Why not set artifact on PH paper and look for color change?

Very Truly Yours,

Dr. Bob Haugen

Director of Product and Technology Development

Flow Sciences Inc.

2025 Mercantile Drive

Leland, NC 28451

Phone 910 332 4878

From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**med.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Allen Niemi
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 9:24 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Artifacts

After watching the Antiques Roadshow for years one of the things I've learned is that fake artifacts are often given an acid bath (or other corrosive substance depending on the artifact) to simulate the appearance of age. It could be that the acid soaked into the material and is slowly evaporating inside the display case. It is also possible that the artifact is real but someone used a chemical solution to clean it and it is having the same effect. That's just one possibility, I'm sure there are others.

Al

On Fri, Oct 23, 2015 at 7:48 AM, Richardson, Nancy A <narichardson**At_Symbol_Here**liberty.edu> wrote:

Someone asked our department for "help to identify the substance that some artifacts are made of. We have two artifacts that are made from an unknown substance and are reacting with either the air, or the glass, and leaving odd stains on the glass in the exhibits."

We asked for more information and the person said . "I think they are from the Late Roman Period but their authenticity I question. However, it's just a gut feeling and I have nothing that proves they are not authentic. They were found in the land of Israel but we are not sure where as they were purchased in a store."

Would anyone have a suggestion about this?

Thanks,
Nancy
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Allen Niemi, PhD
Director
Occupational Safety and Health Services
Room 322 Lakeshore Center
Michigan Technological University
Phone: 906-487-2118
Fax: 906-487-3048

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