Technology and provenance of a collection of Islamic copper-based objects as found by chemical and lead isotope analysis

Chemical and lead isotope analyses were utilized to determine the compositi on, technology and origin of a collection of Islamic copper-based objects f ound in Jordan. The atomic absorption spectrometry results show that the ob jects were made of different types of copper base alloys that contain vario us amounts of zinc, tin and lead. The use of brass, highly leaded brass and quaternary alloys of Cu-Zn-Sn-Pb in the manufacture of everyday, household objects strongly points to Islamic traditions. The lead isotope compositio ns of the objects match very well that of the copper ore mined from the Dol omite-Limestone-Shale unit of the Arabah copper mines.