Trace element characterization of obsidian from the Transcarpathian Ukraine

Non-destructive energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis was conducted on geological obsidian references samples from Carpathian 3 localities within the territory of the Ukrainian Transcarpathia. These data augment the trace element “signature” for this chemical variety of obsidian, which we applied to compare with trace element data determined on obsidian artifacts from nearby archaeological sites. The results: 1) document the local use and importance of Carpathian 3 obsidian, and 2) show use of non-local (Carpathian 1) volcanic glass at local geological outcrops of Carpathian 3 obsidian, suggesting prehistoric conveyance of Carpathian 1 volcanic glass in to Ukrainian Transcarpathian archaeological sites during the Upper Paleolithic period.