Provenance Analyses of Ancient Stones Using Scientific Methods

Dear Colleagues,

The significance of “marble” in a wider sense as a prestigious material throughout history for the self-representation of the elites is uncontested in the field of research in cultural and historical antiquity. The knowledge of the place or region of origin of different types of marble, decorative metamorphic and magmatic rocks is of appreciable importance in studies in archaeology or art history. The intention of this Special Issue is to motivate scientists and archaeologists working in this field to present the current status of their work, thus contributing to the knowledge of the provenance, use and application of white marble and other stones. Studies and discussions on all kinds of scientific methods, including mineralogical and petrographic investigations and geochemical research (trace element geochemistry, isotope analyses, cathodoluminescence or other analytical methods) used in these investigations are welcome. We also encourage the submission of case studies of material analyses of artefacts based on scientific methods. A crucial aspect when evaluating the assignment of these materials to their source is the processing of the data obtained by the analytical investigations and the comparison with quarry data. Therefore, contributions to databanks and statistical calculations in the context of material analysis of stone artefacts are equally welcome.

Dr. Walter Prochaska
Dr. Vasiliki Anevlavi
Guest Editors

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• provenance analysis
• isotope analysis
• trace element analysis
• petrography
• microscopic investigation
• SEM investigation