Characterization and damage assessment of stones used in the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Achaemenian period

Research at Pasargadae, an Achaemenian period UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals that the site's architectural stones—previously classified by color (beige, dark-gray, and green-gray)—are distinct limestones with varying textures. Two types exhibit a compact structure, while the third is notably porous. Petrochemical analysis identified dolomite in some beige stone samples, though no salt was detected as a potential decay factor. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pinpointed calcite crystal dissolution as a primary cause of deterioration in dark-gray and green-gray stones. These findings provide critical insights for tailoring conservation strategies to preserve Pasargadae's historic integrity.

Shekofteh, A., Molina, E., Arizzi, A., Cultrone, G., Ahmadi, H., & Yazdi, M. (2018). Characterization and damage assessment of stones used in the Pasargadae World Heritage Site, Achaemenian period. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 13(4), 521–536. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2018.1436728