Three samples
Typically the fabric is brick red (10R 5/6-5/8) throughout, with a cream (2.5Y 8/3) external self-slipped surface. It is hard to very hard with an irregular fracture and rough surfaces, although the self slip abrades easily and the surface therefore may become powdery. The fabric is normally associated with later forms than NAF AM 1, including the Africana II, Grande or Peacock & Williams Classes 34–5.
In contrast to the lime-rich fabric, well-sorted common or abundant quartz predominates, measuring 0.1–0.4mm with occasional grains up to 0.9mm. Limestone is normally sparse and ill sorted and while mainly in the same size range as the quartz it may occur up to 3.0mm, including eruptions on the surface. Finally, sparse red-brown or black iron-rich inclusions and, in some samples, fine silver mica can be identified.
The sample has a well-sorted groundmass of abundant angular monocrystalline quartz, frequently measuring <0.07mm. Common larger grains, most of which are more rounded, are ill sorted and normally do not exceed 0.3mm, although grains to 1.0mm are present. Both limestone and opaques are sparse and, like the quartz, are frequently present to c 0.3mm. Rare polycrystalline quartz, chert and feldspar are also present, as are rare flecks of mica which, as for NAF AM 1, are not considered diagnostic.
See the related record on the Atlas of Roman Pottery on the Potsherd website