Evidences from infrared and Raman spectra: Xiaomeiling is one reasonable provenance of nephrite materials used in Liangzhu Culture

Abstract

The Raman and infrared spectra of fresh Xiaomeiling nephrite are investigated and compared with Neolithic nephrite artifacts from the lower reaches of Yangtze River. An extensive comparison shows that these nephrite artifacts probably come from the same nephrite deposit and the spectral characteristics of Xiaomeiling nephrite are highly consistent with these nephrite artifacts, especially from Liangzhu Culture. Other characteristics of Xiaomeiling nephrite, such as primary colors, chemical compositions and rock structures, also mostly coincide with these nephrite artifacts. Combined with the major element compositions of Xiaomeiling nephrite and the nephrite artifacts from Liangzhu Culture, the coupling effect of Na+-Al3+ dominated by short-range order of cations in Raman and infrared spectra is discussed in detail. Take into account these evidences, Xiaomieling as one significant provenance of nephrite materials used in Liangzhu Culture ought not to be excluded, although perhaps not a unique source.