The classification and interpretation of tin smelting remains from South West England. A study of the microstructure and chemical composition of tin smelting slags from Devon and Cornwall, and the effect of technological developments upon the character of slags.

摘要

Artefacts relating to tin smelting from tin mills or ¿blowing houses¿ in Devon andudCornwall, plus material from smelting sites that cover a range of dates from the BronzeudAge through to the 19th Century, were examined: these include metallic tin, furnaceudlinings, ore samples and slag.udAnalysis of tin slags from over forty sites was carried out, to determine microstructureudand chemical composition. Techniques employed included optical and scanning electronudmicroscopy, X-ray fluorescence and ICP mass spectrometry. Analysis indicates thatudslag appearance and composition are heavily influenced by local geology. Composition,udparticularly iron content, is shown to have a strong effect on slag melting point andudviscosity, and the implications for the purity of metal produced are discussed.udBringing together the evidence provided by slag chemistry, documentary sources andudsmelting remains in the archaeological record, changes in tin smelting technologyudthrough time, and the consequences thereof, are considered.