부산대학교 도서관

Abstract The origin and effects of two decay scenarios are described in relation to marble monuments. "Cooked marble" decay is caused by temperature and pressure variations, or by soluble salts crystallizing inside the marble. These three causes may act separately or jointly, being due to natural or artificial events. Examples are presented. The genesis of Ca-oxalate patinas is thought to be due to the natural decay of organic materials spread onto monuments for finishing or conservation purposes. Environmental pollution, especially the formation of inorganic acids, causes rapid removal of the Ca-oxalate patinas. It is suggested that the formation of Ca-oxalate patinas does not represent a decay. In the past they have played a protective role on marbles, so their disappearance is to be regarded as a decay process.