Ion beam analysis of gold jewelry

PIXE milliprobe in a nonvacuum assembly has been proven to be a very rapid and accurate method for the elemental analysis of gold jewelry artefacts. Using protons whose energy is lower than 3 MeV, it is possible to obtain, in a few minutes, the actual composition (copper, iron, gold, silver, etc.) of narrow parts of artefacts, without any sampling, even at microscopic level. Most of the studies of our group in this field concern solders on these jewelry items. Narrow regions of gold artefacts have also been studied with a PIXE microprobe. They were then irradiated in vacuum. Nuclear reaction analyses induced by 2 MeV deuterons are also performed to identify the presence of light elements and, particularly O, N and S. Traces of these elements are of primary importance to characterize the origin of the ores used in various workmanships. Interferences of X-ray lines of Au with those of traces of Cu and Zn are solved using a method of selective excitation of X-rays of these elements. Analytical results have been interpreted in order to understand the workmanship of goldsmiths from the Antiquity. Fakes and repairs (or ornaments added to original artefacts) may also be identified. The ancient recipes are improved to give new soldering procedures at low temperature. (orig.)