ANALYSES OF SOME "LITHARGE CAKES" FROM SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL, LONDON.

Author(s): P Budd

Eight fragments of "litharge cakes" excavated from Roman contexts were examined and analysed qualitatively byX-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence. The material was found to contain a number of lead compounds including litharge (lead monoxide) in hydrated form as well astraces of copper, silver and tin. It is likely that thematerial formed as a result of the cupellation of leadused to extract silver from a silver-containing copper alloy.

Report Number:
142/1987
Series:
AML Reports (New Series)
Pages:
3
Keywords:
Technology

Accessibility

If you require an alternative, accessible version of this document (for instance in audio, Braille or large print) please contact us:

Customer Service Department

Telephone: 0370 333 0607
Email: [email protected]

Research