Investigation of medieval archeological ceramics using XRD, WD-XRF and SEM/EDX analyses

Abstract

Some medieval ceramic finds obtained from Zeytinli Island (Erdek, Turkey) excavations were examined using archeometry techniques. First of all, the color values of the ceramics samples, which were coded and photographed, were determined using the Munsell color system. Morphological structures, chemical and mineralogical contents of the samples were determined by Scanning Electron Microscope/ Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX), Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) and X-ray Diffraction Method (XRD) analysis. Information was obtained about the matrix, mineral phases, particle sizes, aggregate content, and porosity of ceramics by elemental and color analysis by observations SEM, XRD and XRF measurements. Quartz, Vermiculite, Sepiolite, Illite, Calcite, Hematite mineral phases were found in AD 6th and 7th century ceramic samples (S1, S2, S3) by evaluating the obtained XRD measurements. In addition to other phases, Berlinite, Caracolite and Enstatite phases were observed in AD 13th century ceramics. In the ceramics samples, O, Mg, Al, Si and Ca elements were found in major amounts. SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ compounds were found to have varying concentrations of 67.37-52.95% and 34.39-15.65%, respectively. The elements such as Cu, Sr, Rb, Ni and Mn were observed in trace amounts. Pb element was found in the glazes of the studied ceramics excavated from the Eastern Church. SEM-EDX analysis revealed that the surfaces of well-fired ceramics samples possess a homogeneous structure. According to the results of WD-XRF analysis, it was seen that the chemical compositions and production techniques of Byzantine and Late Roman ceramics were nearly similar.