morphology

of

stone deterioration
by lorelei de viana
Why is it important to know the
morphology of stone deterioration?

 It is important for a conservator or restorer to be

able to identify the different types of stone
deterioration or the various physical manifestations of stone
alteration and decay.
a. Diagnose possible causes

b. Plan conservation strategies

CAUSES OF
STONE DETERIORATION
 MECHANICAL WEATHERING
- thermal expansion
- vibrations
- frost bursting
- salt bursting
- hygric expansion

 CHEMICAL WEATHERING
- chemical dissolution
- hydrolysis
- oxidation
- photochemical reactions
 BIOGENIC WEATHERING

- root cracking
- growth of plants
- metabolism of micro-organisms
- erosion by plants, animals and man
 WEATHERING FORMS

1. Deterioration of stone constructions

- disaggregations or loosening of masonry
- fissures or cracks

2. Disruption of stone fragments

- contour scaling
- exfoliation
- spalling
- disintegration along bedding
- intergranular disaggregation
-granular disintegration

3. Chemical dissolution (microkarst)

4. Deposition on surface and in a
superficial zone
- crusts
- efflorescence

5. Alteration without decay

- patina
- chromatic alteration
- deposition of dust

6. Plastic deformation

7. Biogenic alterations
terms used in the
study of

stone
deterioration
• The following terms are taken from the NORMAL
document No. 1/88 entitled: Macroscopic alteration on
Stone Objects.

• These terms and definitions shall assist in the

identification of different morphologies or forms of stone
alteration or deterioration as seen by the naked eye.

• In the absence of an existing local standard or

reference to identify morphologies of stone alteration and
deterioration, it is recommended that the internationally
accepted NORMAL reference be used for local
conditions.
Alteration – a modification of the material that
does not necessarily imply a negative change to its
characteristics from the conservation point of view

Deterioration – a modification of the

material which always implies a decline in its
characteristics from the conservation point of view
Alveolar decay
deterioration which can
appear in highly porous
materials with the formation
of cavities, often deep and
interconnected, the walls of
which are covered with
powder from the material
itself
Alveolar decay
 Pitting
a punctiform corrosion which appears as the formation of
numerous small holes or pits.
Blistering – superficial and localised lifting of
the material, which appears in various forms and
consistencies
Chromatic alteration
an alteration which can appear as a variation in luster or gloss
(brilliance), a variation in color (hue) or a variation in color
intensity (saturation)
Chromatic alteration
Film
External film
created
superficially on
the stone
material. This
appears to be
part of the
stone material
but in fact can
be detached
easily from the
surface.
Crust

A surface layer of material which can be visibly

distinguished from the underlying parts by its
morphological characteristics, and often by its color. Its
chemical and mineralogical nature and physical
characteristics are partly or completely different from
those of the material from which it can be separated.
Encrustation
a compact and usually
adherent surface deposit,
composed of inorganic
substances or structures
of biological nature.
Encrustation
Detachment
a loss of continuity
between the superficial
layers of the material or
with respect to the
substrate.
Efflorescence

a crystalline formation, generally not very

consistent, of soluble salts on the surface of the
object. It is produced by the phenomena of salt
migration and the evaporation of water.

Salt crystallisation also may occur at the interior

of the material, provoking the detachment of the
most superficial layers: this phenomenon is
called subflorescence or cryptoflorescence.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence
Erosion
a loss of material from the
surface which can be due
to processes of a different
nature. When the causes
of decay are known,
different terms may be
used: erosion due to
abrasion (mechanical
causes), erosion due to
corrosion (chemical or
biological causes), and
erosion due to wear
(anthropic causes).
Exfoliation
a deterioration which
appears as lifting
followed by the
detachment of one or
more thin surface
layers which are
parallel to each other
(flakes).
Exfoliation
Fissuring or
Cracking
deterioration which
appears with the formation
of discontinuities (thin
cracks or fissures) in the
material, with or without
relative displacement of
the two sides.
Bocca de la verita

Example of fissuring
Losses
the loss of parts.
In case of painted
renderings, the
term lacuna is
used.
Losses
Lacuna
the loss of parts of a
mural painting, where
the underlying
rendering or support is
uncovered.
Patina
a superficial alteration of
the material, due to natural
modifications, not
involving apparent
deterioration of the
objects and perceivable as
a variation of the original
color of the material. In
the case of artificially
induced alterations, the
term artificial patina is
used.
Pulverization
a deterioration which
appears through the fall,
spontaneous or
induced, of the material
in powder form.
Presence of
vegetation

an expression used
when lichens, mosses
and/or plants are
present
Stain
an alteration which
appears as an accidental
and localised
pigmentation on the
surface, and is correlated
to the presence of
foreign material (e.g.
rust, copper salts,
organic substances,
varnishes,..)
Stain
Surface Deposit
an accumulation of foreign material of a different nature, such as
dust, dirt, bird droppings, etc.
Scaling
a deterioration which appears as the total or partial
detachment of parts (scales, chips or splinters), often
following discontinuity planes in the original material. The
scales are irregular in form and thickness and vary in size.
Scaling
Weathering or deterioration of
stone materials due to:

External Agents Internal Agents

Changes in temperature Humidity in the material

Humidity Pore solutions
Precipitation of dust, acids Salts and alkaline materials
and gases Incompatible materials
Movements in the ground like iron, wood, etc.
Vibrations Organisms
Catastrophic events
Organisms
RECORDING OR DOCUMENTATION OF
DETERIORATION IS IMPORTANT FOR
A CONSERVATOR:

• Provides a useful record

• Serves as reference in monitoring the state of

conservation of a heritage structure through
periods of time

• Serves as medium in identifying possible causes

of alteration or deterioration by recognizing
processes, cycles or patterns of change or
transformation

• Functions as a tool in preparing conservation

plans
State of Stone Conservation Graphic
Documentation

1. Constituent Materials
- kinds of materials used, e.g. marble, volcanic
tuff, limestone, etc.

2. Conservation Conditions
- deposits on or within the stone surface
- stone surface conditions/material loss
- structural conditions
3. Previous Interventions/Surface
Applications

-remains of polychromy
-artificial patina
-graffiti/paint applications
-stone replacements/insertions
-cement fillings
-synthetic fillings
-former surface treatment (includes
consolidants or protective coatings)
- metal elements (pins/cramps)
REFERENCES

http://www.icomos.org/publications/monuments_and_sites/15/pdf
/Monuments_and_Sites_15_ISCS_Glossary_Stone.pdf

http://cool.conservation-us.org/byauth/clifton/stone/stone2.html

The Deterioration and Conservation of Stone by Lorenzo Lazzarini

Paete Church, Laguna
Miagao Church
Paoay Church
VIGAN, Ilocos Sur