This course is dedicated to the examination of metals and their alloys in the fields of cultural heritage and archaeology. Metals are fundamental materials in historical artifacts, yet they are rarely encountered in pure form. Instead, they are typically combined in carefully engineered mixtures known as alloys, designed to enhance mechanical strength, durability, color, or economic value.
For the XRF analyst, understanding these combinations is essential. Interpreting an XRF spectrum requires more than recognizing elemental peaks — it demands awareness of how metals interact, how alloy compositions vary across historical periods, and how technological choices influence elemental signatures.
Throughout this series, we will explore how XRF can be used to identify and interpret metallic materials, with particular attention to historical objects such as coins, which offer ideal case studies for alloy characterization and technological investigation.
