Characterization of building stones from the archaeological site of Pyrgi

Abstract

Abstract: This thesis aims to investigate the lithotypes used in the ceremonial quarter in the archaeological site of Pyrgi in pursuance of preliminary hypothesis of the source of the building materials. A multi-analytical approach which includes the study of mineralogical-petrographic and chemical composition by digital (DM) and optical (OM) microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been integrated for identification of geomaterials used. Nine samples have been classified as sedimentary rocks, while four samples have been classified as volcanic rocks. The geomaterials acquired as stone buildings in the archaeological site of Pyrgi were found to be sourced locally.