Neutron activation analysis of Mediterranean volcanic rocks – An analytical database for archaeological stratigraphy

摘要: Abstract Pumice has been used as a serviceable abrasive or religious artifact since antiquity and therefore an object of trade. By analyzing pumice samples from archaeological excavations comparing the results to analytical database, it is possible establish origin sample thereby get information on maximum age transport route sample. In addition, deposition primary tephra deposits can be time markers, place constraints ages materials. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) was applied determine concentrations 25 elements (As, Ba, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Lu, Na, Nd, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, Zn Zr) in Mediterranean region: Milos, Santorini, Kos, Giali Nisyros (Greece), Lipari (Italy) Cappadokia (Turkey). It found that eruption products like volcanic ash correlated many cases their sources by comparison typical main- trace-elemental concentration patterns (“chemical fingerprint”). Such distinction if rocks are homogenous enough with respect geochemically relevant elements. Using only pure glass fraction tephra, size 5 mg sufficient for identification NAA.