Nondestructive analysis of potassium in ancient glass on the base of its natural gamma activity

Abstract

The concentration of K₂O in historical glass objects was measured by gamma ray spectrometry. The method involved using moulds of the objects filled with material of known K₂O content. The results obtained were found to be close to results previously obtained by traditional methods and well within accepted tolerances in such cases. Gamma ray spectrometry produces results based on the whole object, not just on a sample of it which in the case of historical glass may not be representative. The method is completely nondestructive as no sample is taken, which allows it to be used for museum glass when destrucdon may not be permitted.