3D Models of A Mysterious Medieval Nanomaterial Hints at a Lost Art
The discovery of an ultra-thin metal foil consisting entirely of gold and silver has allowed sculptors to gild their creations with a unique shine never before seen.
Dubbed Zwischgold (part Gold), this medieval material was discovered by scientists who used the newest scanning techniques at nanoscale level 3D laser scanning services.
Scientists uncovered its secrets deep within ancient artifacts like sculptures or coins dating back centuries.
How 3D Laser Scanning Services Helped Scientists
The Swiss National Museum has revealed the first 3D scanning representations of medieval gold forger Zwischgold, describing how it was created and why restoring art from this time will be challenging.
“The material of which Zwischgold is made has always been a mystery until now,” says Benjamin Watts, an expert in medieval physics from the Paul Scherrer Institute.
“So we wanted to investigate the samples using 3D scanning services technology, which can visualize extremely fine details.”
The team used a 3D laser scanning services technique called ptychographic tomography to create diffraction patterns that showed up in the shadows they could observe.
They used a technique called diffraction to photograph objects too small for conventional cameras. As a result, the images revealed details of unprecedented clarity, allowing them to see things in ways never before possible.
The 3D laser scanning services images reveal a gold layer measuring around 30 nanometers, thinly and evenly spread over a silver base. By comparison, modern samples of Zwischgold conducted in the same study measured thicknesses from 48-82 nm.
The 3D laser scanning services data shows how much more fragile this metal seems compared to other elements, such as aluminum or copper, which can withstand up to 300°C before melting due to their greater Oxidation States.
The researchers found that the gold and silver were hammered together before being worked on as a single foil. This was for creating durable coins without losing weight in production.
This is due to its higher ratio of metal content over time compared to other alternatives, such as brass which is commonly used today.
As a result, it can be easily stamped multiple times while retaining some durability. They also point out how pricey medieval jewelry made entirely from this material would’ve looked very different.
The goldsmiths and sculptors who crafted precious metal into intricate ornaments had to be mindful of its uniform structure when pressing crystals together. It took expertise, as this would not be a job for an amateur.
There was a hierarchy among those able to use resources. Some were better than others, depending on how much money they could make from different metals.
Some people may not like how Zwischgold turns its gold color, but one drawback is its affordability. In addition, the silver in this mixture moves rapidly and can coat other metals within days.
Eventually, it will lead to corrosion as it comes into contact with water or sulfur gas on Earth’s surface.