Ancient pottery’s ‘magnetic memory’ could help expose modern forgeries, researchers find

A research team led by Israeli scientists has developed a new method for authenticating ancient artifacts based on the magnetic memory of pottery. This technology utilizes magnetic signals that clay has acquired over thousands of years. According to the Times of Israel, this technique could serve as a precise tool for distinguishing genuine historical and artistic artifacts from modern forgeries. Researchers believe that by examining magnetic variations within the pottery's structure, the method allows for a more accurate determination of an object's age and manufacturing history. This scientific achievement could transform the fields of archaeology and the art market by helping to prevent the entry of counterfeit items into historical collections.