Quantitative and Qualitative Correlation of CL and X-ray Signals in Cr-bearing Jade from Chichén-Itzá Archaeological Zone, Mexico

Abstract

Jade has always been highly prized in Maya culture. Early Spanish accounts following the European invasion confirm that precious stones were sacrificed in cenotes (water-filled sinkholes) with other items of great value [1], along with burial offerings. Jadeite jade (NaAlSi 2 O 6 ) is found associated with a limited number of tectonic settings around the globe and was available to the Maya in present day Guatemala [2][3][4][5]. In this study we examine a virtually monomineralic jadeite ceremonial bead from Chichén-Itzá Archaeological Zone, Mexico using correlated cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging and spectrometry, electron-induced X-ray microanalysis, and micro-X-ray fluorescence imaging to gain an improved understanding of the origin of jadeite luminescence.