The organic materials play an essential role in understanding ancient objects, whether it's a question of identifying components (binders, varnishes, waxes) or organic residues absorbed into archaeological objects.
CIRAM combines different techniques depending on the type of material and the purpose of the analysis:
Analyses are carried out on micro-samples (a few milligrams), with great precision.
Contact our teamsAnalysis of organic residues on artefacts (ceramics, tools, ritual objects) enables the reconstruction of ancient practices: diet, body treatment, rituals, craftsmanship. By identifying compounds such as fatty acids, resins, waxes or proteins, archaeologists gain valuable functional information about past civilizations.
The binders, varnishes and waxes used in works of art are chemical markers revealing an era, a workshop or a restoration. CIRAM identifies these materials and compares them with internal and scientific databases to detect inconsistencies or modern restorations.
The microanalysis involves studying the chemical and mineralogical composition of materials on a microscopic scale. It enables us to identify the constituent elements of stone, glass, ceramics, pigments and mineral deposits, and to understand their origin, transformation and alteration.
At CIRAM, this approach is based on high-resolution analytical instruments such as :
CIRAM uses microanalysis in projects involving authentication, conservation-restoration, archaeometry and the industrial traceability of materials.
Contact our teamsThanks to a material's chemical signature, it is possible to trace its geological origin or reconstruct the manufacturing processes used. These data are essential for :
Archaeological objects often have mineral deposits (crusts, efflorescences, patinas), the nature of which provides information about their conservation environment. CIRAM analyzes these layers to :
The metallography enables in-depth study of the composition, structure and manufacturing processes of ancient metal objects. It is essential for identifying alloys, detecting modern elements, analyzing patinas and understanding alterations.
At CIRAM, this analysis is based on complementary techniques:
This approach makes it possible to authenticate an object, characterize its manufacture, and guide conservation or appraisal actions, by combining chemical and historical data.
Contact our teamsFor copper alloys (bronze, brass) or silver objects, metallography can detect exogenous elements such as aluminum, chromium or manganese, often indicative of modern production. These markers, absent from older alloys, frequently betray recent production or an attempt at counterfeiting.
Analysis of patina, whether natural (formed over the long term by atmospheric corrosion) or artificial (created by chemical processes), reveals valuable chronological clues for dating an old work.
Finally, the study of the metal's microstructure can reveal its shaping techniques: molding, hammering, annealing or welding.
Iron objects present particular challenges due to their high susceptibility to corrosion. Metallography therefore focuses on the analysis of non-metallic inclusions and internal impurities, revealing ancient forging processes. The absence of certain treatments or the presence of characteristic inclusions make it possible to distinguish an ancient craft production from a modern object.
In the case of gold, which is not very susceptible to oxidation, characterization is based on the detection of trace elements (lead, bismuth, tin, etc.), whose concentrations may betray a chronological or geographical origin. These data are decisive in the attribution, appraisal or certification of works in precious metals.
Read moreFor over two decades, CIRAM has been a key player in the scientific analysis of ancient materials, both on the art market and in the archaeological and industrial sectors. industry. Its expertise is based on a unique combination of scientific rigor, state-of-the-art analytical equipment and a multidisciplinary team of PhDs in physics, chemistry, geosciences and materials.
Each analysis project benefits from a tailor-made protocol, designed to meet the customer's specific needs: study of the conservation of an art objectindirect dating, corrosion studies or validation of an industrial process.
Recognized by museums, auction houses, excavation operators and manufacturers, CIRAM' s approach guarantees the analytical reliability and legibility of results that have become benchmarks in Europe and worldwide.
The characterization of materials involves analyzing their chemical composition, structure and state of preservation in order to determine their origin, manufacture and age.
Our laboratories study a wide variety of materials, including ceramics, stone, glass, metals, wood, ivory, paper and antique textiles.
It allows us to identify the origin of materials, analyze manufacturing techniques and establish chronologies, thus providing a better understanding of the artifacts.
We use scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), Raman spectrometry and X-ray diffraction.
Analysis times vary according to the nature of the object and the techniques used. On average, an analysis can take from a few days to several weeks. A precise timetable is provided at the time of acceptance.
CIRAM has dated two fossilized pieces of wood, whose exceptional state of preservation is due in part to the fact that they were buried in a humid, oxygen-poor environment.
An indispensable dating method, carbon-14, or radiocarbon, is used to date archaeological artifacts, authenticate works of art, or measure bio-based content.
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