Raman Spectroscopy in Archaeology and Art History highlights the important contributions Raman spectroscopy makes as a non-destructive method for characterising the chemical composition and structure and in determining the provenance and authenticity of objects of archaeological and historical importance. It brings together studies from diverse areas and represents the first dedicated work on use of this technique in this increasingly important field. Coverage includes: An Introduction to Raman Spectroscopy, including practical aspects of Raman spectroscopy and complementary techniques; Dyes and Pigments; Artefacts; Biological Materials and Degradation; Jewellery and Precious Stones. The book contains a broad selection of real-world examples in the form of case studies to provide the reader with a true appreciation of the procedures that need to be invoked to derive spectroscopic information from some of the most challenging specimens and systems. Colour illustrations of objects of investigation and a database of 72 Raman spectra of relevant minerals are included. With its extensive examples, Raman Spectroscopy in Archaeology and Art History will be of particular interest to specialists in the field, including researchers and scientific/conservation staff in museums. Academics will find it an invaluable reference to the use of Raman spectroscopy. TOC:Section I. Introduction, Introduction to Raman Spectroscopy, Practical Raman Spectroscopy and Complementary Techniques.- Section II. Dyes and Pigments: Overview: Dyes and Pigments, Case Study: Prehistoric Art, Case Study: Painters and Decorators: Raman Spectroscopic Studies of Five Romano-British Villas and The Domis Coiedii at Suasa, Italy, Case Study: Xth Century Manuscript Beato de Valcavdo, Case Study: Micro-Raman and GC-MS of Frescoes, Case Study: Field and in situ identification of pigments in works of art by micro-Raman and visible-NIR reflectance spectroscopies: a polychrome 16th-century Italian fresco and black-coloured Etruscan pottery, Case Study: The Analysis of Dyes by SERRS.- Section III. Artefacts, Overview, Case Study: Raman spectroscopy: a powerful tool for the analysis of museum objects, Case Study: Glasses, Glazes and Ceramics - Recognition of the Ancient Technology from the Raman Spectra, Case Study: Fifteen Years of Artefacts Investigations by Raman Microscopy, Case Study: Phase Analysis of Third Millenium Syrian Ceramics by Micro-Raman Spectroscopy.- Secion IV. Biological Materials and Degradation, Overview: Biological Materials and Degradation, Case Study: Raman Spectroscopy and Archaeological Biomaterials: Ochred Bones and Resin Tembetá, Case Study: Chinese Scrolls and other Fluorescent samples, Case Study: Ancient Textile Fibres, Case Study: Application of Raman spectroscopy to corrosion products, Overview: Jewellery and precious stones, Case Study: Diamonds, Gemstones and Pearls: From the Past to the Present, Case Study: Analysis of nephrite jade using Raman microscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Case Study: Mesoamerican Jade.- Section VI. Databases, Database of 74 Raman Spectra of Standard Minerals of relevance to metal corrosion, stained glass or Prehistoric rock art.- Section VII. Summary, Summary and Future.