5th
International Petroarchaeological Workshop
25
Analyses within the master thesis were supported by the interdisciplinary research project
MSM0021622427.
References:
Janák, V. – Přichystal, A. 2006: Ateliér kultury nálevkovitých pohárů na výrobu broušené industrie z
kulmských hornin v Holasovicích, okr. Opava. – Archeologické studie Univerzity Hradec Králové, 1,
177-188. Hradec Králové.
Maštera, L. 1972: Posudek. – In: Nálezová zpráva č. j. 145/72 (Hlinsko, výzkum r. 1967). – MS,
archiv AÚ AVČR, Brno.
Pavelčík, J. 1990: Těžba a zpracování kamene na výšinné eneolitické osadě u Hlinska u Lipníku nad
Bečvou. – Časopis Slezského muzea, série B - Vědy historické, 39, 97-105. Opava.
Wertich, V. 2010: Kulmské horniny z okolí Holasovic u Opavy jako potenciální zdroj pravěkých
broušených artefaktů. – MS, ÚGV, PřF MU, Brno.
Use of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry as a non-destructive analytical method in
archaeology
Vojtěch Wertich, Sven Hönig
Cooperation with geologists and petrographists brings new evidences into researches, which helps
archaeologists to extend knowledge about past cultures. These information can be useful e.g. for
mapping distribution and provenance of stone industries, fabrication technology or finding differences
in material used to making a ceramics throughout individual cultures. That’s way a determination of
petrographical and geochemical composition of artifacts is a good addition for each modern
archaeological research. Problem of detailed geochemical analysis (such as mass spectrometry atomic,
emission spectroscopy and else) were always a price, long waiting time for results and often
unfortunately destructive character of analytical method. These problems may solve an analytical
method of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), which is now available at Department of
Geological Science in Brno.
XRF (X-ray fluorescence is an analytical technique which uses the interaction of X-rays with a
target material to determine its elemental composition. XRF is a completely safe, non-destructive
method. Another advantage is portability of handheld XRF device; it is possible to analyze samples in
terrain and in depositories of museums or archaeological institutes. Compared to other analytical
possibilities the XRF assays are several times cheaper and faster.
Obtained results are used for study of archaeological and historical materials in order to establish
likely provenance, fabrication technology and manufacturing technique. These data can help to
distinguish non-original material and to detect reproductions, transportation and its origin.