An early bronze age pocket lighter

While high and low power analyses can contribute information on tool function and use, optical microscopes have been of limited use for the identification of residues. Recognition of mineral residues on stone tool surfaces can, however, be achieved with scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and microprobes. Here, the identification of a prehistoric fire-making tool became possible after SEM and energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) were added to a previous optical analysis with high and low power microscopy.