Electron microscopy study of an Old Russian (XII century) encolpion cross with black inlay

Abstract

The phase compositions of the basic material (alloy) of a pre-Mongolian Old Russian encolpion cross found near Suzdal and its black inlay have been investigated by methods of scanning and transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The cross material is lead–zinc–tin α-bronze, and the black is copper sulfide with lead inclusions. As a result of the corrosion, tin and copper oxides and zinc sulfides, which made the cross dark gray, were formed on its surface. It is shown that the corrosion depth is as large as 50 μm; thus, laps must be prepared to accurately determine the morphology and phase composition of the corrosion layer. Decoration with black was apparently performed by pouring with copper sulfide melt or melting a powder preliminarily placed in grooves forming an image on the surface.