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Raman spectroscopy as a non‐destructive screening technique for studying white substances from archaeological and forensic burial contexts
Author(s) -
Schotsmans Eline M. J.,
Wilson Andrew S.,
Brettell Rhea,
Munshi Tasnim,
Edwards Howell G. M.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of raman spectroscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.748
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1097-4555
pISSN - 0377-0486
DOI - 10.1002/jrs.4526
Subject(s) - raman spectroscopy , lime , taphonomy , context (archaeology) , archaeology , white (mutation) , gypsum , archaeological science , mineralogy , chemistry , geology , materials science , metallurgy , history , optics , physics , biochemistry , gene
Raman spectroscopy was evaluated as a non‐destructive analytical tool for the characterisation of white substances in burials. In addition, Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy was used to assess the conversion of hydrated lime into calcium carbonate. Fourteen samples of white substances from archaeological and forensic sites were analysed and characterised. The results show that not all white residues in burials are lime. Lime can easily be mistaken for other building materials (gypsum), for minerals (brushite) or degraded metal (cerussite). This study highlights the need for chemical analysis of white residues when encountered in burials. Analytical information derived from Raman spectra of white substances can further assist in the interpretation of the taphonomic processes of burials and their funerary context. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.