Neutrons as a probe of large volume specimens: the case of archaeological pottery findings

Aim of the present work is the characterization of several amphora fragments from Sicily (Southern Italy), in order to analyse their composition and relations in terms of mineral contents. Neutron diffraction allowed us to carry out a detailed quantitative identification of the mineral phases present in the samples. This information together with previously published data, allowed us to hypothesize different geographical attributions for the analysed samples. Time-of-flight (TOF) neutron diffraction measurements were performed on both large fragments and powders obtaining mineral phase fractions in good agreement. This approach shows the particular advantage of the technique in cultural heritage studies requiring non-destructive investigations of intact objects.