Non-destructive in situ spectroscopic analysis of greenstone objects from royal burial offerings of the Mayan site of Palenque, Mexico

A non-destructive spectroscopic analysis of greenstone objects from royal burial offerings at the Mayan site of Palenque, Mexico, reveals insights into the sourcing and use of these minerals during the Classic period (A.D. 200–900). The study identified jadeite, omphacite, amazonite, albite, muscovite, and green quartz using Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, while X-ray fluorescence (XRF) provided elemental composition data. Notably, it suggests the exploitation of an unknown jadeite source for early burials (A.D. 250–450), alongside the beginning use of Verapaz and Motagua deposits. A greater mineral diversity was observed during Palenque's zenith (A.D. 600–850), corresponding to the reign of Pakal, with color measurements indicating consistency within individual burials.

Delgado Robles, A. A., Ruvalcaba Sil, J. L., Claes, P., Manrique Ortega, M. D., Casanova González, E., Maynez Rojas, M. Á., Cuevas García, M., & García Castillo, S. (2015). Non-destructive in situ spectroscopic analysis of greenstone objects from royal burial offerings of the Mayan site of Palenque, Mexico. Heritage Science, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-015-0048-z