Ceramic (Petrographic Microscopy)
Pottery is a group often mistakenly interpreted as a homogenous mass, since it is made using the same raw material, which is clay. Clay is however often mixed with different material depending on the geologic conditions in your area.By taking a piece of a ceramic sherd and grinding it down to ~0.03 mm the clay content and tempering grains can be studied under a microscope. Studying thin sections of ceramic handicraft can reveal facts about pottery, technology, and the choice of temper and clay.
For example, by identifying variations in choice of raw material and tempering of ceramic vessels it will allow you to distinguish between ceramic ware used for household purposes and finer wares, as well as identify new information regarding the possible import of ceramic styles or potters.
