The Curse of the pXRF: the Negative Consequences of the Popularity of Handheld XRF Analysis of Copper-Based Metal Artefacts

Pearce, Mark

Authors

Prof MARK PEARCE mark.pearce@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor of Mediterranean Prehistory

Abstract

In this paper I shall explore some of the negative consequences of the current popularity of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis. There is no doubt that this portable device, which can be taken to museums and sites, has revolutionised the study of the compositions of many classes of archaeological material, but the apparent simplicity of its operation and the generation of analytical results has also created problems, particularly as regards the analysis of metals.
Many archaeologists and museum curators do not seem to understand that pXRF data generally does not reflect bulk composition of copper-based metalwork. PXRF analyses the surface of an artefact, which is of course subject to weathering and alteration, and, moreover, some elements segregate or enrich on the surface of objects during metallurgical processes. A further problem is that it is becoming more and more common for museum curators to refuse to authorize destructive methods of analysis since pXRF analysis can be effected without damage to ancient artefacts.
The misunderstanding by many archaeologists and curators of the nature and significance of pXRF is illustrative of the misunderstandings that exist between materials scientists and archaeologists.

Citation

Pearce, M. (2019). The Curse of the pXRF: the Negative Consequences of the Popularity of Handheld XRF Analysis of Copper-Based Metal Artefacts. Metalla, 24(2), 81-85

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Mar 5, 2019
Publication Date	Jul 26, 2019
Deposit Date	Aug 20, 2019
Publicly Available Date	Aug 21, 2019
Journal	Metalla
Print ISSN	0947-6229
Publisher	Deutsches Bergbau-Museum Bochum
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	24
Issue	2
Pages	81-85
Series ISSN	0947-6229
Keywords	portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF), copper-based metalwork, lead, silver, tin
Public URL	https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/2452725
Related Public URLs	https://www.bergbaumuseum.de/en/archive-metalla