Not really.

XRF is X-Ray Fluorescence. Essentially, it involves shooting low voltage x-rays at a target to determine the molecular makeup of the object.

Yesterday and today, we (staff of the BBHC) got to play with an XRF gun that we can use (for the next two weeks, at least) to determine the chemical makeup of everything from the alloy in a rifle barrel, the composition of gutta percha grips, and the type of brass used in a cartridge case. For non-gun objects, we looked at pigments in Native American clothing and accessories, individual pigments in a Remington watercolor, and the presence of arsenic in animal mounts.

Unfortunately, there is an expense that goes with the tool. I won’t go into it here, but if you know someone with deep pockets, send them my way!

Cheers,

Dave