Silicon Si 14

This lesson focuses on the element silicon, its presence in pigments, and its detection through XRF spectroscopy. Silicon is a key component of many earth pigments due to its abundance in silicates, a group of minerals widely used in art. By examining various materials, including pure silicon, glass, and pigments like ultramarine derived from lapis lazuli, students will explore how silicon can be identified in these substances.
Objectives
  • Understand the role of silicon in pigments and other materials.
  • Analyze and compare XRF spectra of pure silicon, silicate-based materials, and pigments to identify silicon and other elements.
Materials
  • Samples:
    • Pure silicon
    • Glass (e.g., microscopy slide)
    • Lapis lazuli stone
    • Natural ultramarine pigment from Pigments Checker standard version
  • XRF spectrometer, no-filter setup
Lesson Plan
  1. Experiment 1: Pure Silicon Analysis
    • Analyze a sample of pure silicon using the XRF spectrometer.
    • Observe and discuss the strong peak at 1.7 keV in the spectrum.
  2. Experiment 2: Glass Analysis
    • Examine a microscopy slide.
    • Compare its XRF spectrum to that of pure silicon, noting the lower intensity of the silicon peak and the additional peaks, including calcium, which is commonly added to glass.
  3. Experiment 3: Lapis Lazuli Stone
    • Analyze a piece of lapis lazuli stone and observe its XRF spectrum.
  1. Experiment 4: Ultramarine Pigment Analysis
    • Test a natural ultramarine pigment derived from crushed lapis lazuli.
XRF Spectroscopy for Art Examination - SILICON 3 XRF Spectroscopy for Art Examination - SILICON XRF Spectroscopy for Art Examination - SILICON XRF Spectroscopy for Art Examination - SILICON

To reinforce the concepts discussed here, we also provide a video lesson that visually walks through the key points of this topic. Watching the video alongside the text can help you better understand and apply these ideas in practice.

XRF Spectroscopy for Art Examination

The course XRF Spectroscopy for Art Examination introduces conservators, art historians, and scientists with interest in Art to the principles and practical applications of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy in the examination of artworks. The course starts with basic principles of XRF and gradually explores its role in identifying materials and methods used in the creation and conservation of art.

Course Objectives

  • Understand the fundamentals of XRF spectroscopy and how it applies to the analysis of art.
  • Learn the key features and limitations of XRF for examining art and archaeology.
  • Gain skills in interpreting XRF spectra to identify specific elements in paint layers, inks and metals.

Training 2026

Scientific Art Examination – Resources:
Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) – USA
The British Museum – Scientific Research Department – UK
Scientific Research Department – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
C2RMF (Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France) – France
Rijksmuseum – Science Department – Netherlands

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