Optical and Electron Microscopy are central methods in Archaeological Sciences. Highly magnified images can reveal minute details not otherwise visible, and help identify details of the formation and history of an archaeological find that are not otherwise obtainable. Below we give a collection of microscopic images showcasing the beauty of science.
copper smelting slag from Akladi cheiri, E Bulgaria |
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Delafossite (CuFeO2) forms characteristic plate-like and often slightly curved crystals. Cuprite (Cu2O) is cubic, forming here very small crystals. The lower photograph is taken under crossed polarisers and shows the strong anisotropy of delafossite as well as the deep red internal reflections of cuprite. |
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Chalcolithic copper smelting slag from Akladi cheiri, E Bulgaria |
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Delafossite (CuFeO2) forms characteristic plate-like and often slightly curved crystals. Cuprite (Cu2O) is cubic, forming here very small crystals. The lower photograph is taken under crossed polarisers and shows the strong anisotropy of delafossite as well as the deep red internal reflections of cuprite. |
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