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We herein report the application of a combined spectroscopic approach for the analysis of eight stratified glass eye beads unearthed from China, which was dated back to the Warring States Period (475 bc to 221 bc). Portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) was used to determine that seven samples were typical natron type soda-lime-silicate glass beads with low contents of MgO and K2O except for one plant-ash type soda-lime-silicate sample. In addition, combined with micro-Raman spectroscopy, two different types of colorants were present in these beads, namely oxidized transition metals such as Co, Cu and Fe, and antimony-based compound opacifiers/colorants. Furthermore, the distribution of their glassy and scattering phases could be determined by the optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, in which it exhibits that their morphologies were related to their Sb contents. According to the determined typology, chemical composition, micro-crystal, and eyeball structural characteristics within the samples, the possible relations among them were speculated. It is the most interesting finding that seven natron type soda-lime glasses could be imported from the eastern Mediterranean area and one plant-ash type glass could be imported from the eastern region of the Euphrates River such as Iran area. Finally, through comparison with similar contemporary beads excavated from the famous tomb of Marquis Yi of the Zeng State (~433 bc) in the Hubei Province, provenance studies of these beads were carried out, and their origins and relationships are discussed briefly. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 46 stratified glass eye beads in Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan, China were analyzed in situ by means of portable X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectrometers. These beads were excavated from the famous tomb of Marquis Yi of the Zeng State, which was dated back to the early Warring States Period (433 bc or little late), in Hubei Province. It is determined that most of these elegant glass beads belong to the typical soda-lime-silicate glasses with low contents of MgO and K2O. The colorants used within these beads are attributed to two types: antimony-based compound opacifiers/colorants and the transition metals in their oxidized state such as Co, Cu, and Fe ions. According to their characteristics of typology, chemical composition, and micro-crystals within samples, we classified them into three subtypes and evaluated the possible relations among them. In addition, through comparing with the similar contemporary samples unearthed from Xu Jialing Tomb (5th-4th century bc) in Henan Province, we discussed the provenance of these stratified glass eye beads and relative issues briefly. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 33 ancient glass beads unearthed from the Kizil reservoir cemetery and Wanquan cemetery in Xinjiang are studied using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry ( SEM- EDS) and other methods. The detailed study of the glassy matrices, the crystalline inclusions and the microstructural heterogeneities for these glass beads has revealed some valuable information to help in the understanding of their possible manufacturing technology and provenance. At least two different types of glass were present in the two cemeteries. For the first time, antimony-based colourant/opacifier-for example, Pb2 Sb2 O7 or CaSb2 O6-was systematically identified in some beads of plant-ash type soda-lime glass dated to about 1000-500 bc. The limited number of potash glass beads from the Kizil reservoir cemetery, which were dated to about 500-300 bc, used tin oxide as an opacifier. The diverse resources of the soda-lime and potash glasses indicate the existence of a complex trade network between China and the West much earlier than the Western Han Dynasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-seven glass beads excavated from the Han Dynasty tombs in Hepu county, Guangxi, China, were analyzed using a portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometer. Reference sample Corning glass D is used to check precision and accuracy of the equipment for major and minor components. The results of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and PXRF are compared to evaluate the quality of equipment for trace elements. Combined with the contents of Al2O3 and CaO, a new criterion of subgroup division for potash glass based on the levels of trace elements (Rb and Sr) is proposed. The correlations of Rb and K, Rb and Al, and Sr and Ca are discussed. It is thought that saltpeter was the main flux used to produce potash glasses of different groups. The positive correlation between Rb and Al, and Rb and K indicates that potassium aluminosilicate minerals may be used as raw minerals for potash glasses of group II. The results indicate that the levels of Rb and Sr can be very helpful in subgroup definition and provide useful clues to the raw materials used for glassmaking and provenance study of the potash glass found in Guangxi, China. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]