Minero-chemical analysis of the translucent stone bowls from the Bronze Age Ghara Cheshmeh Site, Northeastern Iran

Abstract Fourteen fragments of translucent stone bowls excavated from the Bronze Age Ghara Cheshmeh site, northeastern Iran, were studied to characterize their chemical and mineralogical properties. The analytical methods included petrography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques. The results revealed that all vessels are made of calcite alabaster or banded calcite with high purity, although some small amounts of dolomite and quartz were also found. The partial chemical–mineralogical homogeneity of the stones used for vessel production suggests that the presumably same source or quarry used to provide the raw stone. However, evidence of stone carving was also discovered at the site, showing possibility of local sources.