Analysis of obsidian artifacts in Southern Meso-America using x-ray fluorescence

Journal Article · Tue Dec 31 00:00:00 EST 1996 · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society

OSTI ID:436871

Nelson, F W ^[1]

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1. Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UT (United States)

The analysis of obsidian artifacts using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry has been an important tool for archaeologists for {approximately}25 yr. However, as methods and instrumentation have improved, more reliable information regarding exchange and routes of exchange has been obtained. In southern Meso-America, obsidian analyses have demonstrated changes in the obsidian geologic sources used by prehistoric peoples through time. These changes in sources of obsidian have been used to describe possible changes of prehistoric trade routes. The methods and results of analysis are described in this paper.

• OSTI ID: 436871
• Report Number(s): CONF-9606116-; ISSN 0003-018X; TRN: 96:005275-0102
• Journal Information: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Vol. 74; Conference: Annual meeting of the American Nuclear Society (ANS), Reno, NV (United States), 16-20 Jun 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SPECIMENS
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS
RHYOLITES
X-RAY SPECTROMETERS