Application of the external PIXE analysis to ancient Egyptian objects

Abstract

Mural paintings with ∼20 × 25cm 2 in size excavated in Egypt were analyzed by the external PIXE technique. Colored layers were stacked with white, yellow, red and black pigments in sequence, which were composed of Mg 3Ca(CO 3) 4 (white), αFeO·OH and As 2S 3 (yellow), αFe 2O 3 (red) and soot (black), respectively. A single particle of As 2S 3 was also found from the yellow colored part, which glinted in the sun. A thin paraffin layer did not disturb the PIXE analysis, which was a part of reinforcement materials for ancient remains and was flowed out from a back side to a surface region.