Geochemistry Lab

The laboratory uses archaeometric-geochemical methods to investigate various inorganic and organic materials in order to trace cultural and economic-technological changes in early societies.

A particular focus is on the investigation of the origin and (re-)processing of raw materials in order to take a closer look at the organisation of production and trade networks through parallels between metals, glass and glass-like materials, pigments and dyes.

Current research focuses on experimental analytical approaches for the further development of tracer techniques in mass spectrometry and on the further development of reference databases. This includes geological prospection, material synthesis and analysis, the further development of sampling protocols based on techniques of conservation-restoration science, as well as the testing and calibration of different isotope systems for archaeometric questions.

Methods of Analysis

Mineralogical-petrographic characterisation, trace element and isotope analyses (e .g. Pb, Sr) and comparison with reference databases.