A comparison of single- and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for lead isotope ratio determination as a tool for discriminating Roman mosaic glass tesserae of different provenance

Abstract

Since the beginning of the 1st millennium BC, lead has been used as components in the manufacturing of glass for improving its physical and optical properties. For Roman red glass (included mosaic glass tesserae), the addition of leas id also related with the final color, facilitating the formation of red cuprous oxide crystals into the glass melt. Owning to the addition of lead and the resulting high concentration in which it is present (as high as 30 wt%% PbO), lead isotope ratio determination can be deployed fro discriminating and provenancing purpose. Howeve, analysis of ancient glasses still presents some challenges (in terms of, e.g., complete digestion, influence of the concomitant matrix on the analysis results, limited sample availability). In this work, a set of red Roman mosaic glass tesserae is used to evaluate the capabilities and limitations of lead isotope ratio determination and to compare the precision and accuracy as provided by single collector and multi collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers with sample introduction by pneumatic nebulization or laser ablation. Also the influence od analyte isolation on the figures of merit will be discussed