X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Technique used to determine the major and trace elements in the chemical composition of such materials as ceramics, obsidian, and glass. A sample is bombarded with X-rays, and the wavelengths of the released energy, or fluorescent X-rays, are detected and measured. Different elements have unique wavelengths, and their concentrations can be estimated from the intensity of the released X-rays. This analysis may, for example, help an archaeologist in identifying the source of a material.