The non-destructive analysis of ancient jade artifacts unearthed from the Liangzhu sites at Yuhang, Zhejiang

Samples of the jade artifacts unearthed from the Liangzhu sites at Yuhang (Fanshan, Yaoshan, Huiguanshan and Tangshan) of Zhejiang province were described. The chemical composition, phase and jade structure of a hundred and more intact samples were analyzed by the non-destructive techniques of PIXE, XRD and laser Raman spectroscopy. Results showed that the minerals of the jade artifacts mostly belonged to tremolite and tremolite-actinolite. Relationship of the civilization development in the Neolithic age and the application of tremolite type mineral in jade artifacts was discussed. The contents of rare and trace elements in tremolite jade artfacts and in mineral samples were measured for the first time. The possible mineral sources of these tremolite type jade artifacts were discussed.