The evidential value of small glass particles has been recognized for quite some time. While physical properties such as refractive index and density offer some discrimination of glass samples, they offer little in the way of classification of glasss product type. Further, with improved glass manufacturing processes, the range of physical properties seen in modern glass samples is continually decreasing. Many have advocated the use of elemental analysis for the purposes of forensic glass analysis. Various instrumental techniques have been employed to this end, including flameless atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. These more commonly employed methods are discussed and advantages and disadvantages of each technique highlighted.
