Modern technology has allowed for non-destructive research of archaeological materials. These new methods number many and all have their advantages and disadvantages. One of the most popular non...Show moreModern technology has allowed for non-destructive research of archaeological materials. These new methods number many and all have their advantages and disadvantages. One of the most popular non-destructive devices used for material analysis is portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) machines. This thesis examines the various advantages and disadvantages of these machines, how they are used in an archaeological and conservation/museum context. Case studies have been collected and compared to an oversight of how pXRF machines are being used. The thesis concludes that pXRF devices are reliable, easy to use, cheap, non-destructive and informative devices. They also have consistent flaws such as the limited depth x-rays can penetrate, results that are not as precise as other methods and the 'point and shoot' mentality that it spawned. These problems can all either be solved or be compensated for.Show less
