A new method for fingerprinting ochre sources using mineral magnetic measurements

Abstract

Fingerprinting of iron-rich natural pigments commonly known as ochre, provides the opportunity to trace the cultural movement of these ochres in the archaeological past. This manuscript presents a proof-of-concept approach to the analysis and characterisation of ochre deposits, through the application of magnetic analytical methods. The use of measurements such as room temperature – saturation isothermal remnant magnetisation (RT-SIRM), isothermal magnetisation sweeps (hysteresis loops) and zero-field-cooled/field-cooled (ZFC-FC) remanence allow for the identification of a magnetic mineral profile in the ochre samples, which can, in turn, be used to fingerprint sources. Using low-temperature..