Neutron activation analysis and Mossbauer spectroscopy research on coloring mechanism of ancient Chinese Guan porcelain

The content of 30 kinds of coloring elements in Guan porcelain in the South ern Song Dynasty has been determined by neutron activation analysis (NAA), Iron is the major coloring element. Mossbauer spectroscopy has shown that t he iron of the glaze exists in the form of structural iron (Fe2+, Fe3+). Th e quantitative relationship between the main wavelength of every color glaz e and the relative content (Fe2+/Fe3+) of structural iron has been determin ed. Thus the coloring mechanism of Guan porcelain in the Southern Song Dyna sty has been revealed entirely.