A synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction study of cuneiform clay artefacts

Abstract Non-invasive techniques for studying historical objects are becoming increasingly important. Within this context, synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction has been verified as a valuable tool for identifying the mineral composition of cuneiform clay artefacts. In this study, a total of thirty-six artefacts, including clay tablets, clay cones, and a leg-shaped artefact, granted by the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe (MK&G) and the Staats und Universitätsbibliothek (SUB) in Hamburg were measured under transmission geometry conditions at the PETRA III synchrotron, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY). Here, the starting clay used for manufacturing is assumed as illitic clay with various amounts of chlorite, kaolinite and palygorskite. The occurrence of diopside, which was found in all the clay cones, and combined in two cases with the complete absence of clay minerals and carbonates, suggests thermal treatment.