Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Exfoliation of Egyptian Blue and Han Blue, Two Alkali Earth Copper Silicate-based Pigments
Published on: April 24, 2014
Oxalate films and red stains on Carrara marble
Marco Realini1, Chiara Colombo, Antonio Sansonetti
1Istituto per la Conservazione e la Valorizzazione dei Beni Culturali, Sezione di Milano "Gino Bozza", Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy. marco.realini@polimi.it
Abstract:
The analytical studies carried out during two different diagnostic surveys, respectively in 1983 and 2003, offered the opportunity to control decay phenomena development on stones facing Certosa of Pavia (Italy). Calcium oxalate films and red stains, present on Carrara marble surface, have been particularly focused; these are the only decay phenomena which apparently have remained unchanged during a period of twenty years. More sensitive and in-depth analytical studies (FTIR equipped with diamond cell, GC-MS, SEM-EDS and optical microscopy) achieved a better knowledge about their composition. Results allowed a critical evaluation of the role of oxalate films on the external marble surface and to suggest new hypotheses about the formation of red stains.
Related Concept Videos
Qualitative Analysis
For instance, group IV...
Efflorescence in Masonry
While initial efflorescence is common post-construction and can be cleaned with water and a brush, in certain instances, efflorescence can reappear and gradually diminish over time as salts are leached out...
Oxidations of Aldehydes and Ketones to Carboxylic Acids
Aldehydes readily undergo oxidation in strong oxidizing agents such as potassium permanganate and chromic acid. The oxidation can also be carried out using mild oxidizing agents such as silver oxide. In fact, aldehydes can be easily oxidized...
Sulfate Attack on Concrete
Sulfates from sources like soil, groundwater, or industrial effluents...
Acid Attack on Concrete
The rate at which hydrogen...
Fixation and Sectioning
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...

