Chemical composition of Medieval stained glasses from the Cathedral of León (Spain)

Medieval stained glass windows from León Cathedral, Spain, are primarily composed of potash-lime glass with notably low alumina content. This unique chemical composition has contributed to their significant deterioration over centuries due to environmental exposure. The study employed advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma, X-ray fluorescence, and flame photometry to analyze a selection of glass samples dating from the Medieval and Renaissance periods. These findings provide critical insights into the material properties and preservation challenges of historical stained glass, offering valuable data for conservation efforts.

Valle, F. J., Ortega, P., Pascual, L., Carmona, N., & Fernández Navarro, J. M. (2002). Chemical composition of Medieval stained glasses from the Cathedral of León (Spain). Offenbach : Verlag Der Deutschen Glastechnischen Gesellschaft. https://doi.org/10.34657/13014