Analysis of Ancient Egypt artifacts using X-Ray Fluorescence
Abstract
In this work, X-Ray Fluorescence technique (XRF) was applied in the analysis of the pigments used in decorative paintings that adorn Ancient Egypt artifacts. The analyzed objects were four coffins, a coffin fragment and a funerary mask - belonging to the Egyptian Collection of the National Museum (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). The analyses were performed using an EDXRF portable system, consisting of an Xray tube Mini-X with W anode, operating at 30 kV and 40 µA, and a detector X-123 SDD, both from Amptek. The possible pigments employed in the artifacts decoration were identified by the presence of key elements in the spectra associated with the color of the analyzed region. The results revealed the use of red and yellow ochre, realgar, orpiment, Egyptian blue, Egyptian green, malachite, bone black, calcite and gypsum.
Event details
- Event
- MetroArchaeo 2016
- Technical Committee
- TC4
- emma.angelini@polito.it
- Place
- Torino, ITALY
- Time
- 19 October 2016 - 21 October 2016