On December 4th, for our final lab session, Dr. Anthony Lagalante, from Villanova University presented a lecture and lab session on utilizing a portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer.

Dr. Lagalante demonstrating the spectrum capture software.

Portable XRF units are commonly used to help non-destructively identify the surface elemental composition of metal alloys, pigments and other fine art and archaeological artifacts.  The data is generally qualitative when used in a non-destructive manner.

Analyzing pigment on an Egyptian polychromed wood sarcophagus fragment.

Students were able to operate the instrument and the computer during the data capture and looked at a variety of object types including; Roman coins, polychromed Egyptian materials, and Greek pottery.

Determining where to take a spectrum on a polychromed terracotta Ushabti.

Analysis of differences in the surface composition in Attic pottery between the black-glaze and clay body.