but by the influence of multiple geological factors. The Middle Proterozoic moyite from the Yinshan Oldland led to the slightly higher Ga and Li contents of the No. 5-2 coal than those in world hard coals. Input of synchronization volcanic ash, injection of hydrothermal fluids during the syngenetic or early diagenetic stages and influence of seawater further contributed to the Ga and Li enrichment of the No. 5-2 coal.


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