Hand-held X-ray fluorescence analysis of archaeological artefacts: challenges, advantages and limitations.

Hand-held X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy has brought great advances in the study of cultural heritage materials, allowing fast, non-invasive and non-destructive analysis of artworks or works of art on-site, particularly in museums, conservation studios, and during archaeological excavations. This Technical Brief discusses the main advantages and limitations of the technique applied to archaeological artefacts, together with its potential to answer research questions for archaeologists and conservators.