This lesson explores German silver, an alloy often mistaken for containing silver but actually composed of copper, zinc, and nickel. Students will learn how its composition compares to similar alloys such as nickel-brass and how XRF spectra reveal their elemental differences.
Objectives
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Identify the typical composition of German silver and nickel-brass.
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Compare and interpret XRF spectra of German silver and nickel-brass samples.
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Recognize how variations in alloy composition affect spectral peak intensities.
Materials
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Sample of German silver alloy
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Commemorative coin (EU, 1998, German silver)
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UK one-pound coin (nickel-brass)
Lesson Plan
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Introduce German silver, explaining its misnomer and historical use.
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Discuss its composition (Cu ~60%, Zn ~20%, Ni ~20%) and classification within the brass family.
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Present XRF spectra of the German silver sample and commemorative coin, noting the copper, zinc, and nickel peaks.
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Compare with the spectrum of nickel-brass, highlighting the reduced nickel peak (≈5%) and the resulting spectral differences.
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.
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.
