Raman spectroscopy and x-ray fluorescence in molecular analysis of yellow blocks from the archeological site playa miller 7 (northern Chile)

Abstract

Yellow blocks from the archaeological site Playa Miller 7 (PLM7), on the coast of Atacama Desert in northern Chile, were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) portable. Our results identify for the first time the use of K-jarosite and natrojarosite in prehispanic times (approx. 2500 year BP). In search of a possible source of supply for this mineral hydrothermal origin, our surveys were focused on Andean geothermal areas with identification, so far, from a single source in the region of Arica and Parinacota: Jurasi (JU), located at 4000 mamsl. Comparison of the Raman spectra between samples archaeological and Jurasi, allow us to infer that this hydrothermal source could be used as obtaining source of yellow pigment by prehispanic inhabitant of Formative period (3700-1500 years B.P.).