MicroArt

MicroArt highlights the beauty and charm found in the microscopic world of materials. Most of the time our focus is on the technical and scientific aspect of microstructures, but we also know that the objects we observe in the microscope are often striking in their appearance. Here we devote some space among our technical publications to showcase micrographs that possess an interesting artistic aesthetic quality.

Readers who are interested in sharing their own images for this feature may email them to the editor of MMA at ryan.deacon@asminternational.org.

Alloy Bronze Rattle, part of a pin piece [“Tupu” or “Katawe”]

The metallographic structure corresponds to an alloy of the bronze (Cu-Sn) type alloyed with silicon and zinc. The lead (Pb) surely comes from the welding process of joining both hemispheres. The image shows dendritic structure from the cold-worked of cored grains. It was etched with 3% ferric chloride.

This metallic piece is part of the Mapuche Cemetery archaeological site of Mesa Mountain in Malargüe, Mendoza, Argentina. This piece is part of the metallic metalworking from the Mapuche aborigen culture. The contributor notes, “Always I think this image is so naturally beautiful and wonderful!”

Contributed by:

Patricia Carrizo, Eng.

Materials Science Professor

Archaeometallurgy Area, Metallurgy Laboratory

National Technological University Mendoza Regional Faculty (UTNFRM)

Mendoza, Argentina