Characterisation of fine wall and eggshell Roman pottery by Raman spectroscopy

Abstract

Roman pottery from the Oiasso harbour (nowadays Irun, Basque Country) was thoroughly studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis in order to identify and characterise the mineralogical composition of those samples and to get a deeper insight into the technologies involved in the elaboration of the ceramic artefacts. The diffraction pattern of the ceramic body shows the presence of mullite and trydimite, which suggests firing temperatures above 1100 • C, and alumina-rich raw materials. Additionally, the presence of pseudowollastonite and diopside observed by the XRD and Raman spectroscopy is explained by the high firing temperatures of lime-rich raw materials. Raman microscopy has also provided further information about the heating temperature and composition of the raw materials. The presence of rutile instead of anatase also suggests a strong heating process. Moreover, the presence of hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) and maghemite (γ -Fe 2 O 3 ) instead of magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 )suggests the oxidising conditions during ceramics firing. The comparison of the minerals found in the different Roman potteries with the characteristic mineralogy of the archaeological site suggests the use of raw material coming from different source areas, opening up an interesting discussion about the commercial networks.

Recent advances in linear and nonlinear Raman spectroscopy. Part V

“…The Raman signatures of the transparent and/or opacified glass matrices were discussed and compared with those that were previously recorded on glazed pottery, and enameled and stained glasses. Roman pottery from the Oiasso harbor (nowadays Irun, Basque Country) was studied by micro‐Raman spectroscopy and XRD analysis to identify and characterize the mineralogical composition of those samples and to obtain a deeper insight into the technologies involved in the elaboration of the ceramic artifacts …”

Tribochemical Transformation of Nano TiO2 to Ilmenite on the Surface of Wearing Steel Parts: Antiwear Action of Nano TiO2 as an Additive in Engine Oil

“…The spectrum was compared with spectra of pure TiO 2 (Anatase), iron oxide and ilmenite. The spectrum from wear track is consisting of two strong and two weak lines indicated by arrows at 409, 567, 605 and 689 cm -1 ; indeed the spectra feature is closely similar to excitation from ilmenite reported[24,25]. The characteristics of iron oxide are also evident from the two strongbands at 233 and 293 cm -1 and other broad features matching with iron oxides bands.…”

Raman spectroscopy in art and archaeology

“…Roman pottery from Oiasso harbour (nowadays Irun, Basque Country) was thoroughly studied by Olivares et al [25] by using micro-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis in order to identify and characterise the mineralogical composition of those samples and to get a deeper insight about technologies involved in the elaboration of ceramic artefacts. Authors conclude the use of high temperatures (above 1100 • C) in the firing due to the presence of mullite, trydimite, pseudowollastonite, diopside and rutile instead of anatase.…”