MODEL STUDY OF THE 1ST STEPS IN THE DETERIORATION OF CALCAREOUS STONE .3. MANGANESE AND IRON-MEDIATED SULFATION OF NATURAL STONE

Journal article, 1994

Transition-metal-mediated sulphation of calcareous stone is investigated. Mixes of iron and manganese compounds with precipitated or ground calcite are employed to model natural calcareous stones containing these metals in trace concentrations. The products are characterized by Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform spectrometry. Sulphation is shown to depend strongly on the amounts of transition metals in the mixture, and calibration curves are constructed. Sulphate formations at natural calcareous stone surfaces are discussed within the framework of the assumed model.