Archaeometric study on polymetallic remains from the archaeological dig in Lixus (Larache, Morocco) by scanning electron microscopy and metallographic techniques

Eres, Miguel Angel Ferrer; Valle-Algarra, Francisco M.; Gimeno-Adelantado, José Vicente; Péris-Vicente, Juan; Piñol, María D. Soriano; Mateo-Castro, Rufino

doi:10.1007/s00604-007-0926-5

Cited by 10 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 17 publications

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“…Amongst the wide variety of modern analytical techniques that are employed in the study of metals (some examples in [3][4][5][6][7]), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis (SEM-EDS) for elemental analyses and electronic and optical microscopy (OM) for microstructural studies are well established techniques (some examples in [8][9][10][11][12][13][14]). EDXRF, either in its conventional form or as micro-XRF, and SEM-EDS can be described as nondestructive (i.e.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification of ancient gilding technology and Late Bronze Age metallurgy by EDXRF, Micro-EDXRF, SEM-EDS and metallographic techniques

et al. 2010

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A combination of analytical techniques capable of elemental and microstructural characterisation was used for the identification of ancient gilding technology and bronze metallurgy. EDXRF, micro-EDXRF, SEM-EDS analysis and metallographic examinations were applied in the study of artefacts dating to the end of the second millennium BC from Crasto de São Romão in Central Portugal. Results report to the finding of an exceptional gilded copper nail among bronze artefacts with 9 wt.% to15 wt.% tin and minute other metallic impurities. Additionally, analysis of a crucible fragment points out for bronze production at the archaeological site. EDXRF and micro-EDXRF analysis made on the copper nail showed that it was gilded only on the front side of the head, and that the gold layer has been lost in the most exposed areas. SEM-EDS analysis showed that the gold layer has 5-8 µm in thickness and is covered with a thick corrosion layer. The gilding technique is discussed based on the gold layer composition and gold/copper substrate interface. So far, this object seems to be the first diffusion gilded artefact identified in the Portuguese territory dated to Late Bronze Age.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Identification of ancient gilding technology and Late Bronze Age metallurgy by EDXRF, Micro-EDXRF, SEM-EDS and metallographic techniques

et al. 2010

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Archaeo-metallurgical studies of tuyeres and smelting slags found at Tharros (north-western Sardinia, Italy)

Riccucci

Parisi

et al. 2013

Appl. Phys. A

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A large number of pyrometallurgical materials such as tuyeres, slags and refractory tools likely associated with metal extraction processes have been found at Tharros (north-western Sardinia, Italy) during archaeological excavations stratigraphically related to the Phoenician–Punic period (VI–III centuries BC). Micro-chemical, microstructural and mineralogical studies have been carried out by means of the combined use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected-area X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) in order to identify pyrometallurgical processes and main relevant technological parameters. The results reveal that tuyeres, slags and refractory tools can be associated with an iron ore smelting process to extract the metal by slagging the unwanted by-products. Moreover, temperature and duration of the smelting process have been estimated through mineralogical studies and by a comparative analysis between the micro-chemical and structural features of thermally treated refractory materials and tuyeres. The results disclose the high level of technological competence of the ancient metallurgists able to carry out complex high-temperature processes to extract iron from ores by separating the metal from unwanted siliceous species

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Ancient silver extraction in the Montevecchio mine basin (Sardinia, Italy): micro-chemical study of pyrometallurgical materials

Riccucci

Parisi

et al. 2013

Appl. Phys. A

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Archaeometric study on polymetallic remains from the archaeological dig in Lixus (Larache, Morocco) by scanning electron microscopy and metallographic techniques

Cited by 10 publications

References 17 publications

Identification of ancient gilding technology and Late Bronze Age metallurgy by EDXRF, Micro-EDXRF, SEM-EDS and metallographic techniques

Identification of ancient gilding technology and Late Bronze Age metallurgy by EDXRF, Micro-EDXRF, SEM-EDS and metallographic techniques

Archaeo-metallurgical studies of tuyeres and smelting slags found at Tharros (north-western Sardinia, Italy)

Ancient silver extraction in the Montevecchio mine basin (Sardinia, Italy): micro-chemical study of pyrometallurgical materials

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