Archaeological chert artifacts from Atapuerca sites (Burgos, Spain): Characterization, causes of decay and selection of compatible consolidating products

Chert artifacts from the Atapuerca archaeological sites, particularly those containing moganite alongside quartz, exhibit significant weathering and decay, unlike their quartz-only counterparts. This study identifies the need for consolidation treatments specifically tailored to moganite-bearing cherts due to their powdery nature and greater susceptibility to deterioration. The research evaluates both traditional consolidants (acrylic resin and ethyl silicate) and novel nanoparticle-based products (SiO2 and a mixture of SiO2 and Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles) using non-destructive techniques such as peeling tests, spectrophotometry, and optical surface roughness analysis, followed by destructive methods like SEM and XRD. The findings aim to guide conservators in selecting the most compatible treatments to preserve these delicate artifacts while maintaining their physical and aesthetic properties.

Zornoza-Indart, A., Lopez-Arce, P., & López-Polín, L. (2020). Archaeological chert artifacts from Atapuerca sites (Burgos, Spain): Characterization, causes of decay and selection of compatible consolidating products. Conservar Património. https://doi.org/10.14568/cp2019037