Archaeometry – Analyzing the Cultural Heritage

Authors

  • Willem B. Stern Geochemical Laboratories, Institute for Mineralogy and Petrography, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Basel, Bernouillistrasse 30, CH-4056 Basel

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2001.915

Keywords:

Ancient glass, Archaeometry, Authenticity in art, Non-destructive analysis, Numismatics

Abstract

Archaeometry is an interdisciplinary field of research, where the studied object stems from archaeological, cultural or historical domains whereas the approach of investigation is based on (natural) science. In the present overview the main focus is on case studies and non-destructive techniques. X-ray fluorescence and diffraction studies on ceramics, coin alloys, glass, man-made and natural gemstones, and objects of fine art prove that material analysis may contribute to insights in questions of authenticity and origin, but also in ancient technologies e.g. of coinage.

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Published

2001-11-28

Issue

Section

Scientific Articles