Non-destructive EDXRF analyses of archaeological basalts

Abstract

Non-destructive energy-dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis measures the interiors and exteriors of samples. We examine the effects of chemical weathering, surface contamination by phosphates, surface morphology, and textural variation on archaeological basalt. Major element data are most affected by these factors, altering both the measured chemical composition and the precision of the analyses. Measured chemical composition of trace elements (Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, and Nb) are less affected. These factors increase the measured variation in sample populations. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.