Abstract: All known factors influencing the rate and character of flint patination have been investigated They include the pH of the surrounding solution and the presence in it of sodium ions and chemicals of organic origin After each treatment the flints were studied with a scanning electron microscope to determine the nature of the surface The correct assessment of the above factors is essential for the derivation of reliable archaeological information from flint patinas

Abstract: 13C/12C and 18O/16O ratios have been measured for 42 marbles from the main quarry localities of archaeological interest of Western Anatolia (Marmara, Ephesos, Aphrodisias, Denizli and Afyon) in order to test the possibility of isotopically characterizing ancient marbles from this region. The various groups of samples are not clearly distinguishable on a δ13C-δ18O diagram. However, if only white or slightly coloured samples are considered, the isotopic method appears to be much more selective.

Abstract: Analysis was carried out on obsidian from several geological sources in the Pacific Northwest employing tube excitation of a secondary target as a source for photon-excited energy-dispersive x-ray fiuorescence. Results are expressed as average peak intensities normalized to the Zr Kalpha peak at 15. 76 keV plus any unresolved Sr KE3 contribution. It was concluded that obsidian fiows can be differentiated on this basis.

Abstract: Fifty-one waster sherds of Terra Sigillata (∼20-0 b.c.) from Arezzo, Italy and Lyons, France have been chemically analysed for twenty-eight elements by neutron activation and seven by X-ray fluorescence. Most of the elemental abundances were measured with high precision and cross-comparisons of the two techniques of measurement (and sample preparation) give added insight as to their relative precision, the calibration differences and the extent to which volatile materials such as carbonate or water influence the results. The sherds from Arezzo formed a homogeneous and distinctive chemical group while all but two of those from Lyons were classified into three such groups. Two of the Lyons groups (MML A and MML B) were from Montee de La Muette and one was from Loyasse. Four additional sherds from houses excavated in Strasbourg and one from Lyons, all of which bore the signature of the famous Anetine pottery-making firm of Ateius, were also analyzed by the same techniques. These signed sherds all had the same composition pattern and it closely matched one of those from Montee de La Muette (MML A) in Lyons. It is therefore suggested that these five sherds bearing the Ateius signature were made in the general vicinity of Lyons and were part of the output of an as yet unknown Gallic branch of the firm of Ateius.

Abstract: Chemical analyses (mainly by XRF) have been made of a series of glazed pottery vessels and sherds excavated from Kish and Nineveh in Iraq, manufactured between c. 600 b.c. and a.d. 600 (also a small Islamic group from Hira). The results strongly suggest, contrary to general assumption, that lead glazing was not practised in this area at this time; that the local glazing tradition persisted unchanged for 1200 years; and that the production at different periods, or at different places, can be characterized by statistically significant variations in the glaze composition.

Abstract: A study of the trace and minor element content of steatite artifacts from the Eastern United States has been carried out. Samples from both quarry and habitation sites ranging from New York to North Carolina have been analyzed through the use of instrumental neutron activation analysis. The most successful method of evaluating data has involved the study of a very coherent group of elements known as the Rare Earths. Geological processes cause fractionation of this group and it is this fractionation which is of use in terms of characterizing the source deposits of this material. Promising but less definitive results have been obtained with the elements scandium, chromium, cobalt and others. Sufficient variations have been found to be present in the source deposits of steatite in this area to enable differentiation, and the successful linking of samples from habitation sites to their quarry deposits has been achieved in some cases. This paper discusses the results of this study to date, the methods employed, and the potential value of this work in helping to reconstruct prehistoric trading systems.

Abstract: Samples of Neolithic and Chalcolithic pottery from nine sites in the Upper Alentejo and Estremadura regions of Portugal have been dated by the thermoluminescence method (quartz inclusion technique). The project was designed to help establish an absolute chronology for the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods in this area, and to try to elucidate the chronological relationships between settlement sites and burial sites (‘dolmens’) in the same area. Portugal was confirmed, together with Brittany, as being one of the earliest foci of megalith builders.

Abstract: It has been established that on occasion prehistoric man heat-treated siliceous stones in order to improve their flaking qualities. In this work we have examined samples of heat-treated chert by means of X-ray diffraction and have established that, in most cases, heat treatment causes an X-ray diffraction line broadening which can be interpreted as a decrease in range of crystalline order of up to 40%, in the most extreme case. The implications of this to an understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of fracture and as a tool for archaeological studies are discussed.

Abstract: Brass alloys from Ife are compared with a selection of brasses from Benin. Four sources of mixed zinc and lead ore were used in Ife. In Benin lead and copper from different sources were added to these four alloys, which may represent the melting down of older castings. Comparisons are made with analyses from Europe and other parts of Africa.

Abstract: Eight sherds from Hemamieh and two from Qurna-Tarif, both Predynastic settlement sites in the Nile valley, have been dated by the thermoluminescence method (quartz inclusion technique). The results put the Badarian phase at Hemamieh in the sixth and fifth millenium b.c., and the Gerzean phase in the first half of the fourth millenium b.c. The dates for the village of Qurna-Tarif fall around 4000 b.c.

Abstract: Results of analysis, mainly by X-ray fluorescence, are presented for a representative selection of enamelled brooches. The enamel composition is quite distinct, and shows considerable technical sophistication on the part of the manufacturers. The production of different colours and of opacity in the enamel is related to the chemical composition, and analyses of the metal substrate suggest that the alloy was carefully chosen. The implications of this investigation for the study of Roman enamelwork in general are discussed.

Abstract: A study of the impurity distributions in copper obtained from various ores shows no significant correlations between the impurity distributions. A test of 390 samples of copper obtained from various ores shows that more than 75% of copper samples can be correctly identified as coming from either simple copper metal ores, oxidized ores or more complex reduced ores thereby yielding information on the metallurgical capabilities of the society smelting the ores.

Abstract: Supralinearity correction in the routine ‘fine-grain’ technique of thermoluminescence dating of pottery has previously been regarded as empirical, but can now be shown to depend in many cases upon the previous radiation history of the material. The likely impact of this effect upon ceramic and bronze dating is considered and illustrated.

Abstract: With the aim of establishing the provenance of pumices along the North Coast of Cyprus, from Morphou to Kormakiti, chemical analysis, refractive indices determinations and mineralogical examination have been performed On the basis of the experimental data the pumices can be distinguished into two groups For the first one a provenance from Santorini can be established, for the second Yali, Kos and Milos can be taken into consideration as source localities

Abstract: Recent studies on pottery and related materials have shown there to be cases where the degree of supralinearity is dependent on the previous radiation history of the sample. Results are presented of two investigations of this variation with pre-dose: one using pottery, the other using fired feldspars. For these samples no simple form for the variation can be inferred.

Abstract: A method is described for obtaining accurate thin slices for thermoluminescence measurement of uniform materials, in particular burnt flint, which does not subject these materials to heat during the cutting process. Cutting is by means of a fine wire impregnated with diamond grit and gives a high standard of surface finish such that very little further preparation is needed. Thus, by the use of this method, there is a considerable saving in time as well as minimal risk of damage to the TL record of the materials during sampling.

Abstract: In order to ascertain whether the technology of Etruscan bucchero was similar everywhere or showed local variation, a comparative study was carried out on 23 samples of bucchero from different sites. The use of carbon dust as a black pigment in this type of pottery was confirmed in all samples, while the hypothesis of the addition of MnO2 as a colouring was disproved. Further information on the nature of the basic constituents of Etruscan bucchero was also provided.

Abstract: The paper presents the results of a feasibility study of the application of X-ray fluorescence analysis to nondestructive analysis of coins. Radioisotope sources 55Fe, 241Am, 109Cd and 238Pu were used for excitation and a Si/Li detector with a multichannel analyser for the measurement of characteristic X-ray lines. Silver and copper in Polish renaissance coins have been analysed. Analysis using Ag K and Ag L lines allows one to distinguish between blanched and unblanched coins. The accuracy of the silver determination using Ag K X-rays is claimed to be ± 0.5% Ag for homogenous coins and ± 1.0% Ag for blanched but well-preserved uncorroded coins.

Abstract: It is shown, from comparisons with the optical absorption of minerals, that the black and grey colours of pottery can arise from Fe2+ Fe3+ and Fe2+ Ti4+ charge-transfer (or electron-hopping) processes, the cations being located at the centres of adjacent edge-sharing octahedra.

Abstract: The inorganic inclusions contained in amber fragments from Baltic regions and from the Simeto basin (Sicily, Italy) have been analyzed. The study, performed with the aid of a scanning electron microscope, shows specimen similarities and differences that are dependent on the place of origin.

Abstract: A radar position-fixing instrument utilized in a marine archaeological magnetometer survey system is discussed. The position-fixing system provides highly accurate location data for each magnetometer reading and display for navigation purposes on a track plotter. The data is recorded automatically on magnetic tape.

Abstract: A simple and easily constructed instrument is described for the direct measurement of the volume of solid objects, such as coins, to a high accuracy. The density of the object is readily calculated by dividing the weight of the object by its volume.

Abstract: Minor and trace elements (K, Sr, Ba, Al, Fe, Mn, Si, Ti) have been measured in marbles from classical mediterranean quarries (Afyon, Denizli, Aphrodisias, Ephesus, Marmara and Carrara). A distinctive characterization of the classical marble sources by means of such chemical parameters seems very difficult, although some distinctions can be attempted between a few different areas and zones, within an area.

Abstract: The composition diagrams of the La Graufesenque, Banassac and Montans Terra Sigillata are given as well as a calculation method to improve the separation between the workshops with compositions which are very similar. This method can then be generalized.