Case Studies using Handheld XRF
Thermo Scientific Niton analyzers have been specifically engineered to provide superior archaeometric data, building upon the knowledge and experience obtained with our 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 our 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 our 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.
