title: Spectroscopic, microchemical and petrographic analyses of plasters from ancient buildings in Lamezia Terme (Calabria, Southern Italy).
abstract: This work shows the results of the spectroscopic, microchemical and petrographic study carried out on six plasters coming from three important residential buildings of the 18th century, located in Lamezia Terme (Catanzaro, Southern Italy). To study the provenance of the raw materials used to make the plasters, one sample of limestone and two samples of sand were also collected from the quarries near Lamezia Terme and compared with the historical plasters. Samples were studied by polarized optical microscopy (OM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy. The results of these analyses allowed to determine the mineralogical, petrographical and chemical characteristics of the plasters, identify the pigments used for their coloration and provide useful information about the building techniques, the raw materials employed and the production technology of plasters during the 18th century in Lamezia Terme. SEM-EDS microanalysis also revealed the presence of gold and silver on the surface of two samples.
authors: Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 12B, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy. Electronic address: raffaella.deluca@unical.it.
authors: Raffaella
authors: R
authors: De Luca
authors: Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 12B, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy.
authors: Valentina
authors: V
authors: Gigliotti
authors: Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 12B, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy.
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Panarello
authors: Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 12B, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Bloise
authors: Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 12B, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy.
authors: Gino M
authors: GM
authors: Crisci
authors: Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, Cubo 12B, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy.
authors: Domenico
authors: D
authors: Miriello
keywords: Archaeometry; Gold; Pigments; Raman spectroscopy; SEM–EDS microanalysis; Spathic calcite