Characterization of Brown-Black and Blue Pigments in Glazed Pottery Fragments from Castel Fiorentino (Foggia, Italy) by Raman Microscopy, X-Ray Powder Diffractometry and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Abstract

Fragments from the archaeological site of Castel Fiorentino (Foggia, Italy) were analysed by Raman microscopy x-ray powder diffractometry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to determine the pigments used in the decoration of this medieval (13–14th century) pottery. Lapis lazuli was identified as the blue pigment and such decoration was established as a characteristic of this pottery class. The brown–black pigment was identified as a manganese oxide, probably MnO2. The qualitative composition of the glaze was also shown to include tin(IV) oxide (cassiterite) and lead-containing oxides, along with other oxides. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.