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Surface changes on crystalline stones due to salt crystallisation

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Abstract

This study assesses the changes on the surface of crystalline stones due to salt crystallisation. Efflorescence was forced to grow on the surface of granite and marbles through 60 cycles of salt crystallisation with sodium sulphate. Changes on surface roughness, gloss and colour were measured every 15 cycles and the specimens were examined with naked eye and SEM. Sodium sulphate produces damage which depends on mineral composition. Results show that granites experience a mechanical decay with an increase in roughness. Peaks of mica can be observed on the surface and cracks widen and grow deeper. Colour and gloss do not show any significant change, although gloss decreases with an increase in surface roughness. In marbles, the decay is mainly chemical. Surface roughness increases due to dissolution of the calcite. White marbles exhibit yellowing. Gloss decreases during the first cycles—as grain boundaries become more visible—but tends to regain almost its initial value as the number of cycles increases. In this case, gloss does not show any relation with surface roughness.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the “Fondo Social Europeo” from Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation under project MAT2004-06804-C02-01, and by FICYT under the project IB09-080. The Asociación de Graniteiros de Galicia is thanked for providing the material used. We would like to thank Dr. David Benavente for his help in understanding the chemical processes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Géosciences et Environnement, Université de Cergy-Pontoise, 5, Mail Gay-Lussac, Rue d’Eragny, Neuville-sur-Oise, 95031, Cergy-Pontoise, Cedex, France

    Patricia Vázquez

  2. Facultad de Geología, Universidad de Oviedo, Jesús Arias de Velasco s/n, 33005, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain

    Patricia Vázquez & Francisco J. Alonso

  3. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Granada, Fuentenueva s/n, 18002, Granada, Spain

    Ana Luque

  4. School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK

    Carlota M. Grossi

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  1. Patricia Vázquez
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  2. Ana Luque
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  3. Francisco J. Alonso
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  4. Carlota M. Grossi
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Correspondence to Patricia Vázquez.

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Vázquez, P., Luque, A., Alonso, F.J. et al. Surface changes on crystalline stones due to salt crystallisation. Environ Earth Sci 69, 1237–1248 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-012-2003-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-012-2003-6

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