Trace element characterization of medieval and post-medieval glass objects by means of INAA and EPMA

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was applied to create a database for minor and trace elements in medieval and post-medieval glassware in order to establish a methodology for estimating the origin of the glass objects. First, general characterization of glass types was done on the basis of the results obtained by the use of electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Information received by the use of INAA provided the additional valuable data reflecting to some extent the method of preparation or the differentiation of various sources of certain raw materials. Several glass samples and a set of various reference glass materials were used for our experiments.