Mineralogical Investigations of Medieval Brick Samples From Békés County (se Hungary)
Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: Brick samples from nine archaeological sites representing seven contemporary medieval settlements in Békés County (SE Hungary) were analysed by quantitative X‐ray powder diffraction, optical microscopic, scanning electron microscopic and coupled thermal analytical – evolved gas analytical methods. The aims of this study were to give a mineralogical–petrographical characterization of the brick samples, to gain possible information on the raw clay and the admixed materials, and to determine the firing techniques applied in medieval southeastern Hungary. The mineralogical composition of the samples suggests that the locally extracted clay was mixed with fluvial sand and wheat (Triticum monococcum L.) chaff. The moulded bricks were fired in clamps. The different degrees of calcite consumption suggest that the firing temperature ranged from ∼750°C to ∼950°C. Moreover, the well‐developed reaction coronas on calcite grains indicate long firing times, lasting perhaps several days.
Source: Archaeometry
Authors: F. KRISTÁLY, É. KELEMEN, P. RÓZSA, I. NYILAS, I. PAPP
Institutions: University of Miskolc, University of Debrecen
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1544425630