Methodological Recommendations for Accurate and Precise Sourcing of Obsidian Using pXRF
Burr, Vivian
Burr, Vivian
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Abstract
Rapid and relatively inexpensive, portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF) has various field- related advantages over lab-based analytical methods. However, despite being accurate, individual instruments remain idiosyncratic and until readings are compared with lab-analyzed source collections, results are generally considered qualitative rather than quantitative. To probe instrument-dependent differences, we analyzed two obsidian source collections (MURR and PYRO) and two obsidian archaeological assemblages, corresponding to ~150 samples, with two pXRF instruments: an Hitachi XMET 8000 and an Olympus Vanta C. Three Compton-based manufacturer-designed calibration modes with variable beam and parameter settings were employed to determine the composition in trace and major elements of the obsidian samples. We present the results of our statistical analyses of these different methods, focusing on the technical limitations impacting accuracy and precision across collections. Based on these results, we describe a set of recommended analytical protocols including beam characteristics, number of shots, and measurement time, along with consideration of optimal sample factors such as sample thickness, rugosity, clarity, and color. The methodological recommendations generated by this work outline strategies for optimizing sampling efficiency and efficacy across multiple collections and instruments and should be useful for a variety of archaeological practitioners working to source obsidian using pXRF.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Senior (Graduating in 2026)
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Poster
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Anthropology
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College of Arts and Sciences
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Social Science