Ceramics: Chemical and Petrographic Analysis

Ancient ceramics, the most abundant findings in archaeological sites since prehistory, are mobile objects that could have been exchanged/traded far away from their production center. Their provenance and production technology represent, therefore, an important issue that can be studied through petrographic and chemical analyses to discuss cultural differences, exchange routes, and technological developments. Using petrography, the occurrence (especially in coarse ware) of mineral/ rock markers allows to link their production with specific geological regions, while microstructural and textural features of the ceramic body can supply information on their production technology in terms of forming techniques and paste recipes. When dealing especially with fine ware, the bulk geochemical composition can identify specific production centers through comparison with ceramic reference groups, and reveal possible preparation procedures of the base clay, such as depuration and mixing. Ceramic coatings such as slips, paints and glazes can be analyzed under a microscope and their elemental composition can be further assessed by micro-chemical and isotopic analyses.