ISOGLASS

"Archaeometric investigation of ancient glass – identification of the sources of Cu, Sb and Ti via isotopic analysis using (laser ablation) multi-collector ICP – mass spectrometry"

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'As a first approximation, the isotopic compositions of the elements can be considered as constant in nature. However, small variations do occur and isotopic analysis of the elements showing such variations can provide very valuable information in several domains of science, e.g., archaeometry, forensics or environmental research. Whereas isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is traditionally used to investigate the isotopic composition of light elements, for a long time, thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) was the only technique providing sufficient precision (RSD = 0.005%) to detect slight variations in the isotopic composition of the heavier elements. Nowadays, multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICPMS) is an even more powerful tool for highly precise isotope ratio determination as it provides information on the small variations (often ï‚£ 1‰) shown by some elements that are not or hardly accessible by means of TIMS (e.g., elements with high ionization potential) and, therefore, the importance of MC-ICPMS is currently growing, also in the field of provenance determination. The main goals of this research project will be the development of analytical methods for measuring the isotopic composition of Cu (colorizer), Sb (decolorizer) and Ti (introduced via sand) in glass and subsequent use of the methods developed for provenance determination of ancient glass objects. First, optimization studies will be performed using conventional solution nebulization as a means of sample introduction. The work will comprise the development of isolation methods for each of the target elements, as well as the validation of the methodology proposed in terms of analyte purity, recovery and absence of fractionation. In a second phase, it will be evaluated whether laser ablation can be used as an alternate method of sample introduction, to render the approach quasi non-destructive, self-evidently an important asset for studying valuable objects.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Chemical analysis of ancient artefacts provides a wealth of information in addition to learning more about their elemental composition. Scientists analysed ancient Roman glass for insight into colourants and decolourisers, trade and even the recycling habits of the period.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The production sites and trade routes associated with Roman glass have received much attention during the last decade. Most studies have focused on the provenance (origin or source) of the sand, stabilisers and flux used in their manufacture. Scientists working on the EU-funded project ISOGLASS studied the rarely addressed topic of colourisers and decolourisers. In this respect, they analysed the elemental and isotopic composition of samples with respect to copper (a colouriser), and antimony (Sb) (a decolouriser) to gain insight into trade and transport.

Investigators employed isotopic analysis (determination of the relative abundance of the various isotopes of a target element) to aid in understanding chronology, techniques and mining activities of the time, and even trade routes that existed in the past. In order to do so, researchers developed sample digestion procedures and isolation protocols to recover the elements of choice for both antimony ore used in glass manufacture and for ancient glass itself. They then conducted isotopic analyses to determine the amounts of the various isotopes of each element of interest.

Especially the antimony isotope ratio results were informative. Results demonstrated that, although earlier Roman glass was more varied in isotope ratios, variation was not large. The outcomes point to relatively few sources of antimony ore for glass production in antiquity. Intermediate values could be indicative of glass recycling, which was a common practice in ancient Rome.

ISOGLASS has contributed to a better understanding of the origin and manufacturing of ancient Roman glass, an important part of European heritage. In addition, methods developed within the scope of the project are applicable to numerous other fields, including the study of other artefacts and diagnosis of diseases affecting the metabolism of mineral elements.