Article
Non-destructive characterization of variously colored gypsum and aragonite/calcite speleothems from the Cigalère Cave (Ariège, France)
Martin Vlieghe, Johan Wouters, Gérald Fanuel, Jean-François Drion du Chapois, Anne Gallez, Stéphane Pire-Stevenne, Gaëtan Rochez, and Johan Yans
- Portable X-ray fluorescence allows non-destructive elemental analysis in the field
- Designated calibration greatly increases accuracy and reproducibility
- Detection of Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, and Cu, responsible for the various colorations
- Metals and sulphate ions likely originate from the overlying Pb-Zn sulfide ores
