X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a non-destructive analytical technique used to determine materials' elemental composition. It helps to better understand the materials on what it is made up of. This allows the conservator to make suitable conservation treatment decisions. 

X-ray are a form of electromagnetic radiation that has the ability to penetrate through materials of varying densities. It could help reveal information that are not visible to the naked eye. For example, previous restoration work, how the object is constructed and the object condition.