The Compositional Analysis of Mineral Content and Geo-Chemistry of the Ancient Grey Potsherds from Shahr-I Sokhta, East of Iran

A compositional analysis of ancient grey potsherds from Shahr-i Sokhta, a UNESCO-listed archaeological site in East Iran, reveals that most pottery was locally produced. Using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), researchers identified distinct mineral phases and high-temperature baking signatures, confirming local manufacturing. Notably, copper oxide was used as a glazing agent to achieve the grey coloration, while lead concentrations remained minimal, consistent with Indus Valley pottery traditions. This study provides new insights into the technological sophistication of ancient potters in the region.

Moradi, H., Sarhaddi-Dadian, H., Ramli, Z.,. (2025). The Compositional Analysis of Mineral Content and Geo-Chemistry of the Ancient Grey Potsherds from Shahr-I Sokhta, East of Iran. Cercetări Arheologice, 32(1), 27–38. https://doi.org/10.46535/ca.32.1.02