Art Conservation

Swords are made from different materials in different eras in different countries. From an archaeological point of view, elemental analysis provides hints of the origin and the production date of a sword. It also provides hints to identify whether it’s imitation or real.

Identification of pigments is important in the archaeological and art research fields. Some pigments were used during specific times and then were no longer used in later times. Therefore, we can estimate the period when artwork was created through identification of the pigments. Micro-XRF is an effective pre-screening analytical technique to narrow down the candidates of multiple pigments used on a painting, thanks to its non-destructive approach and imaging capability.

In this study we have chosen to investigate pyrite and its surrounding minerals in order to identify the different mineral phases as well as the chemical variations from micro- to nano-scale. Using the different microscopes instruments and being co-localized allows a comprehensive characterization of the sample and a precise superimposition of all the images.

Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semiprecious stone which contains inclusions that can impact its value. Pyrite impurities and major elements distribution are studied with the XGT-9000, HORIBA’s new X-ray microscope.