Analysis of medieval glass by X-ray spectrometric methods

Systematic investigation of the 16th century glasses of Ljubljana is motivated by the spread of Italian glass-working technology into central Europe. The glass was probed using the external beam PIXE technique due to its non-destructiveness. Initial test measurements were performed by the methods of PIGE, XRF, electron probe microanalysis, and LA-ICP-MS. The PIXE data were evaluated statistically using the: principal component analysis and minimizing the stress function. The manufacturing procedures were indicated by the Rb/Sr content in the glass: the investigated glasses were mainly produced with the ash (not potash) of halophitic plants. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.