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Laser-induced fluorescence and FT-Raman spectroscopy for characterizing patinas on stone substrates

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry volume 402, pages 1433–1441 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

This article reports on a compositional investigation of stone patinas: thin colored layers applied for protective and/or aesthetic purposes on architectural or sculptural substrates of cultural heritage. The analysis and classification of patinas provide important information of historic and artistic interest, as their composition reflects local practices, the availabilities of different materials, and the development of technological knowledge during specific historical periods. Model patinas fabricated according to traditional procedures and applied onto limestone, and a historic patina sample from the main façade of the San Blas Monastery in Lerma (a village in the province of Burgos, Spain), were analyzed by laser-induced fluorescence and Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy. The results obtained demonstrate the ability of these two analytical techniques to identify the key components of each formulation and those of the reaction products which result from the chemical and mineralogical transformations that occur during aging, as well as to provide information that can aid the classification of different types of patinas.

Cross section of model patina (left) and FT-Raman spectrum of historic patina from the façade of San Blas Monastery, Lerma, Burgos, Spain (right).

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Acknowledgements

This work has been funded by the Madrid Regional Government project Geomateriales (S2009/Mat-1629) and by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación under projects CTQ2010-15680 and CONSOLIDER CSD2007-00058. The authors also thank the research group from Universidad Complutense de Madrid: “Alteración y Conservación de los Materiales Pétreos del Patrimonio.”

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Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Química Física Rocasolano, CSIC, C/ Serrano 119, 28006, Madrid, Spain

    M. Oujja, M. Sanz & M. Castillejo

  2. Instituto de Geociencias, CSIC-UCM, C/ José Antonio Nováis 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain

    C. Vázquez-Calvo, M. Álvarez de Buergo & R. Fort

Authors
  1. M. Oujja
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  2. C. Vázquez-Calvo
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  3. M. Sanz
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  4. M. Álvarez de Buergo
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  5. R. Fort
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  6. M. Castillejo
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Oujja.

Additional information

Published in the special issue Analytical Techniques in Art, Archaeology and Conservation Science with guest editor Oliver Hahn.

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Oujja, M., Vázquez-Calvo, C., Sanz, M. et al. Laser-induced fluorescence and FT-Raman spectroscopy for characterizing patinas on stone substrates. Anal Bioanal Chem 402, 1433–1441 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-5319-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-011-5319-2

Keywords

  • Laser-induced fluorescence
  • FT-Raman spectroscopy
  • Patinas
  • Stone substrates