Archaeometric analysis of ancient copper artefacts by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy technique

Twelve archaeological copper objects from the burial site of Fontino cave, near Grosseto, (around 2500-2000 B.C.) were analysed using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Qualitative results and a preliminary study of the samples' composition are reported and used to make a quantitative estimate; based on these results, the samples were classified using principal components statistical analysis. The perspectives of using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for archaeometric analysis are also discussed.