标题：Application of a laboratory micro-X-ray diffractometer (RIGAKU DMAX RAPID II) in the archaeometric analysis of archaeological artefacts – case studies of metal objects = Laboratóriumi mikro-röntgendiffraktométer (RIGAKU DMAX RAPID II) alkalmazása régészeti leletek archeometriai vizsgálatában fémtárgyak példáján
摘要：X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a widely used method to specify the mineralogical composition of archaeological
artefacts, e.g. the material of inlays or corrosion products of metal objects. Laboratory micro-XRD instruments,
like the RIGAKU DMAX RAPID II micro-X-ray diffractometer (μ-XRD), can be used instead of conventional Xray
(powder) diffraction analysis if sampling is not or just limitedly allowed due to e.g. the high value of the
archaeological object. In these cases, in situ non-destructive measurements directly on the object or on the
detached, small-sized samples are preferred. The possible application of this laboratory micro-XRD instrument
in the analysis of archaeological metal objects is demonstrated on the example of three case studies.
In order to reconstruct the manufacturing technique of Roman-period niello (black metal sulphide), niello inlays
of a late Roman silver augur staff were analysed. Due to the uniqueness and high value of the well-dated and
intact object, only non-destructive analytical methods were permitted. Based on the SEM-EDS and μ-XRD
results, five niello types were found on the object: pure silver sulphide and different silver-copper sulphides
(with silver/copper ratio from 3:1 to 1:1). The object was originally decorated with these diverse niello inlays
indicating that silver-copper sulphide niello, even stromeyerite (AgCuS), was used by the Roman craftsmen twohundred
years earlier (last third of 3rd century AD) than the previous studies indicated (end of 5th century AD).
