Abstract
One of the most promising methods for ancient gold analysis is laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). It is a quasi-non-destructive multi-elemental analytical method with detection limits in the range of ppm or below, depending on the element. Internal and external standardizations are used. Different types of standards are necessary to measure major (required for the internal standardization), minor and trace elements. High-purity gold standards doped with trace elements as well as ancient gold coins were found suitable for that purpose. The reproducibility and the accuracy of the results obtained are good enough to consider LA-ICP-MS as reliable to determine trace-element concentrations in ancient gold.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
R.J. Watling, H.K. Herbert, D. Delev, I.D. Abell: Spectrochim. Acta B 49, 205 (1995)
V.V. Kogan, M.W. Hinds, G. Ramendik: Spectrochim. Acta B 49, 333 (1994)
R.J. Watling: At. Spectrosc. Perspect. 14, 18 (1999)
A. Gondonneau, M.F. Guerra, M.R. Cowell: ‘Searching for the Provenance of Gold. The Methodology of Gold Analysis by ICP-MS: First Developments’. In: Proc. Archaeometry 2000 (University of México 2001)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
PACS
81.70; 82.80
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dussubieux, L., van Zelst, L. LA-ICP-MS analysis of platinum-group elements and other elements of interest in ancient gold. Appl. Phys. A 79, 353–356 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-004-2532-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-004-2532-2