Raman Spectrometry, a Unique Tool to Analyze and Classify Ancient Ceramics and Glasses

TL;DR

This paper reviews how Raman spectrometry, a non-destructive and portable technique, can analyze and classify ancient ceramics and glasses by identifying their crystalline, amorphous, and pigment phases across different historical regions.

Contribution

It demonstrates the application of Raman spectrometry to analyze diverse ancient ceramics and glasses, highlighting its potential for classification based on composition and processing history.

Findings

Raman spectra can identify crystalline and amorphous phases in ancient artifacts.

The technique enables classification of ceramics and glasses by composition and processing.

Portable Raman instruments facilitate in-situ analysis in museums and archaeological sites.

Abstract

Raman micro/macro-spectroscopy allows for a non-destructive remote analysis: body and glaze, crystalline and amorphous phases can be identified, including the nanosized pigments colouring the glaze. Last generation instruments are portable which allows for examination in museum, on sites, etc. This paper gives an overview on the potential of Raman spectrometry technique to analyze ancient ceramics and glasses. Selected glasses as well as glazes of various porcelains, celadon, faiences and potteries, representative of the different production technologies used in the Antique, European, Mediterranean, Islamic and Asian worlds were studied. Their identification is based on the study of the Raman fingerprint of crystalline and glassy phases. Raman parameters allow for the classification as a function of composition and/or processing temperature. Special attention is given to the spectra of amorphous and coloring phases (pigment).