208 -- The Characterization of Chemical Components of Tin Slag and Maya Pottery Samples Through Raman Spectroscopy

SUNY Geneseo has recently purchased a Raman spectrometer in order to quantitatively study the chemistry of the individual phases of samples. The spectrometer is able to examine the changes in bonding environments in both mineral and pottery samples. In particular, the Raman spectrometer was used to study Bronze Age tin slag associated with the Adirondacks in order to determine the connection between color and chemistry. This experiment consisted of determining the necessary settings on the Raman spectrometer in order to examine the desired qualities. The goal was to be able to distinguish between the various inclusions and components in a given sample of tin slag to determine possible environmental impacts. In addition to tin slag samples, Maya pottery samples were also studied with the goal of identifying the components. Raman spectroscopy is particularly useful in the study of pottery samples because it allows for quick and non-destructive quantitative examination. The final goal of this project is to identify differences between stylistic types and the geological locations where various samples of pottery were made.