CHAPTER 6: Micro Raman Spectroscopy of Epipalaeolithic Decorated Pebbles from Arroyo Moreras 2 (Parque Darwin, Madrid) Check Access

The first decorated Epipalaeolithic pebbles discovered in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula have been studied by micro Raman spectroscopy. Traces of red and black pigments on the surface of three pebbles from the site of Arroyo Moreras 2 (Parque Darwin, Madrid) have been analysed confirming a primitive decoration. Haematite (α-Fe₂O₃) and amorphous carbon micro-particles have been identified as red and black pigment residues, respectively. Microscopic spots of the synthetic pigment ε-copper-phthalocyanine blue have been detected in one pebble. A recent manipulationto include an inventory number could be the cause of this contamination. α-Quartz (α-SiO₂) is the dominant rock component of the three pebbles. Some rutile (TiO₂) microcrystals have also been detected in one pebble.