Calcium X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra: A thermometer for the firing temperature of ceramics?

Abstract Test samples have been fabricated similar to Poverty Point Objects (PPOs) using silty loam from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Poverty Point. In an oxidative atmosphere these objects were fired in a defined way to 3000C, 5000C, and 8000C respectively. For all samples, including a non-heated one, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra were measured at the Ca-K-edge. Two of the characteristic features of these spectra were used for obtaining for the first time a calibration curve for determining the firing temperature of ceramic objects. Using this calibration curve, the “firing temperature”, i.e. the highest temperature these objects have been used at of two Poverty Point Objects found at smaller sites (Terral Lewis, Caney Mounds) could be estimated at ~5000C - a typical temperature for a wood fire. This result supports in a direct way the hypothesis that at least some of the Poverty Point Objects have been used as cooking stones.