The Role of LA-ICP-MS in the Investigation of Archaeological Glass

Abstract

A number of analytical techniques (e.g. SEM-EDX, XRF) are able to provide glass scientists with quantitative information on major and minor components of historical glass. However, at present, only LA-ICP-MS can deliver precise and accurate data on major, minor and trace (down to ppm or sub-ppm levels) elements with minimal or no sample preparation. The μm-sized sampling area of LA-ICP-MS makes it compatible, conservation-wise, with most cases in which analysis of archaeological glass is required. The capabilities of this technique are highlighted in this chapter by means of a summary of recent research on black-appearing Roman glass, for which a large set of LA-ICP-MS data have been assembled during the last few years.