Lishan clay has been characterized by Mössbauer spectroscopy
X-ray diffraction
X-ray fluorescence
neutron activation
thermal and chemical analyses. It was proved that Lishan clay was the material used for making the terra-cotta warriors and horses of Qin Dynasty. Firing testing of clay was carried out in various conditions. The transformations induced by firing of clay were characterized by Mössbauer spectra. The data on quadrupole splittings of Fe
3+
or Fe
2+
ions
and on nonmagnetic component distributions at different firing temperatures
may lead to valuable informations on the manufacture of ancient pottery. The sintering temperture for the terra-cotta warriors and horses of Qin Dynasty was thus evaluated to be 950—1030℃.