engleski

Application of the X-ray powder diffraction method in the provenance study of polished stone tools

Provenance studies are carried on artefacts found on archaeological sites with the aim of attributing the source or source regions to these findings. Obtained data helps in reconstruction of trade routs in ancient times. For the purpose rock types should be determined. Investigators encounter the problem that in the study of archaeological artefacts with historical and esthetical value all destructive methods should be avoided. Unfortunately, most of the standard methods that are used in mineralogy and petrology are destructive. Recent instrumental developments enabled usage of X-ray powder diffraction method in such investigations. X-ray diffractometer with θ - θ geometry and parallel beam optics was used, in combination with macroscopic observations and density measurements, in the study of polished stone tools from several Neolithic sites located in Eastern Croatia and from a site on Adriatic coast. The XRD method proved itself as valuable complementary one, especially in the study of fine grained rocks. In spite of the fact that used technique has limitations useful information was obtained. Preliminary data, collected on app. 50 samples, showed that among different rock types, used as raw material, sandstone is the most abundant. Limited data collected during the investigation do not allow any definitive conclusions about the origin of the raw material. In spite of that it can be concluded that most probably the majority of material have local origin, however finding of "nephrite" implies import of stone materials.

polished stone tools; nephrite; XRPD

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