Phase composition and microstructural heterogeneity of ancient ceramics from east Kazakhstan: raman spectroscopy, x-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

This study presents the results of a comprehensive investigation of ceramic fragments from the Shagantogay archaeological site (Makanchi District, Abay region, Republic of Kazakhstan) using modern non-destructive analytical techniques: Raman spectroscopy, X-ray microtomography, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Raman spectroscopy revealed a heterogeneous mineral composition of the ceramics, comprising quartz, anatase, feldspars, and carbonate phases. X-ray tomographic examination demonstrated significant differences in the internal structure of the ceramic samples, ranging from dense and homogeneous to highly porous with inclusions of organic origin. SEM-EDS data confirmed the variability of elemental composition, which correlates with the identified mineral phases.