The source of calcium and phosphorus in the Islamic glazed ceramic recovered in the town port of Mertola (Portugal).

Abstract

This text presents the potential of a micro-analytical approach for the characterization of different inclusions identified in the ceramic paste and on the glazed decorations of some green and manganese Islamic ceramics recovered in the town port of Mértola (South-freern of Portugal). The samples were analysed using a stereoscopic microscope, by scanning electron microscope coupled to an energy dispersive X-Ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS) and by μRaman spectroscopy. The complementarity and potentials of these analytical techniques allowed the chemical, microstructural and molecular characterization of the inclusions identified in the ceramic paste and on the glazed decorations. Results established that they were enriched calcium and phosphorous. Moreover, μRaman spectroscopy established that apatite was added in the for of bone fragments, both to the glaze and to the ceramic paste.