Elemental analysis and statistical analysis of obsidian constituents obtained from Tole Khari in Pasargad by using micro-PIXE method

The study and measurement of elemental compounds of obsidian specimens is of particular importance among researchers. By knowing the elemental compounds of ancient obsidian, very valuable information will be obtained in the study of trade and transfers of early societies. In this case study, 17obsidian samples of prehistoric site, Tole Khari in Pasargad, which were obtained during two excavation seasons, in 1396 and 1397, have been analyzed and studied by micro-PIXE method. In this study, using the major and trace element amounts of measured in obsidian compounds and comparing them with known sources of obsidian in Anatolia and Armenia, as well as using statistical analysis and two- or three-dimensional scatter plots, classify and the origin of Tole Khari obsidian has been investigated. The results of elemental analysis studies show that two completely distinct groups can be identified in these obsidians that can be distinguished based on different elements, including iron oxides, manganese, titanium and aluminum. Also, by comparing the obsidian of Tole Khari site with different sites of Anatolia and Armenia, it was found that the composition of obsidian of the first group of Tole Khari with samples from Bingol A source from Anatolia and the obsidian of the second group of Tole Khari with samples of Sources Nenezi Dag, Pasinler and Meydan Dağı,have the same composition in Central and Eastern Anatolia. Therefore, it is probably that the obsidian has been prepared in the Tole Khari from the sources of Anatolian obsidian using a very long-distance transition and trade network, which was about 1000 to 1900 km.