Provenance identification of classical marbles has long been one of the main research topics in archaeometry. In this paper we propose a method to characterize marbles integrating quantitative textural analysis, using image analysis and fractal techniques, and stable isotope geochemistry. The method is applied to marbles employed in the construction of the "Fontana Maggiore" in Perugia, Italy. Results evidence that three marble lithotypes can be discriminated with respect to their textural and isotopic features. Comparison between data obtained on samples from the fountain and marbles belonging to the ancient quarries of Thassos, Naxos and Paros leads to exclude provenance of marbles from these localities.
Characterization of Marbles by Textural Analyses and Stable Isotope Geochemistry: Examples from the "Fontana Maggiore" of Perugia (Italy)
MORONI, Beatrice;PERUGINI, Diego;POLI, Giampiero;
2002
Abstract
Provenance identification of classical marbles has long been one of the main research topics in archaeometry. In this paper we propose a method to characterize marbles integrating quantitative textural analysis, using image analysis and fractal techniques, and stable isotope geochemistry. The method is applied to marbles employed in the construction of the "Fontana Maggiore" in Perugia, Italy. Results evidence that three marble lithotypes can be discriminated with respect to their textural and isotopic features. Comparison between data obtained on samples from the fountain and marbles belonging to the ancient quarries of Thassos, Naxos and Paros leads to exclude provenance of marbles from these localities.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.