If two different pieces of obsidian have a similar, but not identical, chemical signature when measured with pXRF, is it likely that they are from a similar region? Is there a chance that obsidian sources from opposite sides of the world may happen to have a similar chemical signature?

Question

Simplifier · Accepted Answer

Okay, let's break this down! Imagine obsidian is like a batch of cookies. Each batch has a recipe (the chemical signature). If two batches of cookies have almost the same recipe, they probably came from the same kitchen, right? Similarly, if two obsidian pieces have a very similar chemical signature, it's a good bet they came from the same general area.

Now, could two cookie batches from different kitchens (opposite sides of the world) accidentally have almost the same recipe? It's *possible*,

Materials Science Engineer · Answer

As a materials scientist, I can offer some insight into this. While similar pXRF signatures suggest a common origin, it's not definitive proof. Obsidian formation is complex, influenced by the specific magma composition and cooling conditions at a volcanic site. Trace element concentrations, which pXRF measures, can be similar in geographically disparate locations due to analogous geological processes.

The likelihood of two obsidian samples from opposite sides of the world having nearly identic

Skeptic · Answer

Similar, but not identical? That raises immediate red flags. While pXRF can give us a chemical fingerprint, slight variations can indicate different flows within the same source, or entirely different sources altogether. To jump to the conclusion that they're from the same region requires more than just a casual glance at the data. We need statistical analysis, consideration of geological context, and comparison to known source signatures.

As for obsidian from opposite sides of the world having

Geochemist · Answer

From a geochemical perspective, similar pXRF signatures in obsidian samples suggest a shared geological origin, but with caveats. The minor variations likely reflect localized heterogeneities within a volcanic system or slight differences in magma evolution processes. Trace element ratios, particularly those of rare earth elements (REEs), are key indicators. If these ratios are consistent, a common source is highly probable.

While theoretically possible, it's exceedingly unlikely that obsidian

Obsidian Sourcing Archaeologist · Answer

As an obsidian sourcing archaeologist, I can tell you that similar, but not identical, pXRF signatures between two obsidian artifacts suggest a potential connection, but require careful interpretation. While pXRF is a valuable screening tool, slight variations in elemental composition can arise even within the same obsidian source due to natural geological processes. These variations can be due to minor differences in the lava flow or weathering. Therefore, similar signatures often point to sour

If two different pieces of obsidian have a similar, but not identical, chemical signature when measured with pXRF, is it likely that they are from a similar region? Is there a chance that obsidian sources from opposite sides of the world may happen to have a similar chemical signature?

Consensus

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Disagreement

Obsidian Sourcing Archaeologist

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Simplifier

Materials Science Engineer

Skeptic

Geochemist

Perspectives

Consensus

👍 Agreement

👎 Disagreement

Obsidian Sourcing Archaeologist

Points of agreement

Points of disagreement

Agreement

Disagreement