Methodologies

Microscopy optics
Subject of investigation: Samples of powder and micro-fragments in a bright section of pigments and plasters. Thin sections of stone materials.

Kind of investigation: The qualitative determination of the mineral phases constituting pigments and plasters (shape, colour, optical characteristics ) and morphological and structural information (superimposition of pictorial layers). Characterization of the structure of the stone materials and the determination of the nature of
the mineral components.
Instruments: Optical microscope – 12 in. Leitz Laborlux Stereomicroscope: Leica Wild M3B.
Scanning Electron Microscopy with Electronic Microprobe (SEM-EDS)
Subject of investigation: Powder samples or in a bright section of pigment and plaster. Identical samples or thin sections of rocks and pottery.
Kind of investigation: Micro-structural determinations, punctual or aerial chemical analysis of the elements, aerial distribution of single chemical elements.
Instruments:Philips XL30 equipped with a energy dissipation spectrometer (EDS) Philips EDAX4.