TY  - JOUR
A1  - Ströbele, Florian
A1  - Wenzel, Thomas
A1  - Kronz, Andreas
A1  - Hildebrandt, Ludwig H.
A1  - Markl, Gregor
T1  - Mineralogical and geochemical characterization of high-medieval lead–silver smelting slags from Wiesloch near Heidelberg (Germany)—an approach to process reconstruction
Y1  - 2010
VL  - 2
IS  - 3
SP  - 191
EP  - 215
JF  - Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences
DO  - 10.1007/s12520-010-0039-7
DO  - 10.23689/fidgeo-2672
N2  - Here, we present detailed electron microprobe analyses and age data of high-medieval lead–silver smelting slags. The mineral composition data provide a database of all silicate and oxide phases in the slag. Bulk chemistry as well as mineral composition is used to reconstruct liquidus, solidus, and viscosity of the slag melt. By calculating the mass balance of the smelting process, a mass ratio of the various compounds used in the smelting process is determined. Through this we were able to discriminate qualitatively between non-ferrous metal smelting slags and bloomery slags. We also report a new type and process of silver production in which argentiferous galmei (zinc carbonate) was used as a main silver ore together with galena. The results indicate a sophisticated high-medieval smelting technology, in which a slag with a low liquidus and a low viscosity was created.
UR  - http://resolver.sub.uni-goettingen.de/purl?gldocs-11858/6985
ER  -