Quantitative comparisons of the color of CuAs, CuSn, CuNi, and CuSb alloys

Marianne Mödlinger*, Maikel H.G. Kuijpers, Dennis Braekmans, Daniel Berger

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

    31 Citations (Scopus)
    96 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    The colors of copper alloys are of particular interest in archaeology and can be characterized quantitatively and systematically. The CIELAB color system can determine different color parameters such as a* b* and L* by means of a spectrophotometer that describes the surface color. Additional information such as C* and h values can be calculated from these parameters which allows one to build a set of color-composition diagrams that connects chromaticity and alloy composition. With such data it is possible to estimate the color of prehistoric metal artifacts with similar chemical composition. A better understanding of the association between metallurgical composition and color will aid the research of prehistoric metalwork because choices in production and use of metal were likely influenced by this particular quality of metal.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)14-23
    JournalJournal of Archaeological Science
    Volume88
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2017

    Bibliographical note

    Accepted Author Manuscript

    Keywords

    • CIELAB
    • Color measurements
    • Copper alloys
    • Prehistoric metal work

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