Chemical composition of glass beads of the Merovingian period from graveyards in the Black Forest, Germany

White, orange, green and brown glass beads from women's burial places of th e Merovingian period were scientifically characterized by x-ray fluorescenc e analysis, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis and x-ray diffraction, In most cases non-destructive procedures were used. By t his combination of methods the elemental composition and in some eases the chemical compounds were determined. The elements could be separated into ma in and minor components of the glass matrix and in those from the colouring compounds. The composition of the glass matrix was determined to be 18 +/- 2% Na2O, 67 +/- 3% SiO2 and 9 +/- 2% CaO. A comparison with literature dat a showed the similarity of this composition to the composition of glassware of Roman production. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.