Elemental Analysis of a Chalcolithic Copper Smelting Vessel Using SEM EDS

The structure and compositon of archaeological samples can be mapped in incredible detail and over several scales using SEM EDS mapping. This makes SEM EDS a favourable technique for the characterisation and analysis of cultural objects.

The large-area elemental mapping of the fine components within a sample can be used to determine information about the source of the materials used to produce an object, the methods and conditions used in its production, how the object was used in its lifetime, and more.

Here, a single SEM EDS measurement was used to characterize the microstructural, elemental and mineralogical variations in a chalcolithic smelting vessel. These measurements reveal the type of smelting metal used and the temperature achieved during the smelting process, as well as the fuel and smelting techniques applied during these prehistoric times.

Take a look at our image gallery below to discover more about this analysis and the rich data that SEM EDS can provide for your archaeological research.

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Sample courtesy of Prof. Aaron Shugar, Buffalo State College SUNY. Elemental distribution map of a 23 mm x 9 mm large shard of a chalcolithic copper smelting vessel. This SEM EDS map is a mosaic of 15 x 58 maps acquired at high magnification with 1.5 µm pixel size. Analysis was carried out with an acceleration voltage of 15 kV and a 30 mm Gen7 SDD. Total measurement time was only 24 minutes.

BSE image and combined EDS map (23 x 9 mm) of iron and copper distributions show the microstructural and elemental variations, from the outer to the inner vessel wall.

Higher spatial resolution maps revealing finer details. The smelting temperature gradient has led to different recrystallization levels.

Mineralogical transformations are identified using higher spatial resolution, to distinguish different recrystallization levels. The distribution of Si, Ca, Na, and K indicates the presence of quartz (Qtz) and plagioclase (Plag) grains. They were added to the clay matrix as temper particles. 370x magnification, 1200 µm x 900 µm, 0.27 µm pixel size, 13 µs/px, 10 min measurement time.