Synchrotron X-ray analyses in art and archaeology

X-ray synchrotron techniques play an increasingly important part in the analysis strategy of archaeological materials, in order to determine the source materials, their provenance and the ancient techniques of preparation. In favourable cases, the microstructure (crystallite size and deformation) can be interpreted as a residual mark of the elaboration techniques and origin of ancient polycrystalline materials. Our study on cosmetic recipes and make-up manufacturing in Antiquity.. illustrates some possible applications of non-destructive synchrotron techniques, complementing other standard analytical tools. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.