Ash and Dung Calcitic Micro-remains

Shira Gur-Arieh, Ruth Shahack-Gross

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Ash pseudomorphs and dung spherulites are calcitic micro-remains. The former is found in large quantities in wood ash and the latter in animal dung. In this chapter, we describe the formation and composition of these micro-remains and discuss their significance for archaeological interpretation. Additionally, we describe the methods used for their extraction from archaeological deposits, identification using a polarized light microscope and quantification. Finally, we highlight their preservation potential and discuss taphonomic processes that may result in misidentification and/or impaired archaeological interpretation.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationInterdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages117-147
Number of pages31
DOIs
StatePublished - 2020

Publication series

NameInterdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology

Keywords

  • Archaeological interpretation
  • Ash pseudomorphs
  • Composition
  • Dung spherulites
  • Extraction
  • Formation
  • Preservation
  • Quantification

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Archaeology
  • Archaeology

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