Analysis of Some Chinese Potash Glass by Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (LA-ICP-AES) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) were applied to analyze ancient Chinese potash glass. The surfaces of glasses were polished over 100 μm, then pre-ablation was performed to avoid surface weathering effect, and laser ablation was performed in the designed route to eliminate influence of heterogeneity. The glasses were classified into three subgroups by their lime and alumina concentrations, and they may have different recipe and production center. There are various colorants in these glass including metallic copper, and ions of manganese, copper and cobalt. The characteristics of rare earth elements of Chinese potash glass were studied for the first time and it was successfully used to separate the potash glass of Fengmenling and Jiuzhiling. The features of two methods in the studies of ancient glass were discussed.