Offering a range of services from petrographic analysis to chemical data to other instrumental techniques and experimental approaches
Petrographic Analysis
The study of pottery or other material under a microscope can provide significant information on its composition, technology, and provenance (where it was made). This method is the principal technique offered by Ownby Analytical, LLC.
Prices for petrographic analysis are based on the number of samples, the level of analysis (qualitative or quantitative point-counting), and the detail of information required (basic descriptions or full report). Sampling and analysis of raw materials such as clay and sand can be included.
In order to provide an accurate quote, please download the instruction sheet below to learn what to consider with your project and what information to include.
Chemical Data
For certain projects the addition of chemical data can be helpful for better clarifying modes of production and potting communities. Such data can be acquired through various instruments with neutron activation analysis being the principal method in the United States. Ownby Analytical, LLC can arrange for this data to be acquired or examine existing data statistically to clarify patterns and select samples for other techniques, such as ceramic petrography.
Prices are based on the services requested, the facilities contracted, the sample numbers, and detail of report.
In order to provide an accurate quote, please download the instruction sheet below to learn what to consider with your project and what information to include.
Scanning Electron Microscopy and other Techniques
Some research questions are best addressed through the acquisition of high magnification images and/or chemical data on specific components. Scanning electron microscopy can be ideal for understanding composition (especially of small objects), firing temperatures, and the specific identity of individual constituents. Another technique is laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, which is appropriate for investigating surface coatings or paints. If other techniques are more suitable to providing particular data that addresses the research questions, these can be arranged.
Prices are based on the services requested, the facilities contracted, the sample numbers, and detail of report. For these techniques, the specifics of the material is very important especially in terms of composition and size.
In order to provide an accurate quote, please download the instruction sheet below to learn what to consider with your project and what information to include.
HunterLab Portable MiniScan EZ 4000 Spectrophotometer
Ownby Analytical, LLC has an exciting new service to offer! We can now perform high precision color measurement with a HunterLab portable MiniScan EZ 4000 spectrophotometer. This instrument is ideal for refired pottery, ceramic slips, petroglyphs, pigments, lithics, soils, glass, and any artifacts where distinguishing by color is critical for analysis. Various color scales can be used, such as L*, a*, b*, and Y. Statistical analyses can be performed on the resultant data. Analysis is objective, quick, accurate, and high volume. Ownby Analytical, LLC staff can carry out the analyses or clients can be quickly trained to do them. Contact us today for more information!
Below is an article that illustrates the use of this amazing instrument!
Experimental Studies
For many projects experimental replication studies can provide significant and useful information. Often these comprise production of test tiles or small vessels from clay collected in the research area. Clays can be investigated for workability and pots produced through either hand-building or wheel throwing. Firings can be in an electric kiln or a bonfire to accurately reflect past technology. The addition of temper, organic matter, or other components can be scientifically controlled to assess their impact on the clay paste. For experimental studies the options are endless and are tailored to each research project.
Prices are based on the the type of work and material and what analyses will be conducted to examine the experimental products, such as ceramic petrography.
In order to provide an accurate quote, please download the instruction sheet below to learn what to consider with your project and what information to include.