A compositional study of a museum jewellery collection (7th–1st BC) by means of a portable XRF spectrometer

Karydas, A. G.; Kotzamani, Despoina; Bernard, Rachel E.; Barrandon, Jean-Noël; Zarkadas, Ch.

doi:10.1016/j.nimb.2004.02.034

Cited by 46 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…For elemental analysis, a key role is played by portable and hand-held energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) equipment [8,9], which enables non-destructive analysis to be carried out, providing information about the atomic composition of the items. Depending on the requirements, EDXRF analysis can also be supplemented or replaced by other multi-elemental techniques, such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) [10,11] and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Study of corrosion in archaeological gilded irons by Raman imaging and a coupled scanning electron microscope–Raman system

Veneranda

Costantini

Vallejuelo

et al. 2016

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A.

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In this work, analytical and chemical imaging tools have been applied to the study of a gilded spur found in the medieval necropolis of Erenozar (Bizkaia, Spain). As a first step, a lot of portable equipment has been used to study the object in a non-invasive way. The hand-held energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence equipment allowed us to characterize the artefact as a rare example of an iron matrix item decorated by means of a fire gilding technique. On the other hand, the use of a portable Raman system helped us to detect the main degradation compounds affecting the spur. Afterwards, further information was acquired in the laboratory by analysing detached fragments. The molecular images obtained using confocal Raman microscopy permitted us to characterize the stratigraphic succession of iron corrosions. Furthermore, the combined use of this technique with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was achieved owing to the use of a structural and chemical analyser interface. In this way, the molecular characterization, enhanced by the magnification feature of the SEM, allowed us to identify several micrometric degradation compounds. Finally, the effectiveness of one of the most used desalination baths (NaOH) was evaluated by comparing its effects with those provided by a reference bath (MilliQ). The comparison proved that basic treatment avoided any side effects on the spur decorated by fire gilding, compensating for the lack of bibliographic documentation in this field. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Raman spectroscopy in art and archaeology’.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Study of corrosion in archaeological gilded irons by Raman imaging and a coupled scanning electron microscope–Raman system

Veneranda

Costantini

Vallejuelo

et al. 2016

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A.

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“…PXRF was used for the in situ study of gold and silver jewels (seventh to first century BC) from the Benaki Museum of Athens (Karydas et al 2004). For the gold objects, the use of two distinctive sources was revealed -a, native and of high purity gold alloy and for the silver jewels analysed the copper content was evaluated as a technological, parameter of the materials while the presence of some minor elements like Pb, Bi, and Au, was attributed to an argentiferous galena used for the silver production and thus confirmed the authenticity of the jewels.…”

Section: Metalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Portable XRF of Archaeological Artifacts: Current Research, Potentials and Limitations

Liritzis

Zacharias²

2010

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) in Geoarchaeology

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“…5 Some authors compare the results obtained by portable and non-portable XRF 36 and a few use this technique in the case of gold alloys. 37,38 When precious objects cannot be moved to the laboratory, the use of portable techniques is of most importance. 39 We must, however, note that only major elements (gold, silver and copper) and sometimes one or two minor elements can be determined.…”

Section: Elemental Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

An overview on the ancient goldsmith's skill and the circulation of gold in the past: the role of x‐ray based techniques

Guerra

2008

X-Ray Spectrometry

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From the study of coins and casted simple objects to intricate jewellery comprising many diverse parts joined together, analytical queries on ancient goldwork concern the description of the manufacturing techniques, the identification of the authenticity and the localisation of the exploited sources of gold. Through the examination of the objects by x-ray radiography and the non-destructive elemental analysis of the gold alloys -by XRF, SEM-EDX, PIXE and SR-XRF, x-ray based techniques have always played an important role in the study of cultural heritage and, in particular, of goldwork.The aim of this article is to give a short overview of the use of the most established scientific-based techniques in the study of goldwork, with special outlining on the limitations, advantages and applications of x-ray based techniques. Two applications illustrate both the potential of examination techniques to identify the authenticity of gold jewellery and the importance of combining examination techniques and elemental analysis to describe the fabrication stages of goldwork. At last, a third example shows the significant socio-economical assumptions developed by determining the characteristic trace elements of gold when coinages are considered.

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A compositional study of a museum jewellery collection (7th–1st BC) by means of a portable XRF spectrometer

Cited by 46 publications

References 24 publications

Study of corrosion in archaeological gilded irons by Raman imaging and a coupled scanning electron microscope–Raman system

Study of corrosion in archaeological gilded irons by Raman imaging and a coupled scanning electron microscope–Raman system

Portable XRF of Archaeological Artifacts: Current Research, Potentials and Limitations

An overview on the ancient goldsmith's skill and the circulation of gold in the past: the role of x‐ray based techniques

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