Integrated techniques to evaluate the features of sedimentary rocks of archeological areas of Sicily

This work is addressed to characterize the sedimentary rocks from Sicily used in cultural heritage, classifying them for mineralogical and chemical features as well as for porosity. Measurements on samples collected in Sicilian quarries will be compared with data obtained from micro-invasive techniques on monuments of archaeological interest. In detail, the chosen techniques were X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Magnetic Resonance Relaxometry (MRR), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Furthermore, adsorption kinetics studies and internal microporosity surveys on samples, both through X-ray tomography, are performed. Many of sedimentary rocks (common limestones, calcarenites, travertines, etc.) have been used for the building of archaeological-historical items of Sicily, from Magna Graecia to nowadays. The final aim is the understanding of the deterioration processes and the eventual remedial actions to prevent the decay of the cultural heritage. In particular, our attention was focused on building materials used for some of the temples of Agrigento, Segesta and Selinunte.