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How Mineralogy and Geochemistry Can Improve the Significance of P b Isotopes in Metal Provenance Studies

2013; Wiley; Volume: 56; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1111/arcm.12037

1475-4754

Sandrine Baron, Călin Gabriel Tămaş, C. Le Carlier,

Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis

Lead isotopes combined with trace element data represent a powerful tool for non‐ferrous metal provenance studies. Nevertheless, unconsidered geological factors and archaeological data, as well as ignored analytical procedures, may substantially modify the interpretation of the isotopic and trace element signature obtained as a potential ore candidate. Three archaeological examples, accompanied by high‐resolution lead isotopic measurements ( MC – ICP – MS ), are presented here to discuss the above‐mentioned criticisms and to propose some solutions. The first example deals with prehistoric/historical gold/silver‐mining activity from R omania (the Baia Borşa and Roşia Montană ore deposits). The second one regards the lead/silver metallurgical activity from the M ont‐ L ozère massif ( F rance) during medieval times. The third example focuses on the comparison between two batches of lead isotope data gathered on Roman lead ingots from S aintes‐ M aries‐de‐la‐ M er, using different SRM 981 P b values.