Total-reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, a powerful tool for semiquantitative analysis of archaeological glass samples

• Published in: Spectrochimica acta. Part B : Atomic spectroscopy 1997-07, Vol.52 (7), p.1057-1061
• Main Authors: Wegstein, M, Urban, H, Rostam-Khani, P, Wittershagen, A, Kolbesen, B.O
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Archaeological sample; Excavation and methods; Glass corrosion; Laboratory methods; Methodology and general studies; Non-destructive semiquantitative analysis; Physical and chemical analysis; Prehistory and protohistory; Total-reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy
• ISSN: 0584-8547; 1873-3565
• DOI: 10.1016/S0584-8547(96)01628-X

The chemical composition of old glasses provides considerable information about the knowledge and technology of our ancestors and about their ability and developments in the art of glass manufacturing. Two valuable exhibit items from the Hessisches Landesmuseum Kassel, the “Reichsadlerhumpen” and the “Flacon”, have been analysed for the first time. The analysis was performed semiquantitatively by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF). The micro samples were taken carefully from the bottom to minimize any damage. In this respect, it is very useful that TXRF requires only small amounts of sample. The semiquantitative analysis of the investigated “Reichsadlerhumpen” compared with other results supports the hypothesis of Bohemian origin. The TXRF analysis of the “Flacon” reveals a very low content of Ca, and therefore the hypothesis can be confirmed that glass containing such a low Ca concentration has the tendency to deteriorate (glass corrosion). The analysis demonstrates that TXRF is a powerful tool for a nearly non-destructive semiquantitative analysis of archaeological glass finds. TXRF is suitable for achieving a rapid analysis and an overview of elements with Z>14 and provides information on element ratios.