Zsolt Kasztovszky

 E-mail: kzsolt@iki.kfki.hu

Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA), as a non-destructive bulk nuclear analytical method is suitable for determination of elemental composition of various kinds of materials, including archaeological objects and raw materials of geological origin. Valuable objects can be investigated without preparation, sampling or any impairment. Concentration of most major- and some trace elements, like B, S, Cl, Sc, V, Cr, Nd, Sm, Eu and Gd can be determined – depending on the type of rock.

At the Budapest Research Reactor, we operate a PGAA facility since 1996. Since 2000, we apply a cold neutron beam of 5∙10⁷ neutron per cm²∙s intensity. In 2008, after the reconstruction of the neutron guides, we reached the 10⁸ value. We perform archaeological applications of PGAA since 1998. Our co-operation with the Hungarian National Museum lasts since 2000, with the most important research of the ancient chipped stone tools and their raw materials. We have investigated various kinds of material from the Lithotheca collection and from the Prehistoric Collection of the Museum. Until now, we have analysed more then 150 samples, both archaeological objects and geological references.

In case of some rock types (such as obsidian and porphyry), we were able to provide direct provenance data for the archaeologists. We can differentiate between Carpathian and Mediterranean obsidian. Further subgrouping of Carpathian obsidian seems to be feasible. Furthermore, obsidian is clearly distinguishable from other macroscopically similar glassy (either artificial) materials.

In case of various siliceous rocks, we were less successful, mainly because of the high silica content and consequently low amount of other components. We might have a chance to differentiate between the types of silexes, such as flint, radiolarite, hornstone or limnoquarzite. Classification of silexes, as well as provenance studies, however, requires systematic sampling and analyses in larger number.

Zs. Kasztovszky, K. T. Biró, A. Markó, V. Dobosi: Cold neutron prompt gamma activation analysis – a non-destructive method for characterisation of high silica content chipped stone tools and raw materials, Archaeometry, 2008, 50, 1, 12-29.

Biró, T. K., Markó, A., Kasztovszky, Zs., ’Red’ obsidian in the Hungarian Palaeolithic transition in Central and Eastern Europe, Praehistoria, 2005, 6, pp. 91-101