[17] I. Reiche, K. Müller, A. Gourrier (2011). Towards a better understanding of alteration phenomena of archaeological bone by a closer look at the organic/mineral association at micro- and nanoscale. Preliminary results on Neolithic samples from Chalain lake site 19, Jura, France. ArcheoSciences, 35, 143-158.
Abstract:
In this paper we present the extension of
existing analytical schemes for the precise evaluation of
archaeological bone preservation states. The new methodological
developments concerning the study of the morphological and structural
features of archaeological bones at micro- and nanoscale are emphasized
in order to elucidate fine diagenetic modifications and to better
understand the underlying alteration mechanisms. A combination of
synchrotron X-ray microtomography, infrared micro-spectroscopy imaging
and quantitative scanning small-angle X-ray scattering (sSAXS) imaging
allowed studying micromorphological changes and the distribution of the
organic and mineral components of bone at a histological level.
Transmission electron microscopy gives precise information on changes
of apatite crystal dimensions, orientations, periodicity of collagen
fiber arrangement and crystal distributions within the fibers in
archaeological bone. It allows establishing criteria to evaluate more
precisely the preservation state of archaeological bone material with
respect to modern references. The potential of these methods is
highlighted on the basis of the study of some macroscopically well
preserved archaeological bone samples from the Chalain lake station 19,
Neolithic period, Jura, France. The investigations allowed a
differentiation in preservation state between these samples and the
postulation of an alteration sequence in such humid chalk-rich burial
environments.
