Lead Isotope Ratios in Archaeological Provenance: LA-ICP-MS Comparative Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0375.2025.v46.52417Keywords:
isotopic composition, laser ablation, archaeological artifacts, lead isotopes, provenance analysisAbstract
The correlation between an element and its original source (geogenic or anthropogenic) can be studied through the isotopic composition of lead (Pb), which remains unchanged by physical or chemical processes. This study used laser ablation coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to identify concentrations of lead isotopes 208Pb, 207Pb, 206Pb and 204Pb in three coins attributed to the Roman Empire. The objective was to identify the geographical origin of the raw materials utilized or that contaminated these artifacts. Pb isotope ratios were analyzed using Neptune and Element 2 instruments from Thermo™ and compared with the Oxford Archaeological Lead Isotope Database (OXALID). The calibration of the Neptune commenced with the NIST 610 standard, followed by 45 blank readings and subsequent sample readings. For the Element 2, 20 points per sample were selected, with measurement times of 25 seconds for the blank and 36 seconds for data acquisition, including the NIST 610 standard. The results show that the samples have residual lead isotopic ratios compatible with the OXALID database for the Roman Empire region, indicating possible authenticity. Both instruments showed good agreement, with the Element 2 model offering advantages in statistical analysis and lower sensitivity to sample contamination.
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Copyright (c) 2025 William Murussi Canto, Armando Dias Tavares Junior, Mauro Cesar Geraldes, Catarine Canellas Gondim Leitão, Marco Helênio de Paula Alves Coelho
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