• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.209-216
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• 2019

Lead isotope ratios in horse-shaped bronze buckles excavated from the Songjeol-dong site in Cheongju and the mid-western region of the Korean Peninsula have been determined by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. The lead isotope ratios of the samples with data provenance were plotted in zone 3 of the South Korean galena map. The results indicated that the horse-shaped bronze buckles could be made using galena located in the same area as the archaeological site. These results can be used as basic data for comparison purposes in future studies on the manufacturing technology and provenance of bronze artifacts.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.146-159
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• 2024

In this study, a study on the production technology of the Buddha statue and the production of raw material origin was conducted through scientific analysis on the Bronze seated Bodhisattva Statue of Goseongsa Temple, a treasure. As a result of microstructure analysis through a metal microscope, it was confirmed that the microstructure of the Bronze seated Bodhisattva Statue of Goseongsa Temple was a process-type dendritic structure, and the casting structure of bronze was well represented, so it was manufactured through casting. Subsequently, as a result of analyzing the alloy composition ratio through SEM-EDS, it was identified as a ternary alloy with 81.26 wt% of copper (Cu) and 16.42 wt% of tin (Sn) and 1.72 wt% of lead (Pb). The results of the analysis of lead isotope ratios using a thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS) were substituted into the distribution of lead isotope ratios on the Korean Peninsula, it was shown in corresponding to Jeolla-do and Chungcheong-do regions and North and South Gyeongsang Province. This suggests that the raw materials used in their production were likely sourced from the mines around Goseong Temple in Gangjin. Despite the fact that the statue is a medium and large Buddha with a total height of 51 centimeters, 1.72 wt% of lead (Pb) was found as a result of alloy composition ratio analysis, which showed a similar composition to the lead content ratio of small bronze and gilt-bronze Buddha statues. Therefore, we compared and analyzed the results of the analysis of the composition ratio of the alloys of bronze and gilt bronze statues, which has been scientifically analyzed with a compositional age similar to that of the Bronze seated Bodhisattva Statue of Goseongsa Temple. Comparison results, Various factors, such as the size of the Buddha statue as well as its stylistic characteristics and the age of composition, may exist in determining the alloy composition ratio of the bronze and gilt bronze Buddha statues, and it was confirmed that the alloy composition ratio or casting technology was properly adjusted when the Buddha statue was created. In other words, it is judged that a more comprehensive system of Buddha statue production technology should be investigated by conducting archaeological and art history studies on stylistic characteristics and age of composition, as well as scientific analysis results such as observation of internal structure, microstructure observation, and analysis of alloy composition ratio using radiation transmission irradiation.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.189-202
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• 2016

To figure out the material characteristics about slag and raw materials which are founded in iron product sites in Seosan area, we used XRF, EDS to analysis chemical compositions. Also we observe the microstructure by microscope and SEM. To identify the mineral component, XRD analysis was used and to assume the provenance of the raw material, lead isotope ratio analysis was used. From the results, we figure out that slags are non-ferrous created when metal was refined. Also, main tissue of slags were Fayalite, Galena, Magnetite, and raw materials were identified as mineral of Galena, Anglesite, Pyrite etc. From the result about lead isotope ratio analysis, we found out most samples are classified as the Western Gyeonggi massif in South Korea. Especially three of raw materials and slag samples which collected in the Seosan Doseongri was presumed to be the provenance. We figure out that slags we analyzed were made in non-ferrous metal smelting process and especially that were more likely to smelt from Seosan Doseongri. If various slags in this area are analysed by someone, It will contribute understanding non-ferrous metal refining process as well as metal refining which are composed.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.191-197
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• 1992

An ancient Korean bronze dagger excavated from Yongjai-ri, Iksan-kun, presumed to be manufactured in the pre-historical age, was examined by means of chemical analysis, energy dispersive spectrometry, optical and scanning electron microscopy. Also the measurement of lead isotope ratios was carried out in order to predict the site where raw materials were produced. The composition was identified as 75.3% Cu, 17.1% Sn and 6.8% Pb which was a typical composition of Korean bronze dagger. The microstructure was consisted of ${\alpha}$ and (${\alpha}+{\delta}$) eutectoid. The (${\alpha}+{\delta}$) eutectoid can be easily corroded in comparison with ${\alpha}$. The segregation was frequently observed in the interior of the sample. According to the lead isotopes ratios, raw materials have possibility to be from North China.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.475-499
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• 2023

To infer the provenance of raw iron materials utilized in iron production at the archaeological sites in Gyeongsang province, petrographic and geochemical analyses were conducted for smelting samples and major iron ores sourced from ore deposits. The smelting samples excavated from various iron archaeological sites were classified into different types according to their refining processes, such as iron bloom, iron bloom slag, pig iron, pig iron slag, forging iron flake, smithery iron, iron flake, and arrowhead. These samples exhibited discernable differences in their mineralogical components and texture. The enrichments of major elements such as aluminum and calcium in silicate minerals of the residual slags and the high contents of trace elements such as nickel and copper in some iron-making relics reflect the characteristics of raw iron ores, and thus can be regarded as potential indicators for inferring the provenance of source materials. In particular, the compositional ranges of Pb-Sr isotope ratios for the iron smelting samples were classified into three categories: 1) those exhibiting similar ratios to those of the raw iron ores, 2) those enriched in strontium isotope ratio, and 3) those enriched in both lead and strontium isotope ratios. The observed distinct Pb-Sr isotope characteristics in the iron smelting samples suggest the potential contribution of specific additives being introduced during the high-temperature refining process. These results provide a new perspective on the interpretation of the provenance study of the iron archaeological samples in Gyeongsang province, particularly in terms of the potential contribution of additives on the refining process.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.101-105
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• 2004

The laser ablation/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry is applied to the isotopic analysis of solid samples using a home-made instrument. The technique is convenient for solid sample analysis due to the onestep process of vaporization and ionization of the samples. The analyzed samples were lead, cadmium, molybdenum, and ytterbium. To optimize the analytical conditions of the technique, several parameters, such as laser energy, laser wavelength, size of the laser beam on the samples surface, and high voltages applied on the ion source electrodes were varied. Low energy of laser light was necessary to obtain the optimal mass resolution of spectra. The 532 nm light generated mass spectra with the higher signal-to-noise ratio compared with the 355 nm light. The best mass resolution obtained in the present study is ~1,500 for the ytterbium.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.392-404
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• 2015

Objectives: This study measured and analyzed the concentrations of crystalline silica, elemental carbon and the contribution ratio of pollutants which influence environmental and respiratory disease around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex in Daegu, Korea. Methods: We analyzed the crystalline silica and elemental carbon in the air according to FTIR(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and NIOSH(National Institute of Occupation Safety and Health) method 5040, respectively. In addition, lead stable isotopes, and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes were analyzed using MC-ICP/MS(Multi Collector-Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer), and IRMS(Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer), respectively. Results: The concentration of crystalline silica in the direct exposure area around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex was found to be $0.0014{\pm}0.0005mg/Sm^3$, but not to exceed the exposure standards of the ACGIH(American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists). In the case of the autumn, the direct exposure area was found to show a level 2.5 times higher than the reference area, and on the whole, the direct exposure area was found to have a level 1.4 times higher than the reference area. The concentration of elemental carbon in the direct exposure area and in the reference area were found to be $0.0014{\pm}0.0006mg/Sm^3$, and $0.0006{\pm}0.0003mg/Sm^3$, respectively. This study confirmed the contribution ratio of coal raw materials to residentially deposited dusts in the area within 500 meters from the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and the surrounding area with a stable isotope ratio of 24.0%(0.7-62.7%) on average in the case of carbon and nitrogen, and 33.9%(26.6-54.1%) on average in the case of lead stable isotopes. Conclusions: This study was able to confirm correlations with coal raw materials used by the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and the surrounding area. The concentration of some pollutants, crystalline silica, and elemental carbon emitted to the direct-influence area around the Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex were relatively higher than in the reference area. Therefore, we need to impose continuous and substantive reduction countermeasures in the future to prevent particulate matter and coal raw materials in the study area. It is time for the local government and authorities to prepare active administrative methods such as the relocation of Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex.

• Journal of Conservation Science
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.305-311
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• 2018

The yellow crystalline material present in yellow and green glass beads excavated from sites in the Baekje region of Korea was previously analyzed through scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, revealing that the yellow crystalline material was $PbSnO_3$. This material is a pigment that is rarely seen in the Korean peninsula. Furthermore, some studies have been published on the provenance of lead in this material, which revealed no relationship to Korea, China, or Japan. In this study, we collected all accessible results of analyses on the lead isotope ratio of yellow and green glass beads excavated from the Korean peninsula, specifically from 7 sites in the Baekje region(located in the vicinity of Seoul, Wanju, Hwaseong, Osan, Gongju, Buyeo, and Iksan) and 2 sites in the Silla region(located in the vicinity of Gyeongju and Changnyeong). We subsequently investigated the lead provenance of the opacifying agents in the glass beads through comparison with the current extent of the galena data accumulated for the East Asian region, including Korea, China, and Japan, and for Thailand(Kanchanaburi Province), Southeast Asia. Our analysis determined that the lead provenance of the glass beads excavated from the Korean peninsula was Thailand(Kanchanaburi Province). Beyond our results, further studies should seek to determine the production sites of the glass beads. Obtaining and comparing the scientific analyses of glass beads from India and Southeast Asia would enable research on the glass beads trade through the maritime silk road.

• Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.123-135
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• 2018

This study tried to find the clue to Seokrok province by comparing Seokrok used in painting culture properties with Seokrok ore from domestic occurrence and imported Seokrok ore. To this end, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of painting cultural properties were identified with portable X-ray Florescence (p-XRF), micro X-ray diffraction (micro XRD) and SEM/EDS Analysis. To obtain Pb isotopic ratio, the Pb contained in Seokrok has been analyzed with Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometer. Atacamite (or botallackite) and small quantity of brochantite were identified from Seokrok in Dancheong, and malachite was also identified from Buddhist painting besides those two ingredients. Without distinction of type, most Seokrok used in painting cultural properties is atacamite composed of Cu and Cl. From Pb isotope analysis, it was found that Seokrok in painting cultural properties was closer to that of north Korea, north China and Japan than south Korea as in regional division for East North Asia suggested by Mabuchi. The Pb isotopic ratio of domestic green mineral belongs to the distribution of Seokrok inside the painting cultural properties but imported malachite showed considerably difference. Considering the fact that atacamite, the main mineral of Seokrok in painting cultural properties is rarely produced from southern mine of the Korean Peninsula and the result of Pb isotope analysis.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.429-434
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• 2012

The objective of this study was to identify Pb pollution sources of sediments in Lake Andong. We analysed Pb isotopes in sediments from Lake Andong, soils and mining tails from the watershed as well as sludges and wastewater from zinc smelting facilities which exists in upper stream of Lake Andong. The Pb isotope ratios ($^{207}Pb/^{206}Pb$ and $^{208}Pb/^{206}Pb$) for sediments are $0.827{\pm}0.004$ and $2.041{\pm}0.015$, which showed similar values with those of mining tails, $0.815{\pm}0.002$ and $2.016{\pm}0.006$, respectively. The isotopic ratio values of soils existed in the range of 0.756~0.881 and 1.872~2.187. In imported zinc ores, the isotopic ratio values existed in the range of 0.816~0.956 (mean 0.832) and 2.029~2.219 (mean 2.059). These values were similar to those in zinc and lead concentrate originated from Canada and South America. Additionally, isotopic ratio values for sludge and wastewater were $17.515{\pm}0.155$, $15.537{\pm}0.018$, and $37.357{\pm}0.173$, respectively. The Pb isotopic ratio of sediments showed binary combination patterns with soil and mining tails, which were similar to those for Korean Pb ore.