Chemical and mineralogical analyses on stones from Sagunto Castle (Spain). (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramacciotti, Mirco; Rubio, Sonia; Gallello, Gianni; Lezzerini, Marco; Raneri, Simona; Hernandez, Emilia; Calvo, Matias; Columbu, Stefano; Morales, Angel; Pastor, Agustin; de la Guardia, Miguel
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 24(2019)
• Page Start: 931
• Page End: 938
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Building stone -- Fortress -- Remains -- Chemistry -- Mineralogy -- Roman period -- Middle ages; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.03.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Abstract: For the first time, an archaeometric study was carried out on the carbonate rock ashlars of the Sagunto Castle. The studied site is one of the most important and best preserved Spanish archaeological and architectural monuments, characterized by different construction phases from the Roman period to Modern Ages. Forty samples collected from thirteen different structures of Sagunto Castle and two quarries, located in the Sagunto's hill were used for comparative purposes. The samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine their mineralogical and elemental composition. The obtained data show similar chemical and mineralogical features between the rocks outcropping in the city quarries and some of those employed to build the structures, suggesting that rocks could have been used to build the structures from different periods along the centuries. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Carbonate rock ashlars from Sagunto Castle buildings were analyzed. Calcitic dolostone, dolomitic limestone and limestone were identified. Dolostone and dolomitic limestone ashlars maybe are from the Sagunto urban quarries. Limestone ashlars come probably from an unidentified local outcrop. Data suggest a complex construction history characterized by reemploying and reworks.