# Multi-method strategies for provenance determination of coarse-grained igneous rocks: Non-destructive, portable, and quantitative approaches

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a non-destructive method using portable tools to determine the origin of stone sculptures in cultural heritage.

## Contribution

The study presents a reliable, portable, and quantitative multi-method approach for provenance analysis of coarse-grained igneous rocks.

## Key findings

- Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and magnetic susceptibility measurements effectively identify geochemical trends in plutonic rocks.
- Calibration with in-house rock standards ensures accurate and reliable pXRF data for provenance determination.
- Spatial chemical variations help narrow down the source area of the stone used in cultural artifacts.

## Abstract

Determining the provenance of stones used in cultural heritage artifacts requires interdisciplinary research that integrates archaeology, geology, and analytical science. In this study, we determined the provenance of the source rock for a Bodhisattva stone sculpture from an abandoned temple site in Haman, South Korea. Non-destructive, portable, in-situ multi-analytical methods were used to quantitatively analyze coarse-grained igneous rocks, incorporating macroscopic observations, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Calibration with matrix-matched in-house rock standards and quality checks ensured the reliability of pXRF data for major, minor, and several trace elements, supporting accurate provenance identification. Analysis of spatial variations in chemical composition revealed two distinct geochemical trends across plutonic rock bodies spanning tens of kilometers, providing a key strategy to narrowing down the source area. Our findings present a robust methodology with broad applicability for investigating plutonic rock provenance.