Topic ID #5464 - posted 6/24/2009 1:06 PM
334archag
Pigment analysis
334archag
I'm sure that anyone with a basic understanding of chemistry/geology would be able to suggest a technique for analyzing the pigment found painted on sherds. I am relatively sure that the red pigment I've found on excavated sherds recently is some kind of iron-oxide (hematite) pigment. I'd like to get to the bottom of this----could anyone suggest a method?
Post ID#14357 - replied 6/24/2009 1:07 PM
334archag
I'll include a photo soon...
Post ID#14362 - replied 6/24/2009 2:15 PM
FireArch
Moderator
I would pose the question to Hector Neff as he seems to be an expert on ceramics, or at least is often published. That's where I would start anyway.
Post ID#14382 - replied 6/25/2009 1:26 AM
AD
Hi 334archag...
If you're willing/able to spend maybe a couple hundred bucks (or can wheedle someone into doing it for free), you might consider submitting a tiny sample of the pigment for analysis by SEM/XRF. This should detect the presence of iron oxide. It worked for me with pigment from a rock painting. If this is not practical, I'd think (maybe mistakenly) that a handheld XRF scanner could do the job since these will "see" the heavy elements.
AD
If you're willing/able to spend maybe a couple hundred bucks (or can wheedle someone into doing it for free), you might consider submitting a tiny sample of the pigment for analysis by SEM/XRF. This should detect the presence of iron oxide. It worked for me with pigment from a rock painting. If this is not practical, I'd think (maybe mistakenly) that a handheld XRF scanner could do the job since these will "see" the heavy elements.
AD
Post ID#14399 - replied 6/25/2009 4:44 PM
FireArch
Moderator
The hand held scanners are wicked cool, but $$$$.
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