Comparisons of ancient mortars and hydraulic cements through in situ analyses by portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract

A portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was used to collect elemental data on various mortars and hydraulic cements at an excavation site near Orvieto, Italy. Four cases are presented that use X-ray fluorescence data to differentiate among mortars: (1) comparison of two mortars on one locus; (2) comparison of two layers of hydraulic cement on one locus; (3) comparison of two hydraulic cement floors; (4) comparison among mortars on five walls from four trenches. The conclusions made from the comparisons aided the site archaeologists in their assessment of the relationships of various loci at the site and establishment of phasing. Elements found in measureable amounts in the mortars and hydraulic cements were Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb, and Bi. Elements found to be different in the samples and used to differentiate among mortars were Ca, Fe, Zn, Pb, Zr, and Rb. Graphical and statistical data evaluations are presented. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.