In materials analysis, it's often the trace elements that tell the tale
Re: Chinese Cloisonné -- Beadman Post Reply Edit Forum Where am I?
Posted by: beadiste Post Reply
08/17/2018, 11:02:22

Related pyro industries in an area likely tap the same sources of sand, calcium, soda, potash and other minerals. Which often have tell-tale trace element components that reveal their source.

The fluorite crystals in the turquoise cloisonne glass enamel is of interest, as fluorspar has a long history of use in Chinese ceramics.

Per Wikipedia:
Major fluorspar deposits are located in South Africa, Mexico, China and Mongolia. Historically, the mineral was used in ceramics manufacture as a fluxing agent, helping the enamel stick to porcelain in the firing process. ... The mineral itself is known as fluorite, its chemical symbol is CaF2, calcium fluoride.



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