Warta Geologi, Vol. 46, No. 3, December 2020, pp. 204–209

X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Scanning
Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of potsherds, Sungai Batu Complex, Bujang
Valley, Kedah

Mohd Hasfarisham Abd Halim*, Mokhtar Saidin

Centre For Global Archaeological Research, Universiti Sains
Malaysia, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

* Corresponding author email address: mhasfarisham@gmail.com

Abstract:
Archaeological excavations at the Sungai Batu Archeological Complex have
unearthed potsherds with monument structures. The discovery of the potsherds
enables scientific studies of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis to be conducted and resolve
related issues such as where the raw materials were obtained by the
manufacturers. To solve the issue, potsherds were taken from around the ancient
river, and scientific analyses was conducted for comparison purposes. Before
the clay sample was subjected to the scientific analyses, the samples were
cleaned and measured (for weight, thickness and width). Color sampling was also
performed. Based on results of the analyses, it clearly shows that the potsherds
was produced using raw materials from the ancient river in the Sungai Batu
Complex itself and baked at a temperature between 550°C and 650°C.

Keywords:
Potsherds, scientific analysis, raw material

DOI :
https://doi.org/10.7186/wg463202006

ISSN
0126–5539; e-ISSN 2682-7549