This is an exciting time for archaeology. The ongoing miniaturization of analytical instrumentation has advanced to a state where traditionally lab-based analysis can now be performed in the field (i.e. XRF, Raman, FTIR etc...). In situ analysis can be enormously advantageous for archaeologists by providing on the spot identification of elements in artifacts. In addition, the resulting analyses can help guide subsequent excavation toward achieving specific goals. But what seems advantageous can also be problematic if not fully understood or properly implemented. PXRF may promote Utopian expectations for on-site elemental analysis, but what is often offered and promoted by manufacturers rarely produces viable data when used to investigate the material types encountered in archaeology. The underlying physics of XRF may limit what can be considered acceptable data, yet it is still possible to extract exceptionally useful information. Several examples will be given to highlight issues that can arise during in-situ analysis. Analytic methods will be described that will aid in proper interpretation of raw data.
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