In-situ non-destructive analysis of Etruscan gold jewels with the micro-XRF transportable spectrometer from CNA

Abstract

A B S T R A C TThe study of valuable Cultural Heritage objects frequently requires non-destructive analysis with good sensitivity. Moreover, it is often necessary that the measures are carried out in-situ, in particular when transport of the items from the institutions to the laboratory is not allowed.In this work, the technical specifications of the micro-XRF spectrometer developed at the CNA in Seville is presented and its analytical capabilities are tested by means of the analysis of a set of Etruscan gold jewels of the National Archaeological Museum of Florence. Since these jewels are characterized by elaborate decorations, with details of typical dimensions down to tens of microns, a high lateral resolution is required to study the features of these objects. The challenge consists in the characterization of the welding/soldering zones and the details of the jewels that present a very complex geometry. This paper shows the micro-XRF in-situ analysis of 15 Etruscan gold jewels (from the VII century BCE) in order to characterize the alloy composition of sheets, threads, filigrees, granules, as well as the joining zones. Based on these results, the manufacture technique and the production process employed by the Etruscan goldsmiths could be described.

Identification of patterns of crystal-chemical transformations in historical artifacts made of metals

“…The above formulas (1) to (3) indicate that all physical properties of crystalline bodies depend on masses of ions, their charges, and the distance between them. At the same time, according to the periodic law, these characteristics are completely interdependent because the ion mass explains the configuration and number of electron shells, nature, and strength of chemical bonds between ions in the crystal lattice, the distance between ions, and the type of packing.…”

“…Scientists have studied gold jewelry of the VII century B.C. found in Italy [3] and those found in Spain and dated by the VIII-VI centuries B.C. [4].…”

Kaji Ulang Sni 13-3487-2005 Barang – Barang Emas Dan Sni 13-3771-1995 Barang – Barang Emas Muda

“…Dikeranakan metode ini tidak merusak, maka metode ini yang diperguanakan oleh Ortega-Fileu, dkk (2020) untuk menguji kandungan palladium pada perhiasan koleksi Museum Cádiz di Spanyol Selatan (Ortega-Feliu et al, 2020). Selain itu alat uji XRF ini mempunyai tipe portable sehingga dapat dilaksanakan pengujian in-situ artinya contoh uji tidak perlu dibawa ke laboratorium, namun peralatan uji XRF yang dibawa langsung pada benda yang akan diuji, seperti yang dilakukan oleh Scrivano (2017) yang melakukan identifikasi kandungan logam pada emas Estrucan di Museum Arkeologi Nasional Florence (Scrivano et al, 2017).…”

Studying the authenticity of the golden element from a mongolian warrior's armor by physical­chemical methods

“…Separate groups of scientists conducted a study into gold jewelry from VIII-VI centuries BC from treasures found at the territory of Italy [6], Spain [7], Cyprus [8], as well as Egyptian ornaments of XIX-XIII centuries BC [9]. They paid special attention to studying the chemical composition of small elements of gold jewelry and their attachment areas to establish the method for manufacturing these objects.…”