title: Novel application of X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) for the non-destructive micro-elemental analysis of natural mineral pigments on Aboriginal Australian objects.
abstract: This manuscript presents the first non-destructive synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence study of natural mineral pigments on Aboriginal Australian objects. Our results demonstrate the advantage of XFM (X-ray fluorescence microscopy) of Aboriginal Australian objects for optimum sensitivity, elemental analysis, micron-resolution mapping of pigment areas and the method also has the advantage of being non-destructive to the cultural heritage objects. Estimates of pigment thickness can be calculated. In addition, based on the elemental maps of the pigments, further conclusions can be drawn on the composition and mixtures and uses of natural mineral pigments and whether the objects were made using traditional or modern methods and materials. This manuscript highlights the results of this first application of XFM to investigate complex mineral pigments used on Aboriginal Australian objects.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia. rachel.popelkafilcoff@flinders.edu.au.
authors.forename: Rachel S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Popelka-Filcoff
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia. rachel.popelkafilcoff@flinders.edu.au.
authors.forename: Claire E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Lenehan
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lombi
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Donner
authors.affiliation: Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Daryl L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Howard
authors.affiliation: Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Martin D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: de Jonge
authors.affiliation: Australian Synchrotron, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Paterson
authors.affiliation: South Australian Museum, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Keryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Walshe
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia. rachel.popelkafilcoff@flinders.edu.au and South Australian Museum, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Allan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pring