Use of non-traditional heavy stable isotopes in archaeological research

Development of a multi-isotopic (Pb, Fe, Cu) analytical protocol in gold matrices for ancient coin provenance studies

“…, Markl et al 73,74 ). Therefore, these stable isotope compositions might not be good tracers for provenance studies, according to Stephens et al 75 However, if the mineralogical sampling of gold ores is carried out on a local scale and in a given archaeological context, the Cu isotopic signature may well be relevant, as it will reflect that of the metal produced locally and used for a given purpose. 26 The same applies for Fe isotopes: in a well-characterized archaeological context, Fe isotope signatures of ancient metals may be used to trace the source of ore mined and thus the origin of the iron.…”

Investigating the provenance of iron bars from Les Saintes‐Maries‐de‐la‐Mer Roman shipwrecks (south‐east France) with iron isotopes

“…These iron bog ores have a strong Fe isotopic heterogeneity, and this favours important overlapping with the isotopic composition of many other iron ores worldwide. This scepticism is shared by Stephens et al (2021) in their review of the use of stable isotopes in archaeological research. We emphasize here that bog iron formations only occur in glaciated regions of the Northern Hemisphere (e.g., Robb, 2013), and the limitation pointed out for these ores does not necessarily concern other areas.…”

Trendbericht Analytische Chemie 2022

“…Abgesehen von B, Sn und Ag eignet sich die Isotopenfraktionierung der meisten dieser Systeme jedoch weniger zur Herkunftsbestimmung als vielmehr dazu, Einblicke in Herstellungsprozesse archäologischer Objekte und die Ernährung und den Stoffwechsel von Individuen zu gewinnen. 22,29) Eine aktuelle Studie unterschied anhand von Ag-und Cu-Isotopen zwischen mit historischen Verfahren raffiniertem Gold und natürlichen Goldvorkommen. Dies weist beispielsweise auf die Verarbeitung von Feingold (Schaukelring, Dürrnberg -320 bis 250 v.…”