Case Studies using NITON Archaeometry Analyzers
Thermo Scientific NITON® analyzers have been specifically
engineered to provide superior archaeometric data, building
upon the knowledge and experience obtained with NITON
analyzers already in use for archaeometric measurement.
Nine Muses Sarcophagus – Restoration
The Hearst Castle in California houses the Nine Muses Sarcophagus, a 3rd Century
sculptural masterpiece. Thermo Scientific NITON XRF analyzers were called in for
the task of nondestructive analysis of the paints and pigments found on the
sarcophagus surface. The entirety of the sarcophagus was at one time covered in
copper colored paint, and remnants of it can still be found in place. As part of
the restoration work undertaken by California Polytechnic University in San Luis
Obispo, compositional analysis was performed on the various pigments in order to
precisely match them for restoration.
NAGPRA Compliance
The Smithsonian Institution uses a NITON instrument to analyze artifacts being repatriated to
Native American Tribes in compliance with Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) legislation. Measuring the
residual quantities of lead, arsenic, and mercury (used to preserve artifacts)
allows suitable precautions to be taken while handling them and appropriate
clean-up to be performed before the items are repatriated.
Prehistoric Petroglyphs – Dating
The Bureau of Land Management and the Utah Geological Survey have evaluated the
use of NITON XRF analyzers for dating petroglyphs. Dr. Farrel Lytle’s work
appears
to indicate that by measuring the ratios of manganese and iron deposited by
bacteria, it is possible to determine the age of a petroglyph.
Product Literature