211 Archaeological Geology

Wednesday, 31 October 2007
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM

IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF GREEK ARTIFACTS WITH THE ROCKHOUND

Paper number: 211-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:00 PM – 2:15 PM

Authors

Abstract

This presentation will describe the characterization of several Greek archeological artifacts using the RockHound. The RockHound is a portable Raman spectrometer used for identification of rocks, minerals, binders, organic/inorganic pigments, textiles, and adhesives. The RockHound can be used in several sampling configurations for analysis of solids, liquids and powders. In the field, the handheld mode is the most popular. Liquids are analyzed in vials, and solids are sampled using a “point-and-shoot” method. Micro-samples are analyzed with a microscope option (NuScope). Samples of mineral ores derived from sites in the Mediterranean region mentioned by ancient Greek writer Theophrastus from Eressos, 4-5th c BC, (Mytilini island) are examined with the RockHound. Pigments synthesized from the traditional Theophrastus recipe and modern from works of art are compared, and micron sized samples from wall paintings of an early 20th century painter from a cathedral are characterized for conservation purposes. Lastly, we will give examples of using one of the world's first one micron dispersive Raman technology used to eliminate competing fluorescence from the samples and supporting background.