Methodology for the non-destructive characterization of jadeite-jade for archaeological studies.

The present paper proposes a methodology that complies with the requirements of identifying and characterizing jadeite (and its associated minerals) for archaeological studies, avoiding the acquisition of samples and ensuring the integrity of the object. The methodology exploits a carefully selected array of techniques (optical microscopy, UV fluorescence photography, X-Ray digital radiography, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, X-Ray fluorescence and particle induced X-ray emission spectroscopies) that, despite not definitively replacing laboratory procedures, provides a first mineral and elemental evaluation of jadeite archaeological objects. The proposed methodology was applied in the characterization of twelve different jade tones, allowing the identification of major – jadeite, albite and omphacite – and minor – pumpellyite, actinolite, analcime, rutile, grossular and titanite – mineral phases. To display its advantages and limitations, this methodology was also compared with a characterization employing specific gravity measurements and with an invasive methodology based on petrography and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy.