Mineralogical and chemical characterization of surface orange layers on the limestone of the Monastery of Batalha, Central Portugal

Yufan Ding, Pedro Redo, Emma Angelini, José Mirão, Nicola Schiavon

Abstract

Samples of orange surface patinas found on the limestone balustrade and sculptures of the Batalha Monastery in Portugal, have been investigated by Xray micro-diffractometry (μ-XRD) and Low-Vacuum Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (LV-SEM + EDS). Aim of the study was to assess whether the orange layers have been intentionally applied or were resulting from stone weathering. Preliminary results suggest that the orange layer on the surface is mainly consisted of gypsum and hematite with halite and weddellite as minor components. This discovery implies the possibility that such orange patinas were applied intentionally instead of having been formed naturally by decay. A comparison was made between this patina and the scialbatura, a protective coating often applied by conservators on limestones and marbles in monuments.

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IMEKO TC

TC4 - Measurement of Electrical Quantities

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