journal article·2026-04-16Open access

Portable XRF for paintings and metals authentication: a critical guide to some practical limitations and multi-technique integrations

Marco Nicola, Luca Matullo, Alessandro Marello, Chiara Mastrippolito, Roberto Gobetto

npj Heritage Science· Volume 14· Issue 1

Abstract

In authentication studies, chemists, scientists, art historians, conservators, and law enforcement collaborate to identify forgeries. For paintings, pigment characterization (detecting anachronistic materials) is decisive. Portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) is a dominant, versatile, non-destructive identification method, yet its misuse is documented and widespread. Literature and current results require contextualization by instrument and era, avoiding over-interpretation. This practical review examines pXRF’s strengths and constraints through case studies.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis · X-ray Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Analysis · Conservation Techniques and Studies

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

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