WHAT IS XRF (X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY)?
X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is one of the most efficient instrumental means to detect the elemental composition of the homogeneous obsidian. It s speed, precision for incompatible elements, ready availability, and consequent low cost make EDXRF particularly ideal for the non-destructive analysis of archaeological obsidian. It is not necessarily the best suited for the analysis of heterogeneous substances, but with recent advances in x-ray spectrometry and new software it is becoming one of the best instruments for the analysis of nearly any archaeological material. A BRIEF INTRODUCTION XRF OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL OBSIDIAN (HOW IT WORKS) When the atoms in a sample material are irradiated with high-energy primary x-ray photons, electrons are ejected in the form of photoelectrons. This creates electron ‘holes’ in one or more of the orbitals, converting the atoms into ions – which are unstable. To restore the atoms to a more stable state, the holes in inner orbitals are filled by electrons f
