Identification of anatase in archaeological materials by Raman spectroscopy: implications and interpretation

Abstract

Analysis of a sample of white paint from a ceramic pot of Roman date, using FT-Raman spectroscopy indicated that a component of the white paint was anatase. This suggested that the presence of anatase, usually regarded as an indicator of modern (early twentieth century or later) intervention, could extend back at least two thousand years. Further examination of the sample, using scanning electron microscopy, chemical analysis using an energy-dispersive X-ray analyser, X-ray diffraction and microRaman spectroscopy, has confirmed the presence of anatase in small proportions (approximately 1.5%). An explanation for the initial observations relating to the sensitivity of anatase detection in Raman analysis is explored.

Can the Raman spectrum of anatase in artwork and archaeology be used for dating purposes? Identification by Raman microscopy of anatase in decorative coatings on Neolithic (Yangshao) pottery from Henan, China

“…Both anatase and rutile have also been identified by RM in Bronze Age ceramic fragments from the Lapatska Tomb collection in Cyprus (Sendova et al, 2005). In yet further studies, both anatase and rutile have been identified by RM as componentsdalbeit also at minor levels (c. 1.5 wt% total TiO 2 by SEM/EDX)dof a white paint from a Roman ceramic pot (Middleton et al, 2005) and broken pots (Edwards et al, 2006) in the English Midlands (Castor and Eastern Maudit, respectively), the fine matrices having a composition which is consistent with their being predominantly a poorly crystalline mixture of aluminosilicates.…”

Pigments characterization of polychrome vases production at Lipára: New insights by noninvasive spectroscopic methods

“…This finding can be ascribed (a) to the presence of small amounts of titanium dioxide in the kaolinitic clays, able to give back a strong Raman signature, [24] or (b) to a modern restoration. In fact, titanium white pigment was available only at the beginning of the 20th century.…”

Recent Advances in linear and nonlinear Raman spectroscopy I

“…69 They discussed the contributions presented at the '3rd International Conference on the Application of Raman Spectroscopy in Art and Archaeology' and highlighted the work in the field, from technical developments and special analytical procedures to various applications. 74 A very valuable publication for the identification of glassy silicates used in ceramics, glass, and jewelry has been published by Colomban et al 75 The chemical composition of submicroscopic impure crystallites in the slip of sigillata wares from La Graufescenque (southern France) were investigated by micro-Raman spectroscopy. investigated by micro-Raman spectroscopy 73 and an analysis of a sample of white paint from a ceramic pot of Roman date, using FT-Raman spectroscopy, indicated that a component of the white paint was anastase.…”