Multi-kilogram obsidian "mirror" tablets are part of a collaboration with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and the Austrian Academy of Sciences were studied by researchers to provide a complete analysis of the major, minor, and trace element compositions for each tablet using co-located SEM-based energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry with fundamental parameters quantifications. This study revealed a new link to the Los Azufres super volcano in Central Mexico for mahogany (reddish brown) obsidian polished by skilled artisans roughly 500 years ago. The paper also addresses a comparison between X-ray fluorescence spectrometry conducted in a vacuum versus portable XRF.
