The contribution of geochemical and mineralogical characterization of iron slags in provenance studies in the Podravina region, NE Croatia

Abstract

Archaeological excavations in the Podravina region led to discovery of sites with traces of bloomery iron production during Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. Mineralogical analysis of the slags recognized fayalite as the main mineral phase, while geochemical analysis confirmed high Fe contents, typical for bloomery iron smelting. Based on the previously established occurrences of bog iron ores in the study area, provenance studies were carried out using trace and rare earth elements to create a geochemical signature. Similar shapes and patterns of bog iron ores and iron slag signatures imply a genetic connection between the ore and the slag, as well as variation related to the temporal and spatial context of both slags and ores.