Application of physical–chemical analytical techniques in the study of ancient ceramics

The results of the study of 53 ceramic fragments from several archaeological deposits, supposedly Tartessian, are shown in this manuscript. Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy have been used for determining the color, the chemical and mineralogical composition, and interesting microstructures like microorganisms, tempers, vitrifications, and crystal formation.