CULTURAL HERITAGE
LABORATORY
Mineralogical and petrographic studies are carried out for the conservation and restoration of cultural and archaeological heritage, on rocks, stone materials, ceramics, mortars, plasters and stuccoes using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy in reflected and transmitted polarized light.
The Analitica laboratory provides petrographic and microstratigraphic analyses through observation with optical microscopy in white and polarized UV light according to UNI NORMAL 11176, for the study of mortars, plasters and stuccoes used for structural, coating, ornamental, or decorative purposes in buildings of historical and artistic interest.
The mineralogical and petrographic study of mortars focuses on the characterization of binders, aggregates, porosity, pigment layers and surface patinas resulting from natural and anthropogenic degradation.
Identification of the crystalline phases in stone materials, mortars, stuccoes and bricks, as well as in efflorescences, pigments and alteration patinas, using X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Mineralogical and petrographic interpretation through the study of thin sections under optical microscopy in polarized light of mortars, cements, plasters and stuccoes.
Study of microstratigraphy using optical microscopy in reflected polarized light in the visible spectrum and under UV fluorescence. Analysis of alteration patinas and pigments using scanning electron microscopy and chemical microanalysis (SEM-EDS). Identification of mortar layer thicknesses, recognition of patinas and pigments, and petrographic description according to UNI NORMAL 11176.
Thermal study using thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) of phase transformations and weight changes under varying thermodynamic conditions, including quantitative determination of mineralogical phases (e.g., gypsum, carbonates...).