Archaeometric study of Etruscan scarab gemstones by non-destructive chemical and topographical analysis

Six scarab-gems found in the Etruscan archaeological site of Gravisca (VT, Italy) have been classified through stylistic and iconographic studies in order to be framed chronologically. The gems have been subsequently analysed using not invasive methods (XRD, XRF, mid-FTIR, Raman spectroscopy) to discover their chemical features and to understand the kind of material used by the artisan. With the help of the optical microscopy it has been possible to analyse the carvings that characterize the artefacts and to go through all the manufacturing phases, allowing the identification of the employed tools. Collection of data coming from the different techniques permitted to disclose the presence in Gravisca, during the 4th century BCE, of a centre of glyptic production.