The present study considered a possible way of classifying fossil and sub-fossil resins by means of thermal analysis, by using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) profiles.We used samples of resins of different origin and ages, ranging from present-day to Triassic (225 million years ago (Ma)), in order to extend the knowledge of thermal patterns of very ancient resins. Under differential thermogravimetric analysis, all the samples presented a main exothermal event, whose temperature varied among resins of different age. The increasing value of the main exothermal peak varies with the increase of the age of the specimen and a significant linear correlation was found (r = 0.701, P < 0.01) with a slope of 0.216. Additional information came in relation to paleobotanical origin, lithology and diagenesis of the fossil samples. Thermal analysis of fossil resins appears therefore as a useful method that may improve the characterization of fossil resins and well correlates with the maturation grade.
Classification of amber based on thermal analysis
GIANOLLA, Piero
2003
Abstract
The present study considered a possible way of classifying fossil and sub-fossil resins by means of thermal analysis, by using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermogravimetric (DTG) profiles.We used samples of resins of different origin and ages, ranging from present-day to Triassic (225 million years ago (Ma)), in order to extend the knowledge of thermal patterns of very ancient resins. Under differential thermogravimetric analysis, all the samples presented a main exothermal event, whose temperature varied among resins of different age. The increasing value of the main exothermal peak varies with the increase of the age of the specimen and a significant linear correlation was found (r = 0.701, P < 0.01) with a slope of 0.216. Additional information came in relation to paleobotanical origin, lithology and diagenesis of the fossil samples. Thermal analysis of fossil resins appears therefore as a useful method that may improve the characterization of fossil resins and well correlates with the maturation grade.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
