Chert from the Pyrenees – IPERION CH Project
In the case of minerals, it is important to distinguish between the matrix of the sample and the inclusions. By scanning the ion beam, elemental maps can be produced
In the frame of the IPERION CH EU H2020 project, Palaeolithic chert artefacts, as well as geological samples from chert outcrops from the Pyrenees were investigated.
By using the ion microprobe, not only the concentration but also the distribution of elements can be determined. Specific areas of interest can be selected on the elemental maps where further measurements are carried out. Trace elements found in the matrix and in the inclusions of the samples point to the possible raw material sources for the artefacts.
100 μm x 100 μm // Elemental maps on the inhomogeneous sample (ChertPIXE / Marta Sánchez de la Torre)
A minták mátrixában, illetve zárványaiban talált nyomelemek segítenek összekötni az őskori leleteket a szóba jöhető nyersanyagforrással.
The elemental maps are constructed from the spectrum of the sample by the data acquisition software. Counts in the energy range specific to a given element are linked to the pixels on the scanned area
