The classification and interpretation of tin smelting remains from South West England : a study of the microstructure and chemical composition of tin smelting slags from Devon and Cornwall, and the effect of technological developments upon the character of slags
Artefacts relating to tin smelting from tin mills or 'blowing houses' in Devon and Cornwall, plus material from smelting sites that cover a range of dates from the Bronze Age through to the 19th Century, were examined: these include metallic tin, furnace linings, ore samples and slag. Analysis of tin slags from over forty sites was carried out, to determine microstructure and chemical composition. Techniques employed included optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and ICP mass spectrometry. Analysis indicates that slag appearance and composition are heavily influenced by local geology. Composition, particularly iron content, is shown to have a strong effect on slag melting point and viscosity, and the implications for the purity of metal produced are discussed. Bringing together the evidence provided by slag chemistry, documentary sources and smelting remains in the archaeological record, changes in tin smelting technology through time, and the consequences thereof, are considered.
Malham, Albertine
Tin ; Smelting ; Slag ; Furnace ; Devon ; Cornwall ; Medieval ; Post-medieval ; Blowing houses (Tin mills)
The classification and interpretation of tin smelting remains from South West England : a study of the microstructure and chemical composition of tin smelting slags from Devon and Cornwall, and the effect of technological developments upon the character of slags. Artefacts relating to tin smelting from tin mills or 'blowing houses' in Devon and Cornwall, plus material from smelting sites that cover a range of dates from the Bronze Age through to the 19th Century, were examined: these include metallic tin, furnace linings, ore samples and slag. Analysis of tin slags from over forty sites was carried out, to determine microstructure and chemical composition. Techniques employed included optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and ICP mass spectrometry. Analysis indicates that slag appearance and composition are heavily influenced by local geology. Composition, particularly iron content, is shown to have a strong effect on slag melting point and viscosity, and the implications for the purity of metal produced are discussed. Bringing together the evidence provided by slag chemistry, documentary sources and smelting remains in the archaeological record, changes in tin smelting technology through time, and the consequences thereof, are considered.
classification interpretation tin smelting remain south_west_england study microstructure chemical_composition tin smelt slag devon cornwall effect technological_development upon character slag artefacts relate tin smelt tin mill house devon cornwall plus material smelting site cover range_date bronze_age th_century examine include metallic tin furnace lining ore sample slag analysis tin forty site carry_determine microstructure chemical_composition techniques employ_include optical scanning electron_microscopy x_ray_fluorescence icp mass_spectrometry analysis_indicate slag appearance composition heavily_influence local geology composition particularly iron content show_strong effect slag melt point implication purity metal produce discuss bringing together_evidence provide slag chemistry documentary_source smelt remain archaeological_record change tin smelt technology time consequence thereof consider