scholarly journals The Escalada Formation: Characterization of a potential chert supply source in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain) during prehistory.

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Natividad Fuertes-Prieto ◽  
Esperanza Fernández-Martínez ◽  
Fernando Gómez-Fernández ◽  
Eduardo Alonso-Herrero ◽  
Diego Herrero Alonso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Major Elements ◽  
Matrix Composition ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Cantabrian Mountains ◽  
Nw Spain ◽  
Supply Source ◽  
Thin Sections

A study of the chert nodules found in the Escalada Formation (Carboniferous, Ponga region, Cantabrian Zone) was carried out as a means to characterise a number of lithic raw materials found in several prehistoric sites of the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). This study comprises fieldwork aimed at locating the outcrops and obtaining samples. Some selected samples from two localities were used for both petrological (macroscopic and microscopic analyses from thin sections) and geochemical (X-ray fluorescence and powder diffraction) analysis. The macroscopic study shows a rather homogeneus coloration and a conchoidal fracture although two extreme types of cherts with a variety of intermediate forms can be differentiated according to the matrix composition. The microscopic analysis shows a high heterogeneity in carbonate versus silica percentage and gentle differences in some other features such as type of silica, origin of carbonates, occurrence of organic matter and type of skeletal components. The results of several geochemical analysis suggest that there are not geochemical features neither in the major elements nor in the traces that allows us to clearly distinguish between the analysed samples. All these studies allow us to define the main features of these chert nodules and to establish several types and varieties among them. Those varieties with high percentage of silica and with a more homogeneous matrix are the most suitable samples for knapping. These results together with the study of the geological and geographical location of archaeological sites suggest that the nodules from the Escalada Formation likely were lithic material supply sources used in knapping activitiesWhen aiming to demonstrate the use of these materials at archaeological sites the sole macroscopic analysis of the pieces does not suffice; further analyses, such as those involving thin sections, are necessary. The absence of chert from Escalada Formation in some Mesolithic sites in the area was confirmed via these additional analyses.

scholarly journals Chert from the Vegamián Formation: A new raw-material supply source in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain) during prehistory

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Herrero-Alonso ◽  
Antonio Tarriño-Vinagre ◽  
Ana Neira-Campos ◽  
Natividad Fuertes-Prieto
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Cantabrian Mountains ◽  
Nw Spain ◽  
Supply Source ◽  
Geochemical Characterization ◽  
Material Supply ◽  
Different Types

This work provides the keys to the mineralogical and geochemical characterization of black chert from the Vegamián Fm. This formation crops out throughout the whole of the Cantabrian Zone (of Palaeozoic age), one of the geological zones of the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). The geographical distribution of this formation is very wide, surfacing in the provinces of León, Asturias, Palencia and Cantabria.This variety of chert had been included within the group generically known as ‘black chert’, a macrogroup including different types of chert that appear in different Palaeozoic formations in the area and which share a characteristic black colour at the macroscopic level. The characterisation presented here has enabled us to distinguish it from other varieties. In this study, Vegamián chert has been divided into two different groups depending on their textural, mineralogical, geochemical and thermal propierties. Type 1, the most suitable for knapping, is characterized by high content in silica (>97%), laminated matrix and, occasionally, ghost of radiolarians.  In addition, the characteristics specific to this chert make it suitable for lithic knapping processes. To confirm its use by prehistoric populations, this chert will be compared to that found in two Mesolithic sites, the caves of La Uña and El Espertín (León, south versant of the Cantabrian Mountains), the raw materials from which are currently under study.

Ground Stone Tools from Serra Orlando (Morgantina) and Stone Axe Studies in Sicily and Southern Italy

1989 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Leighton ◽  
J. E. Dixon ◽  
A. M. Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Bronze Age ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Hellenistic Period ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Ground Stone ◽  
Metal Tools ◽  
Polished Stone Axes

Ground and polished stone axes in southern Italy received little attention after a period of lively interest in the late 19th century. The great number of axes from archaeological sites and collections suggests widespread manufacture and exchange on a considerable scale. In eastern Sicily the production of basalt axes was long-lived, beginning in the Neolithic (Stentinello phase) and reaching a peak in the Copper and Early Bronze Ages. Greenstone axes are also found throughout these periods. By the Middle or Late Bronze Age, stone axes were probably little used, having been largely replaced by metal tools.The axes from Serra Orlando (where the historical site of Morgantina is located) form one of the largest collections in Sicily from a single site, where they were found in multi-period contexts, dating from the third millennium BC until the Hellenistic period. Petrological analysis suggests that basalt from the Iblean hills was frequently used for their manufacture, while the serpentinites, tremolite-bearing rocks and pyroxenite probably originate in the Calabro-Peloritani Arc. The results of the analysis of thin sections are presented in appendixes. Raw materials, distribution and manufacture of axes are discussed and a preliminary investigation of their typology is presented. Multiple functions for Sicilian axes, related to morphology and raw materials, are suggested by their archaeological contexts.

scholarly journals Piecing together a new mosaic: Gravettian lithic resources and economic territories in the Western Pyrenees

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aitor Calvo ◽  
Alvaro Arrizabalaga
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
General Terms ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Southern Side ◽  
Northern Side ◽  
Lithic Raw Materials ◽  
Surrounding Areas ◽  
Western Pyrenees

AbstractTo palliate the current scarcity of information about lithic raw materials in the Western Pyrenees during the Gravettian, the study of ten assemblages has explored the flint procurement patterns and economic organisation of the territory. The study was based on the macro- and microscopic analysis of the different lithic remains. A wide range of flint varieties were used, including some excellent rocks for knapping and others of poorer quality. This diversified catchment pattern was defined by the criteria of quality and suitability for reduction. Although procurement took place mostly at the primary outcrops, there is some evidence of limited acquisition in secondary deposits. Within the economic territory of the Western Pyrenees, divergences in the connections between the outcrops on one side of the mountains and the archaeological sites on the other may indicate different territorial or economic roles for each side. In general terms, the northern side may have been more residential with more stable habitation, while the southern side was linked with logistic tasks and more seasonal occupation. The economic connections between this territory and surrounding areas revealed by the lithic resources are the reflection of inter-group contacts and an economic mosaic imbricated with a cultural or symbolic one.

Chemical-Mineralogical and Microscopic Characterization of Clay Used as Raw Materials in Santa Gertrudes' Ceramic Pole

2016 ◽  
Vol 869 ◽  
pp. 191-194
Author(s):  
Carolina del Roveri ◽  
R.A. Cunha ◽  
Antenor Zanardo ◽  
Letícia Hirata Godoy ◽  
Maria Margarita Torres Moreno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Major Elements ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Ceramic Tiles ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Mineral Phases ◽  
Icp Ms ◽  
Materials Used

The Santa Gertrudes ́ Ceramic Polo is the Brazilian region with national and international prominence in the manufacturing of ceramic tiles. Some raw materials used by ceramic industry and coatings industries in this region were characterized in terms of chemical-mineralogical and microscopic view, in order to promote the best technological characterization of them. For this, chemical analysis of major elements and trace X-ray diffraction and microscopic analysis by SEM, TEM and Electron microprobe were performed by ICP-MS. The results showed that the raw materials commonly referred to as "clays" are actually constituted by various mineral phases, which directly influence the properties of the same ceramics. Also showed that, by virtue of this constitution, different formulations can be developed, using the best raw materials found in the region of Santa Gertrudes, SP.

scholarly journals Una aproximación a las trayectorias estilísticas cerámicas del valle de Guandacol (Provincia de La Rioja): continuidades y rupturas entre los siglos XIII y XVIII

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Sebastián Carosio ◽  
M. Lourdes Iniesta
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Microscopic Analysis ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Methodological Perspective ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
La Rioja

<p>Presentamos una síntesis de los resultados de nuestros estudios sobre las manifestaciones estilísticas cerámicas del valle de Guandacol (La Rioja). Abordamos la alfarería desde una perspectiva metodológica que involucra análisis macroscópicos, submacroscópicos y microscópicos, con el objetivo de registrar los atributos relacionados con la cadena de producción. A partir del análisis de las diferentes técnicas implementadas en el tratamiento de materias primas, en el levantado de las piezas y sus formas, en la decoración y en las cocciones, reconocemos similitudes y diferencias entre los diversos Estilos identificados. Por ello indagamos en las trayectorias de continuidad y ruptura en las prácticas de manufactura entre los siglos XIII y XVIII.</p><p> <br /><strong>Abstract</strong></p><p><br />We present the results of our studies of the stylistic manifestations ceramics that show the different archaeological sites in the Guandacol valley (La Rioja). We address the pottery from a methodological perspective, which involves submacroscopics, macroscopic and microscopic analysis, with the objective of record the attributes related to the chain of production. From the appreciation of the different techniques implemented in the treatment of raw materials, in the vessels shaping and its forms, in the decoration and in the cooking, we recognize similarities and differences between the various styles, and search the continuity and rupture trajectories in the manufacturing practices between the 13th and 18th centuries.</p>

scholarly journals Mineralogical and Microstructure Analysis for Characterization and Provenance of Ceramic Artifacts from Late Helladic Kastrouli Settlement, Delphi (Central Greece)

Geosciences ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 36
Author(s):  
Vayia Xanthopoulou ◽  
Ioannis Iliopoulos ◽  
Ioannis Liritzis
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Sem Analysis ◽  
Petrographic Analysis ◽  
Ceramic Assemblage ◽  
Thin Sections ◽  
Central Greece ◽  
High Calcium ◽  
Local Geology

The present study deals with the characterization of a ceramic assemblage from the Late Mycenaean (Late Helladic III) settlement of Kastrouli, at Desfina near Delphi, Central Greece using various analytical techniques. Kastrouli is located in a strategic position supervising the Mesokampos plateau and the entire peninsula and is related to other nearby coeval settlements. In total 40 ceramic sherds and 8 clay raw materials were analyzed through mineralogical, petrographic and microstructural techniques. Experimental briquettes (DS) made from clayey raw materials collected in the vicinity of Kastrouli, were fired under temperatures (900 and 1050 °C) in oxidizing conditions for comparison with the ancient ceramics. The petrographic analysis performed on thin sections prepared from the sherds has permitted the identification of six main fabric groups and a couple of loners. The aplastic inclusions recognized in all fabric groups but one confirmed the local provenance since they are related to the local geology. Fresh fractures of representative sherds were further examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS) helping us to classify them into calcareous (CaO > 6%) and non-calcareous (CaO < 6%) samples (low and high calcium was noted in earlier pXRF data). Here, the ceramic sherds with broad calcium separation are explored on a one-to-one comparison on the basis of detailed mineralogical microstructure. Moreover, their microstructure was studied, aiming to estimate their vitrification stage. The mineralogy of all studied samples was determined by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), permitting us to test the validity of the firing temperatures revealed by the SEM analysis. The results obtained through the various analytical techniques employed are jointly assessed in order to reveal potters’ technological choices.

Economic and geographical potential of the organization of new forms of economy in Jabrayil district

2021 ◽  
Vol 09 (04) ◽  
pp. 31-37
Author(s):  
Ləman Müşfiq qızı Həsənzadə ◽  
◽  
Tapdıq Güləhməd oğlu Həsənov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Geography ◽  
Regional Economy ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Mineral Deposits ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Territorial Planning ◽  
External Relations ◽  
Global Transport ◽  
Effective Organization

One of the most urgent tasks of economic geography in the article is to ensure the sustainable development of the Jabrayil region on new foundations, whose economic and social facilities, which have been under occupation for many years, have been completely destroyed. The initial data collected on the objects destroyed in the area as a result of the analysis and their geographical location can be used as substantive information in the reconstruction activities of the district. As a result of the analysis, the existing potential in the region: favorable transport, new Zangilan and Fizuli centers in the neighborhood, sand, cement raw materials, fertile lands, canals, rivers, hydropower and solar resources will have a significant impact on the rehabilitation and development of farms. As a result of the research, the optimal centers for the location of "smart villages" in the region were identified. The article will focus on the development of local and global transport routes through the region, the use of local mineral deposits and the effective organization of internal and external relations. The information obtained as a result of the research will allow to build the perspective territorial planning of the regional economy on the basis of existing standards. Key words: consequences of occupation, advantages of reconstructed forms of economy, substantiation of centers, features of distribution in the area

scholarly journals Ground thermal regime in the vicinity of relict rock glaciers (Cantabrian Mountains, NW Spain)

Finisterra ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 44 (87) ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Santos-González ◽  
Rosa González-Gutiérrez ◽  
Amélia Gómes-Villar ◽  
José Redondo-Vega
Keyword(s):  
Snow Cover ◽  
Thermal Regime ◽  
Strong Influence ◽  
Temperature Data ◽  
Ground Temperature ◽  
Cantabrian Mountains ◽  
Nw Spain ◽  
Freeze Thaw ◽  
Rock Glaciers ◽  
Frost Penetration

Ground temperature data obtained from 2002 to 2007 in sites near relict rock glaciers in the cantabrian mountains, at altitudes between 1500 and 2300 meters is analysed. Snow cover lasted between 3 and 9 months and had a strong influence on the thermal regime. When snow was present, the soil was normally frozen in the first 5 to 10 cm, but daily freeze-thaw cycles were rare. In well developed soils located at sunny faces frost penetration rarely reached more than 10 cm. on the contrary in shady and windy faces with scarce snow cover, frost penetration reached, at least, 40 cm. In persistent snow patches the temperature was stable at 0 ºc, even in relict rock glaciers, where subnival winter air fluxes appear to have been very rare.

scholarly journals Experimental analysis of lime putty and pozzolan-based mortar for interventions in archaeological sites

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Autiero ◽  
Meera Ramesh ◽  
Miguel Azenha ◽  
Marco Di Ludovico ◽  
Andrea Prota ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Load Capacity ◽  
Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity ◽  
Ultrasonic Pulse ◽  
Pulse Velocity ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Volcanic Area ◽  
Masonry Structures ◽  
Natural Pozzolan ◽  
Complementary Method

AbstractThe study aims at defining and characterizing a specific restoration mortar for archaeological masonry structures made with traditional materials and to assess the suitability of the mixture compared to other mortars; such a goal is crucial to develop and define interventions in the archaeological sites. The mixture was defined to ensure compatibility with ancient materials and following frequently adopted recommendations at the site, specifically by using: (1) raw materials as similar as possible to the ancient ones; (2) traditional mix design. Therefore, the mixture was made with commercial lime putty CL 90-S type and natural Phlegrean pozzolan, i.e. volcanoclastic material collected from the volcanic area located in the West of Naples in Italy. The precious and limitedly available natural pozzolan used in the experiments resulted in an exclusive mortar which is very similar to the archaeological ones. The mortar has a binder to aggregate ratio 1:3 by volume, according to traditional techniques typically encountered in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and Vesuvius surrounding area. The evolution of the flexural and compressive strength, elastic modulus, bulk density, open porosity and ultrasonic pulse velocity has been monitored for up to 200 days, based on standard procedures. Moreover, the hardening process was monitored with Differential Thermal Analysis up to 90 days, through the evaluation of phase transitions associated with dehydroxylation and decarboxylation, considering different depths from the external surface of the mortar. The achieved mechanical properties were compatible with those of lime-based mixtures for repair interventions of ancient masonry structures. Moreover, the mortar was found to be well-suited to mitigate cracking, showing a low ratio between its stiffness and load capacity compared to other typologies of mortars used for masonry restoration. Ultrasonic pulse velocity test proved to be a reasonable complementary method to monitor the evolution of the hardened properties of the mortar. Carbonation was found to be still progressing at 90 days. The data presented provide useful and reliable information to approach the complex process of restoration in archeological sites.

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