A novel approach in the mineralogy of Carpathian mahogany obsidian using complementary methods

摘要

Carpathian obsidians can have various macroscopic features. They are typically black or grey and their transparency ranges from clear to opaque. The Tolcsva source, very rarely, can yield brown or red ('mahogany' type) obsidian. Archaeological, as well as geological pieces of mahogany obsidian were previously identified and characterised using Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA). In 2007, the exact location of the red variant's outcrop was identified on the Szokolya hill (Tolcsva). The aim of this study was to better understand the possible reasons for the colouring of red obsidian. A novel approach was applied, using multiple methods for the analysis of the samples. For comparison, other Carpathian type, namely black obsidian from Tolcsva, and red obsidian from Bogazkoy (Anatolia) were also studied.