Autori: C. Ionescu, V. Hoeck, L. Ghergari

Editorial: Bruno Fabbri, Elsevier, Applied Clay Science, doi:10.1016/j.clay.2010.09.009, 2011.

Rezumat:

Electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) is a widely applied technique in the geological sciences and can also be
used successfully for archaeometric purposes, e.g. for the study of ceramics. The main advantage is that it
allows the identification of components with a wide range of sizes, independent of their nature as primary
minerals or firing products. In addition, the minerals can be chemically mapped using Backscattered Electron
Image (BSEI) coupled with precisely positioned electron microprobe analysis. Limitations of the method,
however, include difficulties with the identification of extremely fine-grained or poorly crystallized phases.
Low analytical totals and the lack of any structural information are additional problems.
As an example, we focus here on Late Bronze Age ceramic pottery from Ilisua, Transylvania (Romania) and
particularly consider the compositions of certain mineral phases such as non-plastic inclusions, matrix and
newly-formed compounds with a view to obtaining information on the source materials and their
provenance, as well as the technological conditions of ceramic production. The microprobe data indicate
the presence of plagioclase (ranging from oligoclase to labradorite), K-feldspar, partly altered muscovite,
quartz and an illite-type matrix. In addition, several phases were formed during the firing process, such as a
Ca-“illite”, An-rich plagioclase, K-feldspar and a SiO2–Al2O3 compound close to pyrophyllite. The matrix
minerals are commonly associated with high concentrations of elements such as Fe, Al, or P, which could
either be held within a new lattice structure or may simply adhere to the mineral surface. The main finding
of our study is that illite-type silty clays and alluvial sands from the neighbourhoods of the site were used to
make pottery that was fired at ~950 °C temperature. Our results also indicate considerable potential for
related follow-up studies.

Cuvinte cheie: Analize de microsoinda electronica, Ceramica de epoca bronzului, Romania // Electron microprobe analysis, Bronze Age ceramics, Romania

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01691317