Techniques & Tools Spectroscopy

Image of the Month: Rock On

Portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF) gives researchers new insights into the pigments used in ancient rock art.

Charlotte Barker | 05/28/2019

Portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF) allowed researchers to gain new insights into the pigments used in ancient rock art in Texas, USA. Previous studies at the Rattlesnake Canyon site have used ICP-MS, which requires samples of paint to be taken. With pXRF, the researchers were able to carry out elemental analysis with no risk of damaging the artwork. They reported their findings at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2019 National Meeting & Exposition.

Credit: Courtesy of Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center

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Techniques & Tools Spectroscopy

Charlotte Barker

After studying biology at Imperial College London, I got my start in biomedical publishing as a commissioning editor for healthcare journals, and I’ve spent my career covering everything from early-stage research to clinical medicine.