image/svg+xml
21
IX/1/2018
InterdIscIplInarIa archaeologIca
natural scIences In archaeology
homepage: http://www.iansa.eu
Study on Late Bronze Age Potteries of Shahrak-e Firouzeh, Neyshabur,
Iran by XRD and XRF
Mohammad Hossein Rezaei
a
, Hassan Basafa
a
, Parasto Masjedi Khak
a*
, Mahya Azar
a
a
Department of Archaeology, University of Neyshabur, Adib Blvd, Neyshabur, Khorasan-e Razavi, Iran
1. Introduction
Because of its continuous and abundant production,
pottery has always been associated with the alterations and
innovations of its shapes and patterns. Such changes happen
partly due to the internal intricacies of cultures over time and
partly due to the cultural and economic ties with neighbouring
and distant societies. On the other hand, for various reasons,
such as being a merchandise that can be exported as well as
its use in transporting other goods, pottery can be considered
as the best cultural data for the recognition of ethnic groups
and societies. Pottery is so important in studying the
relationship between the diferent cultural units of a region
on the one hand, and trans-regional cultures on the other, that
no other cultural data in archaeology could reach the same
level of signifcance. Thus pottery should be studied not only
from various aspects but also from diferent perspectives.
The samples that were discovered across the ancient sites of
Iran show the connection of this art to culture, economy, and
religion; moreover, they display the taste and virtue of the
potters (Majidzadeh, 1991).
Using chemical and physical methods, archaeometry is
a great help to archaeologists and art historians. Its use in
determining the origins of archaeological fndings is one of
the most modern approaches in the feld of archaeometry.
This feld of science presents archaeological data, or related
phenomena, as quantitative, measurable or qualitative
data. Among the laboratory methods, two relatively quick
and easy ones that have helped the felds of archaeology
and art history are the XRF and XRD methods. XRF
(X-ray fuorescence) involves a device for measuring the
wavelength and intensity of fuorescence waves released
from the atoms of a sample through which the amounts of
the sample’s constituent elements can be recognized (Talai
et
al
., 2009). As a rapid mechanical analysis tool, this device is
widely used in many laboratories around the world (Sabzali
et al
., 2010). The XRD (X-ray difraction) test is also used
to measure atomic plate spacing; in other words, to identify
the material structure and ultimately determine the minerals
within the pottery. For the XRD test, the pottery sample must
be crushed into powder and then placed in the device. The
device automatically analyzes the sample and records the
analysis results in the computer connected to it (Talai
et al
.,
2009).
Volume IX ● Issue 1/2018 ● Pages 21–30
*Corresponding author. E-mail: parestomasjedi@yahoo.com
ARtIcle INfo
Article history:
Received: 9
th
August 2017
Accepted: 24
th
April 2018
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.24916/iansa.2018.1.2
Key words:
Pottery
XRD
XRF
Shahrake Firouzeh
Bacteria Margiana Archaeological Complex
ABstRAct
During excavations of the Shahrake Firouzeh site, much evidence of the Bactria Margiana
Archaeological Complex or Amu Darya Civilization has been found. Such evidence is spread
across northern Iran, northern Afghanistan, eastern Turkmenistan, southern Uzbekistan, and western
Tajikistan. In the present study, pottery samples from the Firoozeh town area were studied using XRD
and XRF methods. Using the XRF method and Dplot Software, 15 samples were studied and the
data evaluated by analyzing the ratio of various components. The results of the study show that the
dominant clay source of the pottery samples existed in the same region, while two other clay sub-
sources from adjoining regions were also identifed.
image/svg+xml
IANSA 2018 ● IX/1 ● 21–30
Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, Hassan Basafa, Parasto Masjedi Khak, Mahya Azar: Study on Late Bronze Age Potteries of Shahrak-e Firouzeh, Neyshabur, Iran by XRD and XRF
22
In this regard, such use of laboratory methods and techniques
enables more accurate and reliable results to be obtained. There
exist several techniques for the identifcation of the materials
and elements that form archaeological fndings and through
which a broader range of knowledge and understanding of the
rocks, pottery, their material, application, history, age, style,
identity, origin, manufacturing process and technology used,
source, and trade routes utilised, can be gained. Laboratory
research on the physical characteristics of prehistoric pottery is
one of the efcient non-descriptive methods that aim to identify
such technical features as method of production, the presence or
absence of vegetation, type of soil grading, type of tempering,
and the quality of baking; moreover, the empty spaces in the
body of the clay, which is related to the general quality of the
clay, can be determined (Talayi, Yari, and Taqizoqi, 2009).
2. Area under Study
Neyshabur town is located in the Neyshabur plain in the
Razavi Khorasan Province in northeast Iran (Figure 1).
This area has a special geographic and climatic situation
and, due to its location on the Silk Road, has attracted so
many people throughout history that much archaeological
evidence has been found from the prehistoric, historical, and
Islamic era in this region. Neyshabur plain is located on the
slopes of the Alborz Mountains and Binaloud Heights that
provide rich water sources to this plain. Water abundance
has created numerous habitats in diferent parts of the slopes
of these mountains and the Shahrake Firouzeh site is one of
the most signifcant ones (Figure 2). This area with a latitude
of 36 degrees and 12 minutes, longitude of 58 degrees and
47 minutes, and with an average height of 1250 metres
above sea level is located in the Neyshabur plain (Basafa
et
al
., 2014). This area is named after the newly-constructed
residential complex in the western part of the present-day
Neyshabur city which is located in the eastern part of the
Faroub Ruman River. As the most important water stream
of the city, this river originates from the highlands of the
Binaloud Heights. It is also one of the independent rivers of
the Markazi Desert sub-areas that foods in the rainy season.
Because of the slopes of the plain, with the food of the Farub
Figure 1.
Geographic position of Neyshabur city, northeast of Iran (map by authors).
image/svg+xml
IANSA 2018 ● IX/1 ● 21–30
Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, Hassan Basafa, Parasto Masjedi Khak, Mahya Azar: Study on Late Bronze Age Potteries of Shahrak-e Firouzeh, Neyshabur, Iran by XRD and XRF
23
Ruman and other rivers, a high volume of alluvium has been
deposited in the plain in a long-term process. The dimension
of the Shahrake Firouzeh site is unclear because it is buried
under alluvial deposits and according to preliminary studies,
a large part of it lies under the residential areas of Neyshabur
(Basafa
et al
., 2014). Generally, based on the excavations, the
Shahrake Firouzeh site area represents Bronze and probably
Iron Age cultures in the region; besides, the fndings about
the cultural materials point to the existence of a culture called
the Bacteria Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC)
(Basafa, 2014). This culture appeared in the second half of
the 2
nd
millennium BC, in the Merv region, which is located
in the southeast of today’s Turkmenistan, changes occurring
in the human population during this period (Sarianidi, 1998).
The time span starts from 2300 or 2200 BC and continues
until 1700 BC. The most important cultural materials were
prestigious goods made of chlorite or steatite, metal objects
made with casting techniques, marble columns, steatite
stamps, plates made in Late Serie style, and special types of
pottery whose illustrations related specifcally to this culture.
The obtained artefacts show the regional and trans-regional
interactions of Shahrake Firouzeh with its neighbouring
areas, such as Merv, Balkh, southern Turkmenistan, and
Iran. Findings such as pieces of slag, metals, furnace waste,
pottery furnaces, etc., show a dynamic and stable settlement
with extensive industrial activities (Basafa, 2014). The
BMAC potteries are related to the Late Bronze Age, which
are often found in a burial context in the Shahrake Firouzeh
site.
Neyshabur’s geological zone consists of the three eras,
starting with the Paleozoic, then Mesozoic and Cenozoic.
The oldest geological formations of the region is related
to the Precambrian era that consists of calc, schist and
phyllite (Shorm) and dolomite crystalline (Soltanieh) that
outcrops in the north eastern parts. Formations of the frst
geological period are located in the northern parts of the
plain in the northern Binaloud Heights that include quartzite
(Lalun) sandstones, dolomite, dolomitic limestone, and
shale (Mila), marl limestone (Niur), limestone and dolomite
(Bahram), and crystallized quartzite. The second geological
formations consist of Mashhad phyllite, light grey limestone,
pale golden (Jurassic) limestone, and coloured mélanges
(‘mixture of colours’). The Jurassic black schist has spread
across the 250 km
2
of the Binaloud Heights to the Mashhad
area. In the northwestern and southern heights, the tufs
and conglomeration formations can be seen in green. The
igneous rocks of the area have plenty of gaps due to the
decomposition of the feldspars, which provide a source for
groundwater storage. Miocene formations exist in the form
of marl-gypsum and salty sediments along with sandstone
with a variety of colours. These formations have spread
across the northern margins and partly onto the southern
parts of the plain. The deposits of the third era of geology
that are widely distributed in the region outcrop in the slopes
of the central and southern heights. These formations consist
of sandstones, shale, conglomerate, marl, and igneous (often
exterior) rocks (Figure 3).
The Quaternary formations consist of terraces, alluvial
fans, shifting sands, and alluvial deposits. In addition,
scientists believe that some of the volcanic formations of this
region are also of the Pleistocene Age. In terms of tectonics,
the Khorasan Province is generally divided into four distinct
regions: the Kopet-Dagh area, the Eastern region of Central
Iran, the Lut region, and fnally the Eastern part of the Iran
mountains. Neyshabur city is located in the tectonic region
of the eastern part of Central Iran.
The Neyshabur plain has special natural and geographical
features and one of the reasons for its importance is its
connective role as a result of its city’s location on the
commerce route of the Silk Road from earliest times.
Figure 2.
Position of Shahrake Firouzeh in
Neyshabur plain (map by authors).
image/svg+xml
IANSA 2018 ● IX/1 ● 21–30
Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, Hassan Basafa, Parasto Masjedi Khak, Mahya Azar: Study on Late Bronze Age Potteries of Shahrak-e Firouzeh, Neyshabur, Iran by XRD and XRF
24
Figure 3.
Geological map of the region under study (map from Iranian geology org).
0 10 km
image/svg+xml
IANSA 2018 ● IX/1 ● 21–30
Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, Hassan Basafa, Parasto Masjedi Khak, Mahya Azar: Study on Late Bronze Age Potteries of Shahrak-e Firouzeh, Neyshabur, Iran by XRD and XRF
25
However, due to the active and dynamic geomorphological
conditions of the region and continuous food fows, the
prehistoric settlements of the area were displaced and buried
under alluvial deposits. The Shahrake Firouzeh site is one of
the prehistoric areas dating back to the Late Bronze Age that
was established on the sidelines of an alluvial fan. Generally,
alluvial fans have provided appropriate conditions for
the establishment of human settlements (Figure 3) around
the world from prehistoric times, which is due to their
underground water-rich aquifers, the alluvial fan’s gentle
slopes, the fertility of the soil due to sedimentation, and the
existence of water streams that provide the water needed
for drinking, farming, and such craft industries as making
pottery (Gillmor
et al
., 2009; 2011).
3. Aims and Research Method
This study uses the XRF and XRD laboratory methods in
order to determine the composition of the potteries found in
the Shahrake Firouzeh site. These potteries relate to the Late
Bronze Age (BMAC Culture) and they were often obtained
from the burial areas. This research investigates the New
Bronze Age potteries of the Shahrake Firouzeh site based
on laboratory methods for the frst time: a step towards
recognizing the clay sources used for pottery production at
the Shahrake Firouzeh site and determining the cultural and
commercial ties of this town. Ultimately, it should be pointed
out that the purpose of these experiments on the samples is
to understand if the potteries were produced locally or were
imported into the Shahrake Firouzeh through trans-regional
transactions.
With the XRF and XRD laboratory methods, 15 pottery
samples were analyzed from trenches X & XII. The research
samples were selected from a set of potteries with a specifed
chronological and stratigraphic context. Three samples were
analyzed by the XRD method and 15 samples by XRF. The
statistical analysis of the laboratory fndings were based on
the spectroscopy of the chemical elements and their quality
and quantity. After the sampling and performing of relevant
tests, the data were analyzed so as to ascertain if the potteries
were of local production or imported.
Fragments of about 1cm
2
were removed from each shard
and abraded using a silicon carbide burr in order to remove
surface treatments (
e.g.
glaze, slip, paint) and adhering soil,
thereby reducing the risk of measuring contamination. The
specimens were washed in deionized water and allowed to
dry in the laboratory.
4. Results
4.1 XRD
The X-ray difractometer was originally designed for
examining powder samples. However, the difractometer is
today more often used for examining samples of crystalline
aggregates other than powder. Also polycrystalline solid
samples and even liquids can be examined. Importantly, a
sample should contain a large number of tiny crystals (or
grains) which randomly orient in three-dimensional space
because standard X-ray difraction data are obtained from
powder samples of perfectly random orientation (Leng,
2008, p.61). The key characteristic of XRD is its ability
to identify crystalline minerals. The primary use of the
powder XRD method has been the identifcation of clay
minerals in pottery in order to characterize pottery types
and to investigate sources for raw materials (Pollard
et al.
,
2007, p.120). XRD also allows the examination of fring
Figure 4.
Sample No.1 XRD spectra diagram, showing clay and calcite minerals.
image/svg+xml
IANSA 2018 ● IX/1 ● 21–30
Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, Hassan Basafa, Parasto Masjedi Khak, Mahya Azar: Study on Late Bronze Age Potteries of Shahrak-e Firouzeh, Neyshabur, Iran by XRD and XRF
26
Figure 5.
Sample No.1 XRD spectra diagram, showing clay, chalk and calcite minerals.
Figure 6.
Sample No.2 XRD spectra diagram, showing kaolinite, montmorillonite and calcite minerals.
temperatures, as diferent minerals are destroyed or begin to
form at diferent temperatures. XRD is also commonly used
in the study of corrosion products formed on the surface of
metals, including iron and copper alloys.
Three samples were sent to the Kansaran Binaloud
laboratory for analysis. When pottery is exposed to diferent
temperatures, it shows diferent and distinct physical and
chemical changes. Normally, the water and moisture of the
pottery evaporates at a temperature of 100 to 200°C. At a
temperature of 250 to 450°C, the organic materials in the
pottery burn. Finally, at a temperature of 700 to 800°C, the
calcium carbonate in the clay decomposes and turns into
calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. Conventionally, this is
the proper temperature for producing good quality pottery.
At 850°C, the pottery only contains quartz and feldspar. At
temperatures above 850 to 950°C, a baking process occurs
which leads to the emergence of pyroxene besides the quartz
and feldspar in the pottery. In these samples, no sign of
calcium carbonate or calcium oxide are found.
Examination of these samples showed that the calcite
mineral (CaCO
3
) did not decompose when heated and did not
convert to CaO and CO
2
. Therefore, the maximum identifed
temperature is around 700°C. There exist a number of clay
minerals in the texture of all the samples, each one indicating
a diferent temperature. The presence of clay minerals usually
depends on the type of soil used to make the pottery.
image/svg+xml
IANSA 2018 ● IX/1 ● 21–30
Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, Hassan Basafa, Parasto Masjedi Khak, Mahya Azar: Study on Late Bronze Age Potteries of Shahrak-e Firouzeh, Neyshabur, Iran by XRD and XRF
27
Figure 7.
Analysed samples.
Table 1.
General data of samples.
Sample
No.
SectionTechniqueHeatingInterior
colour
Exterior
colour
Paste
colour
DesignHeight
cm
Thick
mm
Diametr
cm
Temper
1basewheel madecompletered
buf
red
– 3.5
17 9mineral
2lipwheel madecomplete
bufbuf
red
–
9.0 710mineral
3
lipwheel madecomplete
bufbuf
red
– 3.7
4
13
mineral
4lipwheel madecomplete
bufbuf
red
–
5.1 4
16
mineral
5bodywheel madecompleteredredredgeometric
3.3
14
–
mineral
6
lipwheel madecomplete
bufbuf
red
–
7.0 520mineral
7basewheel madecompleteredred
buf–
7.010 9mineral
8
lipwheel madecompleteredredred
–
4.0
6
29mineral
9lipwheel madecomplete
bufbuf
red
–
4.0 921mineral
10lipwheel madecomplete
bufbuf
red
– 8.0
424mineral
11basewheel madecomplete
bufbuf
red
–
17.51012mineral
12basewheel madecomplete
bufbufbuf–
50.0
8 8
mineral
13
lipwheel madecompletered
buf
red
–67.0 6 8
mineral
14lipwheel madecomplete
bufbuf
red
–
45.0
6
15mineral
15lipwheel madecompleteredredred
–37.0
520mineral
Clay minerals are derived from the chemical
decomposition of rocks containing high levels of feldspar, a
phenomenon that is called argillic alteration in geology. The
result of these changes is the formation of clay deposits that
are important sources depending on their type of minerals,
presence of impurities, etc. Probably the soil used for the
pottery production contained a mixture of lime and clay
with impurities such as gypsum. Due to the presence of clay
minerals in the pottery’s soil and the temperature for baking
the pottery, the existent clay in the soil is sufcient.
4.2 XRF Test
XRF analysis has become a routine technique in investigations
of elemental composition for a wide variety of archaeological
materials. In archaeology, the main application of EDXRF is
for the rapid identifcation and semi-quantitative analysis of
a wide range of materials including metals and their alloys,
ceramics, glass, jet, faience, pigments, glazes, gemstones,
and industrial debris (Pollard
et al
., 2007, p.118).
For this method, 15 samples were sent to the XRF
laboratory of Tarbiat Modares University and analyzed by a
0 10 cm
image/svg+xml
IANSA 2018 ● IX/1 ● 21–30
Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, Hassan Basafa, Parasto Masjedi Khak, Mahya Azar: Study on Late Bronze Age Potteries of Shahrak-e Firouzeh, Neyshabur, Iran by XRD and XRF
28
Phillips XRF machine (Model 2404). This machine has the
ability to detect elements up to a one millionth part (ppm).
The samples were crushed into powder and then placed in
the machine for testing. The results of the experiments are
listed in Tables 2 & 3 below.
5. Discussion
Although our collection for XRD (3 samples) is very small
and we could not interpret its results as a reliable and defnitive
outcome, the existence of montmorillonite in Sample 3 can
be considered as an indication of the local production of this
pottery. Montmorillonite is the main constituent of bentonite
that was a hair-cleaner clay used in traditional healthcare that is
also referred to as Neyshaburi or Khorasani clay in the Persian
Language. Based on some historical sources, this clay was
used not only for cleaning but also for eating (Nuiri, 2007).
As Alikhani, Shamanian and Jafari Zanglanlo have
reported in their article, montmorillonite is found south
of Neyshabour at Tajroud’s geological section (Alikhani,
Shamanian and Jafari Zanglanlo, 2014). They also reported
that the calcite in this region was created due to hydrothermal
alteration. The presence of calcite shows the temperate of the
kiln was not above 800°C.
The XRF analysis prepared comprehensive data about the
main chemical elements in the pottery samples. This data
does not sum to one hundred percent. In the XRF method,
the main constitutive elements and their ratios were selected
for a better understanding. One of these groups is the
proportion of nickel/vanadium and barium/rubidium; these
ratios were then compared in the software. The results were
put in a chart using the Dplot software (Figure 8). As can be
seen, the fndings on this diagram show at least one main
source (A) and two other possible sub-sources. For more
certainty, the results were compared to the ratio of cerium/
Table 2.
Chemical composition (%) of the samples under study (sum of elements is not 100%).
Loss on ignition
%
S
%
P
2
O
5
%
MnO
%
TiO
2
%
MgO
%
K
2
O
%
Na
2
O
%
CaO
%
Fe
2
O
3
%
Al
2
O
3
%
SiO
2
%
SampleNo
5.98
0.0010.7010.0701.7011.20
2.831.288.24
15.115.954.011
7.100.0020.251
0.1432.3831.831.480.31
10.51
13.17
5.51.
52.65
2
5.770.004
0.652
0.094
1.2311.61
1.21
1.039.3215.765.2653.113
7.75
0.003
0.450.1201.2011.42
1.031.8913.7214.433.7250.98
4
6.38
0.001
0.311
0.021
1.60
1.072.12
1.08
7.24
14.135.6
55.115
7.100.004
0.437
0.109
2.4351.431.65
0.11
11.82
14.17
5.33.
51.55
6
6.960.0030.5320.136
2.215
1.631.30
0.2710.15
13.9
4.1252.217
7.62
0.0110.520.120
1.63
1.121.27
0.8112.8012.733.9552.338
5.63
0.002
0.6610.0621.1301.651.831.489.7814.98
5.1
53.12
9
6.82
0.001
0.6210.061
1.7011.20
2.831.288.24
14.21
6.12
54.0110
7.52
0.0030.3610.1311.261.32
1.041.1912.72
13.332.7353.68
11
5.68
0.0020.751
0.0681.613
1.19
1.340.8711.3213.455.7653.01
12
7.58
0.001
0.8610.342
1.52
0.96
1.140.74
13.7213.023.7254.7813
6.560.0030.3710.2031.1811.811.13
0.7512.74
13.314.7653.28
14
5.63
0.001
0.598
0.172
1.1261.73
2.09
1.3610.64
15.19
3.3956.01
15
Table 3.
Elements in samples under study (ppm).
NbGaMoThUAsCoRbYZrWLaCeVCrNiPbZnCuSrBaClSample No.
1017
263
1
8
249
32203
719
5318
144011110
13243
175
61
1
131816
1292
56
42219417
46
22742
16
10229
178
1521012
1316233
27
3
29
30213
521
48
20
1848
15
10816
240
178733
919
8
21
83
2119
69289
1
38113
70
326
24
130
27
160310
794
121722
3
2725042
231
917
5818
15521511419249
17385
5
12
16
15419152
39
2274
16
42241
48
14114
33182
129109
6
18
195
3
2
32
27252251525
61
42
831
19
12830
170202
93
7
1115
18
5
3
9
34832180
715
34
1917
398118
15
213167
92
8
8
1742
3
292
69
59240421
6446
9
33
9
118
14177190979
13
12
16
21
83
52
43
210
618
50212401011927190
12896
10
818
91279
3
11472
293
242110
73
224
28
140
3015830980
11
1316
1511122
56
41217519
39
191047
16
120
36183137
10512
141919
3
2102
5339
210
3
2154209
39
1211919
236183
74
13
12
18
17221415949
213
417
43
22
8
41
13
115
366182
149
98
14
717921
81
2
13581
279
3399880
21924
13826
157
31683
15
image/svg+xml
IANSA 2018 ● IX/1 ● 21–30
Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, Hassan Basafa, Parasto Masjedi Khak, Mahya Azar: Study on Late Bronze Age Potteries of Shahrak-e Firouzeh, Neyshabur, Iran by XRD and XRF
29
Figure 8.
Ratio of Ni/V to Br/Rb elements.
Figure 9.
Ratio of Ce/La to Y/As elements.
lanthanum to yttrium/arsenic and again were estimated using
the Dplot software which confrmed the results of the previous
comparison (Figure 9). The result shows that the same samples
that are in group A in Figure 8 are also in group A in Figure 9.
This situation is repeated for the other groups.
The results show that the main source was probably
located near the site (not to mention inside the site) that was
the major supply of the pottery found in the area. However,
diferent clay qualities were also identifed in several pottery
pieces indicating that some of the pottery was imported
as a result of commercial interactions (at the moment,
nothing more can be said about them being distant or close
interactions).
6. Conclusion
Based on the experiments carried out on the clay samples,
the presence of clay mines around the site, and the geological
structure of Neyshabur, most of the potteries were local
productions. The presence of montmorillonite (bentonite) in
Sample 3 that was identifed with the XRD testing shows that
the sample originated from the Neyshabur geological region.
Assuming the locality of the BMAC potteries as being
found in the Shahrake Firouzeh site, one can argue that the
signifcant diferences that were found in the composition of
samples B and C, though very small, could indicate diferent
sources of clay that were imported from other areas. It is
image/svg+xml
IANSA 2018 ● IX/1 ● 21–30
Mohammad Hossein Rezaei, Hassan Basafa, Parasto Masjedi Khak, Mahya Azar: Study on Late Bronze Age Potteries of Shahrak-e Firouzeh, Neyshabur, Iran by XRD and XRF
30
possible that based on the texture and nature of the area,
which is a cemetery, the samples were burial gifts that were
placed in the graves by relatives who lived in neighbouring
areas. However, the authors consider this idea only a
possibility. In future studies, along with the analysis of
more BMAC samples, soil samples from the area should be
analyzed with the same methods used in this study in order to
obtain a more accurate pattern of the possible clay extraction
sources. Also, samples should be studied using petrography
and thin-section preparation to compare the minerals in the
pottery with the geological structure of the area.
References
BANGHANI, M.A., SHAMANIAN, G.H., ZANGLANLOU, M.J., 2014.
Mineralization and hydrothermal alteration of Tajroud section.
Journal of
economic Geology
, 2(15), 325–339.
BASAFA, H., 2011.
Preliminary report on second season of archaeological
excavation at sahrake firouzeh.
Unpublished report to the Iranian
cultural heritage, handicraft and tourism.
BASAFA, H., NOBARI, A.H., SHAHIDI, H.K., NEYESTANI, J., 2014.
Efect of hydrology on formation of Shahrake Firouzeh prehistoric site in
Neyshabur plain (in Persian).
Journal of environmental Research
, 5(9),
73–78.
BASAFA, H., RAHMATI, M., 2014. Third salvage excavation in Shahrake
Firouzeh, Neyshabur (in Persian). In:
short Articles from Iranian twelfth
Annual congress. teheran:
Iranian cultural heritage, handicraft and
tourism.
GILLMORE, G.K., CONINGHAM, R.A.E., FAZELI, H., YOUNG, R.,
MAGHSOUDI M., BATT C.M., RUSHWORTH, G.,
2009. Irrigation
on the Tehran Plain, Iran: Tepe Pardis – The site of a Possible Neolithic
Irrigation Feature?
catena
, 78, 285–300.
GILLMORE, G.K., STEVENSE, T., BUYKEART, J.P., CONINGHAM,
R.A.E., BATT, C., FAZELI, H., YOUNG, R., MAGHSOUDI, M., 2011.
Geoarchaeology and the Value of Multidisciplinary Palaeoenvironmental
Approaches: A Case Study from the Tehran Plain, Iran. In:
Geological
society, london, special Publications
, 352, 49–67.
KHADEMI, N.F., REZAIE, A., NOBARI, A. H., ZADEH, M.F., 2010.
XRF analysis on Shoshtar Palin’s Holocene deposits to recognizing the
prehistoric sites (in Persian).
Journal of social science Knowledge
, 4(1),
170–181.
LENG, Y., 2008.
Materials characterization Introduction to Microscopic
and spectroscopic Methods.
Singapore: John Wiley & Sons (Asia).
MAJIDZADEH, Y., 1991. Archaeology and pottery (in Persian).
Journal of
archaeology and history
, 10, 4–13.
MIROSCHEDJI, P.D.E., 1973. Vases et objets en steatite susiens du Musee
du Louvre.
cahiers de la Délégation Archéologique française en Iran
,
2, 9–77.
NIKNAMI, K., REZAIE, I., 2013. Elemental analysis on chalcolithic period
soils of Tape Zagheh to fnding the special works (in Persian).
Journal of
archaeological research
5(2), 163–182.
NOWEIRY, S.A.A., 2007.
Nahayat alarb f fonon aladab
(in Persian).
Translated to Persian by Mahmoud Mahdavi Damghani. Tehran: Amir
Kabir Publication.
SARIANIDI, V.I., 1998.
Margiana and Protozoroastrism
. Athens: Kapon
Editions.
SHAHROKHI, S.R., 2006.
Recognizing the obsidian sources of sharyeri
site, Ardebil by XRf.
Unpublished thesis (MA). Tarbiat Modares
University.
TALAI, H., 2012.
Bronze Age of Iran
(in Persian). Tehran: Samt.
TALAI, H., ALIYARI, A., ZOGHI, Y., 2009. Technological Study of the
Fifth Millennium B.C. Pottery in North-Center Iran by XRF and XRD (in
Persian).
Journal of Archaeological Research
, 1(1), 65–84.