Chemical Composition of Glass Beads of the Merovingian Period from Graveyards in the Black Forest, Germany

Abstract

White, orange, green and brown glass beads from women's burial places of the Merovingian period were scientifically characterized by x-ray fluorescence analysis, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis and x-ray diffraction. In most cases non-destructive procedures were used. By this combination of methods the elemental composition and in some cases the chemical compounds were determined. The elements could be separated into main and minor components of the glass matrix and in those from the colouring compounds. The composition of the glass matrix was determined to be 18 ± 2% Na2O, 67 ± 3% SiO2 and 9 ± 2% CaO. A comparison with literature data showed the similarity of this composition to the composition of glassware of Roman production. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.