Chapter 14: pXRF Analysis of Heritage Glass

In this chapter, I consider the potential for using pXRF for the analysis of heritage (archaeological and historical) glasses. In the first section of this chapter, I discuss protocols, limitations and weaknesses, best practices, and the possibilities of pXRF analysis of glass. I follow this with a discussion of calibration issues. I suggest that with careful attention to each of these factors—instrument parameters, sample conditions, and calibration protocols—successful pXRF analyses of heritage glasses can be conducted. Additionally, I suggest that pXRF can be productively used to address research questions in heritage glass analysis that require qualitative, quantitative, or semi-quantitative analyses, but great care is required in sample preparation and data collection to ensure reliable and valid data that is appropriate to the research question being asked.