Application of lead isotope analysis to provenance studies in archaeology
Advances in mass spectrometry in the second half of this century allowed very accurate measurements of isotopic compositions of various elements. In turn it was discovered that due to the radiogenic origin of some of these isotopes their composition often reflects the geochemical history of minerals and rocks. Terrestrial lead is composed of four isotopes, of which three are radiogenic in origin as daughters of uranium and thorium. In geochronology the isotopic composition of minerals helps in dating the ore and rock formations. However, if there is enough diversity amongst the isotopic compositions of different deposits, then their lead isotope composition can be used as a simple and unique 'fingerprint', which can be scientifically measured. This feature can be used as a powerful tool in the identification of sources of ancient metals, because it passes unchanged through the smelting and refining processes. However, one of the most important requirements for such 'lead isotope provenance studies' is empirical investigation of the 'fingerprints' of ore deposits which are relevant to a given archaeological research. In this dissertation the scientific foundations of lead isotope provenance studies are described
Stos-Gale, Zofia
Lead ; Isotopes ; Archaeometry
Application of lead isotope analysis to provenance studies in archaeology. Advances in mass spectrometry in the second half of this century allowed very accurate measurements of isotopic compositions of various elements. In turn it was discovered that due to the radiogenic origin of some of these isotopes their composition often reflects the geochemical history of minerals and rocks. Terrestrial lead is composed of four isotopes, of which three are radiogenic in origin as daughters of uranium and thorium. In geochronology the isotopic composition of minerals helps in dating the ore and rock formations. However, if there is enough diversity amongst the isotopic compositions of different deposits, then their lead isotope composition can be used as a simple and unique 'fingerprint', which can be scientifically measured. This feature can be used as a powerful tool in the identification of sources of ancient metals, because it passes unchanged through the smelting and refining processes. However, one of the most important requirements for such 'lead isotope provenance studies' is empirical investigation of the 'fingerprints' of ore deposits which are relevant to a given archaeological research. In this dissertation the scientific foundations of lead isotope provenance studies are described
application lead_isotope analysis provenance study archaeology advances mass_spectrometry allow accurate measurement isotopic composition various_element turn discover due origin isotope composition often reflect geochemical history mineral rock terrestrial lead compose isotope origin daughter isotopic composition mineral help date ore rock formation however enough diversity amongst isotopic composition different deposit lead_isotope composition use simple unique fingerprint scientifically measure feature use powerful_tool identification source ancient metal pass unchanged smelt refining process however one_important requirement lead_isotope provenance study empirical_investigation ore deposit relevant give archaeological_research scientific foundation lead_isotope provenance study describe