Micro-EDXRF surface analyses of a bronze spear head: Lead content in metal and corrosion layers

Figueiredo, Elin; Valério, Pedro; Araújo, M. Fátima; Senna-Martinez, João Carlos

doi:10.1016/j.nima.2007.05.135

Cited by 40 publications

(36 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…The quantification analyses involved the WinAxil software. Details on quantification procedures have been recently described (Figueiredo et al, 2007;Valé rio et al, 2007). Three analyses were made on different spots of the prepared area of the artefacts, being considered the average values.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Smelting and recycling evidences from the Late Bronze Age habitat site of Baiões (Viseu, Portugal)

Figueiredo

Silva

Senna-Martinez

et al. 2010

Journal of Archaeological Science

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a b s t r a c tMany aspects of bronze production during Late Bronze Age in Western Europe are so far unknown. In the present study selected artefact fragments and metallurgical debris, which include a slag fragment, from the emblematic Late Bronze Age habitat site of Castro da Senhora da Guia de Baiões (Viseu, Portugal) have been studied by optical microscopy, micro-EDXRF, SEM-EDS and XRD. Evidences were found for bronze production involving smelting and recycling. Compositional analysis showed that the artefacts are made of a bronze with 13 AE 3 wt.% Sn (average and one standard deviation) and a low impurity pattern, namely <0.1 wt.% Pb, being comparable with the composition of other bronzes from the same region (the Central Portuguese Beiras). This alloy is generally different from elsewhere Atlantic and Mediterranean bronzes, which show frequently slightly lower Sn contents and higher impurity patterns, namely Pb which is often present as an alloying element. The present study gives further support to early proposals suggesting the exploration of the Western Iberian tin resources during Late Bronze Age, and besides that, it indicates that metalworking and smelting could have been a commonplace activity requiring no specific facilities, being bronze produced at a domestic scale in this Western extreme of Europe.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Smelting and recycling evidences from the Late Bronze Age habitat site of Baiões (Viseu, Portugal)

Figueiredo

Silva

Senna-Martinez

et al. 2010

Journal of Archaeological Science

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“…However, due to the low penetration path of the incident X-ray beam as well of the characteristic X-ray lines emitted by the sample constituents, the obtained results are highly influenced by the corrosion layer commonly present in artefacts which have remained buried for long periods. Therefore to be able to ascertain about the bulk metal composition, the preparation of samples for analysis involved the removal of the corroded superficial layer and the polishing of the area to be analysed [14]. Optical microscopy observations were used to confirm a cleaned metallic surface for analysis.…”

Section: Micro-edxrfmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tin determination in fistula seals from Conimbriga and Augusta Emerita

Gomes

Valério

Alves

et al. 2016

Microchemical Journal

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Most Roman hydraulic systems were made with lead plumbing manufactured by casting lead sheets which were sealed by joining the edges with a molten metal. Modern studies suggest that the Romans used distinct techniques for joining the lead pipes (fistulae aquariae), such as welding (with lead) and soldering (with a tin-lead alloy). Micro-EDXRF and micro-PIXE analysis were used for micro-chemical characterization of joining areas of 13 water lead pipes collected in Roman archaeological contexts from Conimbriga and Augusta Emerita. Results indicate that two lead pipes from Conimbriga were sealed with a solder alloy, having a Sn content close to the eutectic point (61.9 wt.%). The remaining fistulae seals have relatively low contents of Sn and also of other elements such as Sb and Cu. Micro-analyses carried out along the pipes and welding regions show the use of lead with some impurities on both areas, while the elemental mapping of tin-lead solders show the presence of the  (lead-rich) and  (tin-rich) phases.

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“…The quantification analysis involved the WinAxil software and calibration of the equipment using certified reference materials (Phosphor Bronze 551 from British Chemical Standards (BCS)). Further details on the quantification procedures have been described recently (Figueiredo et al, 2007;Valé rio et al, 2007).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterisation of Late Bronze Age large size shield nails by EDXRF, micro-EDXRF and X-ray digital radiography

Figueiredo

Araújo

Silva

et al. 2011

Applied Radiation and Isotopes

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a b s t r a c tIn the present study six exceptional large size metallic nails, a dagger and a sickle from the Late Bronze Age archaeological site of Figueiredo das Donas (Central Portugal) have been analysed by EDXRF, micro-EDXRF and X-ray digital radiography for the study of material composition and technology of fabrication. The combination of these analytical and examination techniques showed that all artefacts are made of bronze with As, Sb and Pb impurities, and that the nails were most likely manufactured using the casting-on technique. These results reinforce the use of binary bronze by Late Bronze Age in the region, and the incorporation of new fabrication technologies that resulted from ancient spheres of interaction.

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Micro-EDXRF surface analyses of a bronze spear head: Lead content in metal and corrosion layers

Cited by 40 publications

References 10 publications

Smelting and recycling evidences from the Late Bronze Age habitat site of Baiões (Viseu, Portugal)

Smelting and recycling evidences from the Late Bronze Age habitat site of Baiões (Viseu, Portugal)

Tin determination in fistula seals from Conimbriga and Augusta Emerita

Characterisation of Late Bronze Age large size shield nails by EDXRF, micro-EDXRF and X-ray digital radiography

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