Sourcing archaeological obsidian by an abbreviated NAA procedure

An abbreviated NAA procedure has been developed to fingerprint obsidian artifacts in the Mesoamerican region. Despite the large number of available sources, an NAA procedure, which relies on producing short-lived isotopes, has been applied with a success rate greater than 90 percent. The abbreviated NAA procedure is rapid and cost competitive with the XRF technique more often applied in obsidian sourcing. Results from the analysis of over 1,200 obsidian artifacts from throughout Mesoamerica are presented.     

X-ray fluorescence analysis of obsidian objects from Catamarca,Argentina

The concentrations of five trace elements (Rb, Zr, Sr, Ti and Mn) and one major (Fe) element have been determined in groups of obsidian samples by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Two methods were used for different elements on the basis of different excitation conditions and sample preparation procedures. Synthetic standards with compositions similar to those of the igneous stone were prepared into which the analytes were incorporated in solution. The method was used to establish the provenance of a number of prehistoric obsidian artifacts. The results ascertained in these analyses are discussed in this paper.     

Identification of provenance of obsidian samples analyzing elemental composition by INAA

The results of a study on 111 obsidian artifacts collected during an archaeological campaign performed by the University of Siena near Sesto Fiorentino (Florence, Italy) are reported. Earlier, we used the concentration ratios among some elements as reported in the literature to discriminate the deposit sources. Later, optimizing the characterization and for having a more strong classification, multivariate chemiometric investigation has been performed (multivariate statistical analysis in Principal Components and Discriminating Factor Analysis). The data obtained show three wellseparated groups connected to the relative sites in Lipari and in Sardinia (flows A and C from Arci Mountain).     

Compositional analysis of the Huitzila and La Lobera obsidian sources in the southern Sierra Madre Occidental,Mexico

Results of neutron activation analysis of 100 obsidian specinens from the southern Sierra Madre Occidental are discussed. Two separate peralkaline sources are identified, Huitzila and La Lobera, which are chemically and spatially distinct. Subsequent subdivision of each source into spatial and compositional subgroups suggest separate flows or subsources. Identification of archaeological artifacts which match these sources compositionally suggests that Huitzila and La Lobera were important sources of high quality obsidian which was distributed widely in northern Mesoamerica.     

Diffusion of obsidian in the Mediterranean basin in the neolithic period: A trace element characterization of obsidian from Sardinia by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Obsidian samples from Monte Arci in Sardinia (Italy) have been characterized by their minor and trace element concentration in order to find discriminating parameters useful to provenance the prime matter of obsidian artifacts. Obsidian samples were collected both at the SA, SB and SC outcrops and far away from them. All samples were submitted to INAA. The trace element concentration appears to be very useful to discriminate the three flows. Multivariate statistical analysis confirms the satisfactory distinction between the three sources. The assignment of the samples collected far away from outcrops to a specific flow (SC) validates the hypothesis that obsidian blocks might have been washed out by alluvial events.     

Characterisation of Armenian Obsidians: Implications for Raw Material Supply for Prehistoric Artifacts

Obsidians from occurrences located in Armenia have been analysed using neutron activation analysis, both instrumental and epithermal, in order to enhance the knowledge of characteristics of potential sources of raw material exploited during prehistory. An alternative characterization technique, the fission-track dating method, was also applied. Results contribute to increase the data-set for provenance studies of prehistoric obsidian artifacts in the Mediterranean and adjacent regions.     

The origin of obsidian in the valley of Maltrata, Veracruz México

Five archaeological sites have been selected for a study of the precedence of obsidian from the Valley of Maltrata, Veracruz, Mexico: Teteles de la Ermita and Barriales de las Besanas (pre-Classic, 1,500 B.P. 100 A.P.), Rincón de Aquila (pre-Classic and Classic, 1,500 B.P.–650 A.P.), Tepeyacatitla (Classic, 100–650 A.P. and Rincón Brujo (post-Classic 900/1,000–1,521 A.P.). For this investigation, 51 artifacts were analyzed by neutron activation analysis. The statistic analysis of the chemical compositions allowed us to identify the places of origin of the obsidian sources: Sierra de Pachuca, Pico de Orizaba, Zaragoza-Oyameles, Otumba and Paredón. Based on these results it can be affirmed that the settlements of the valley of Maltrata actively participated in the interregional trade routes of obsidian from the pre-Classic period to the post-Classic period, and maintained relations with the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Cantona and Mexica cultures, among others.     

Dating of hydrated obsidian surfaces by SIMS-SS

A new approach to dating ancient obsidian artifacts based on the modeling of water diffusion profiles is evaluated using multiple archaeological test cases of known age. Hydrogen profiles from hydrated obsidian surfaces have been collected by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). The H₂O concentration versus depth profiles are modeled and diffusion ages have been produced. SIMS based dates for fourteen obsidian specimens of well-known age, ranging from 300-7000 years old, have been compared with radiocarbon ages. The convergence between the two dating methods is excellent and validates the new dating approach. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Analytical data of geologic obsidians from Japan by INAA using middle- and long-lived nuclides

This paper reports the results of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) on 3,704 obsidian samples, taking the measurements of 23 elements. The results are summarized, combining the results of INAA conducted earlier by Ambiru et al. on 1,444 samples. The samples for these analyses are taken from seventy obsidian sources located at various places of Japan.     

The provenance of archaeological obsidian artifacts from Northern Chile determined by source-induced X-ray fluorescence

A study of provenance of obsidian artifacts from "site 25-Las Estacas", Quebrada de Jorquera (Copiapó, Northern Chile) was carried out by means of X-ray fluorescence, using radioactive sources. Obsidian samples from different Chilean geological regions, located in South Central Chile (Laguna del Maule volcanic area, sources of La Coloradas and La Plata), "Radal Siete Tazas" and the North of Chile (Copiapó Volcano) were analyzed. The analysis was performed using ¹⁰⁹Cd and ²⁴¹Am annular excitation sources and X-ray fluorescence. This allowed the determination of Fe, Cu, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, and Ba concentrations on samples of ground obsidian from the aforementioned sites. The measured Rb, Sr, and Zr concentrations were used to construct discriminant diagrams, which clearly showed clustering of the samples from the different sources, and the association of the archaeological obsidian sample to the Copiapó Volcano source, which is geographically close to the site.     

Multi-inductive component analysis,a new approach in pattern recognition

A powerful transformation technique in pattern recognition is presented as an alternative to principal component analysis. Its properties include automatic feature selection, presentation of physically interpretable results, and elucidation of hidden relationships between variables. The mathematics of the transformation is described. Numerical examples are given for an artificially generated data set and for the ARCH data set on metals in obsidian rocks.     

Neutron Activation Analysis of Obsidians from Quarries of the Central Quaternary Trans-Mexican Volcanic Axis

Obsidian samples from 13 Mexican quarries (Sierra de Pachuca and Zacualtipan, Hidalgo, Zaragoza and Oyameles, Puebla, Altotonga Veracruz and eight sites of the Zinaparo — Varal — Churintzio Hills region) have been analyzed by NAA. The concentration of 19 elements, major and trace, are reported. Excepting Altotonga Veracruz, the chemical composition of other obsidian flows was found homogenous. The region of the Varal obsidian was delimited. An excellent correlation between ytterbium and lutetium contents in obsidians was found.     

A new method for the analysis of titanium,barium, and arsenic in obsidian via epithermal neutron activation analysis

A new instrumental epithermal neutron activation analysis procedure to quantitatively determine titanium, barium, and bromine in obsidian with improved sensitivity has been developed. The advantage of epithermal activation for Ti, Ba, and Br is demonstrated with multiple geological standards and the ability to determine arsenic in obsidian is demonstrated. The results for titanium are compared to previous electron-microprobe results for Kenyan obsidian.     

Use of NAA in marine environment and in archaeology in Greece

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) is a very sensitive and accurate multielement analytical method that is widely applied to the investigation of environmental and archaeological problems. The first part of this paper is a review of pollution studies of toxic trace elements in sediments, seawater and marine organisms of Saronikos Gulf, Greece by NAA. The second part of this paper is a review of provenance studies based on minor and trace element research in ancient ceramics, obsidian, flint, limestone, marble and lead by Instrumental NAA, performed at the NCSR Demokritos.     

New data for the characterization of Milos obsidians</p> </p>

Summary Newly produced fission track (FT), instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and micro-Raman spectrometry data have been used to characterize the classical source areas of the Milos obsidians better and to check the provenance of obsidian artefacts. The Bombarda-Adhamas and Demenegaki obsidians yielded indistinguishable FT ages 1.57±0.12 and 1.60±0.06 My, respectively, in agreement with previous FT data. By INAA analyses it was possible to discriminate between the three obsidian sources on Milos: Bombarda-Adhamas, Demenegaki and A. Ioannes. Raman spectroscopy has been found to be a valuable technique to gain a chemico-structural characterization of a given obsidian population in terms of dissolved water content and microlite distribution/composition.</p> </p>     

Provenance study of obsidian samples by using portable and conventional X ray fluorescence spectrometers. Performance comparison of both instrumentations

The potentiality of portable instrumentation lies on the possibility of the in situ determinations. Sampling, packaging and transport of samples from the site to the laboratory are avoided and the analysis becomes non destructive at all. However, detection limits for light elements are, in most cases, a limitation for quantification purposes. In this work a comparison between the results obtained with an X ray fluorescence spectrometer laboratory based and a portable instrument is performed. A set of 76 obsidian archaeological specimens from northwest Patagonia, Argentina was used to carry out the study. Samples were collected in the area of the middle and high basin of the Limay River. The analytical information obtained with both instrumentations was complemented with Principal Component Analysis in order to define groups and identify provenance sources. The information from both instruments allows arriving to the same conclusion about sample provenance and mobility of hunter-gatherer groups. Three groups of sources were identified in both cases matching with the geographical information. Also, same sets of outlier samples or not associated to these sources were found. Artifact samples were associated mainly to the closest sources, but some of them are related to sources located more than three hundred kilometers, evidencing the large mobility of the hunter-gatherers by the obsidian interchange. No significant differences between concentrations values obtained by laboratory based instrument and portable one were found.     

Determination of rare earth elements in geological samples by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry after oxalate coprecipitation and cation-exchange column separation

A method for separation and determination of traces of 14 rare earth elements (REEs) in geological samples is described. Determination by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry follows oxalate coprecipitation of the REEs with calcium as carrier and cation- exchange column separation in nitric acid. The combination of the two separation techniques improved the low recoveries found for Sm, Eu, and Gd when only ion-exchange was used, especially for iron- and aluminum-rich samples. The method was applied to the analysis of geological standard materials NBS SRM 688 (basalt), NBS SRM 278 (obsidian), GSJ JB-1 (basalt), GSJ JA- 2 (andesite), and CCRMP SY-3 (syenite). The results were evaluated on the basis of chondrite- normalized rare earth element distribution patterns.     

Radiochemical neutron activation analysis of rare earth elements in peridotitic rocks

The understanding of the geochemistry of basalt petrogenesis and the nature of the upper mantle requires the examination of such rocks as peridotites which in many cases are thought to represent upper mantle material. The mineralogical composition of peridotitic rocks in such that they accommodate large proportions of such trace elements as the transition elements but very small amounts of the rare earths and hygromagmaphile elements. The last two groups are often able to provide a large amount of information leading to petrogenetic models. Owing to the extremely low concentrations of the REE in peridotitic rocks it is necessary to separate them from other elements which will interfere with their precise determination. We have used a radiochemical neutron activation analytical method which is adapted from various published methods. It involves a post-irradiation sample fusion, two separate ion-exchange chromatographic stages and finally a fluoride precipitation. The RNAA procedure is capable of providing very precise REE data for perioditic samples and we have used it for the analysis of such rocks from several geodynamic environments.     

北阿尔泰火山岩形成机制的稀土判别

研究了北阿尔泰地区泥盆纪及石炭纪火山岩的稀土元素特征,并应用稀土判据探讨了区内火山岩的形成机制。稀土元素与常量元素相关关系显示,北阿尔泰泥盆纪及石炭纪火山岩成岩过程中分离结晶作用不明显,其形成机制可能为部分熔融作用。多种稀土元素联合协变关系的研究进一步表明,北阿尔泰泥盆纪及石炭纪火山岩的形成机制为部分熔融作用。同时也显示区内泥盆纪及石炭纪火山岩的稀土元素继承了其源区物质的稀土元素特征。     

碱熔-标准物质法-电感耦合等离子体发射光谱(ICP-AES)法测定硅酸盐岩中10种主量元素

硅酸盐岩元素的准确测定是其地球化学分析研究的基础,其主量元素含量通常可以采用电感耦合等离子体发射光谱(ICP-AES)法测定,但其测定方法的系统性研究相对缺乏,尤其是样品前处理和基体干扰的有效消除两方面。前处理过程中,考察不同熔剂用量对硅酸盐岩样品的分解能力,发现当熔剂与样品比例达到6:1后,熔珠为纯色透明,经稀硝酸提取后溶液澄清,确定了硅酸盐岩前处理时熔剂与样品的最佳配比。测定过程中,通过考察基体匹配法和标准物质法两种基体干扰消除方法对测定结果的影响,发现当采用与岩性一致或者接近的标准物质绘制校准工作曲线时,基体干扰消除效果更好,更适用于测定硅酸盐岩10种主量元素含量。据此,建立了硅酸盐岩经偏硼酸锂熔融,稀硝酸振荡提取处理,以标准物质法绘制校准工作曲线,采用ICP-AES法同时测定SiO2、Fe2O3、Al2O3、CaO、K2O、MgO、Na2O、TiO2、P2O5、MnO 10种成分含量的方法。对岩石标准物质GBW07107进行分析测定,方法的相对标准偏差(RSD)为0.17%～0.75%,方法检出限为0.001%~0.016%,满足硅酸盐岩样品元素定量分析的要求,而且操作简单快速,环境污染小,适用于大批量样品分析。