The Chemistry department at Vassar houses a handheld X-ray Fluorescence spectrometer. Funds to purchase the Bruker Tracer III-IV handheld XRF were contributed by the departments of Chemistry, Biology, Anthropology and Geology, as well as from the Francis Lehman Loeb Art Center and the Environmental Health and Safety group at Buildings and Grounds Services, Vassar College.

Faculty interested in using the instrumentation should contact Professor Tanski.

Click here to access our Quick Start Guide for use of the Bruker Tracer XRF spectrometer.

Here are two posters we presented at the Faculty Forum for Teaching with Technology at Vassar College.

        






















An analysis of a thirteenth-century Spanish Madonna and Child, specifically
the gemstones in the crown, revealed that they are a calcium based
mineral such as Aragonite, which is consistent with the region of 
Aragon in Spain where the piece was perhaps sculpted.  This analysis was
part of a Kaleidoscope event organized by Diane Butler at the Frances
Lehman Loeb Art Center. 




In early 2017, Professor Tanski analyzed a Limoges early thirteenth-century
Eucharistic Dove at Sotheby's in New York City.  The results indicate that
the Dove is made of copper and gilded with gold.  The lack of lead or
chromium in the enamel on the body of the Dove indicate it is indeed a
thirteenth-century example, as lead aresenate used an opacifier and 
chromium green as a colorant are both eighteenth century innovations.
The Dove was acquired at auction and is now on display in Vassar's
Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center.