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Glossary 

Methods of identification
  1. Optical light microscopy: inorganic pigments can be identified by observing their unique crystalline structure under polarised light.
  2. SEM-EDX. The scanning electron microscope can identify chemical elements.
  3. FTIR Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy can identify classes of materials.
  4. XRD X-ray diffraction will positively identify crystalline materials.  Methods 2, 3 and 4 all rely on the unique way in which different molecules absorb light or other types of radiation.

Acknowledgments

Polarised light microscopy by the Royal Pavilion Conservation Section. Additional analysis by SEM-EDX, XRD, and FTIR was undertaken by the University of Southampton, English Heritage and the National Gallery, London.

 

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