Micro-wear analysis—also known as use-wear analysis—is one of the most advanced scientific methods used in archaeology, authentication, and cultural-heritage examination. By studying microscopic traces on stone, bone, ivory, metal, ceramic, and shell artifacts, experts can determine function, use history, age-consistency, and signs of forgery. Authentic artifacts develop complex, multi-directional wear patterns that cannot be replicated by modern tools or artificial distressing.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 400 — The Expert Guide to Micro-Wear Analysis on Ancient Artifacts provides the complete professional laboratory-grade system used by museums, field archaeologists, researchers, appraisers, and forensic authenticators.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify micro-polish types and functional polish signatures
Distinguish natural environmental weathering from human-induced wear
Detect modern grinding, sanding, rotary-tool lines, and imitation striations
Analyze edge rounding, abrasion progression, and authentic motion patterns
Evaluate Hertzian cones, impact fractures, spin-off flakes & micro-cracks
Compare micro-wear signatures across stone types (flint, basalt, quartzite, etc.)
Identify bone, ivory & horn wear including scraping, hafting & perforation traces
Examine metal artifacts for real use-fatigue vs. artificial patina and distressing
Evaluate ceramic and shell polishing, spalling, and natural abrasion
Detect embedded micro-debris, mineral deposits, plant silica, and pigment residues
Identify heat alteration, micro-cracking, patina layering & taphonomic effects
Follow laboratory standards for microscopy, lighting control & imaging
Use comparative collections & experimental reference tools
Integrate micro-wear findings into authentication and valuation conclusions
This Master Guide gives you the full scientific methodology needed to evaluate micro-scale wear accurately—one of the most powerful tools for confirming authenticity and ancient use.
Digital Download — PDF • 9 Pages • Instant Access
Micro-wear analysis—also known as use-wear analysis—is one of the most advanced scientific methods used in archaeology, authentication, and cultural-heritage examination. By studying microscopic traces on stone, bone, ivory, metal, ceramic, and shell artifacts, experts can determine function, use history, age-consistency, and signs of forgery. Authentic artifacts develop complex, multi-directional wear patterns that cannot be replicated by modern tools or artificial distressing.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 400 — The Expert Guide to Micro-Wear Analysis on Ancient Artifacts provides the complete professional laboratory-grade system used by museums, field archaeologists, researchers, appraisers, and forensic authenticators.
Inside, you’ll learn how experts:
Identify micro-polish types and functional polish signatures
Distinguish natural environmental weathering from human-induced wear
Detect modern grinding, sanding, rotary-tool lines, and imitation striations
Analyze edge rounding, abrasion progression, and authentic motion patterns
Evaluate Hertzian cones, impact fractures, spin-off flakes & micro-cracks
Compare micro-wear signatures across stone types (flint, basalt, quartzite, etc.)
Identify bone, ivory & horn wear including scraping, hafting & perforation traces
Examine metal artifacts for real use-fatigue vs. artificial patina and distressing
Evaluate ceramic and shell polishing, spalling, and natural abrasion
Detect embedded micro-debris, mineral deposits, plant silica, and pigment residues
Identify heat alteration, micro-cracking, patina layering & taphonomic effects
Follow laboratory standards for microscopy, lighting control & imaging
Use comparative collections & experimental reference tools
Integrate micro-wear findings into authentication and valuation conclusions
This Master Guide gives you the full scientific methodology needed to evaluate micro-scale wear accurately—one of the most powerful tools for confirming authenticity and ancient use.
Digital Download — PDF • 9 Pages • Instant Access
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