Paolo Mazzoleni

The aim of this paper is to offer the first petrographic and chemical characterization of Middle Bronze Age pottery of Malta (Borġ in-Nadur, half of 15th - early 12th century BC) to discriminate, in the multitude of Borġ in-Nadur vessels found in coeval sites of southeastern and central-western Sicily, between imports and imitations and to precisely define their provenance. The present research may provide new data in order to shed light on the long standing issue about ‘mobility of men’ and ‘mobility of goods’ between the two insular contexts. A significant amount of Borġ in-Nadur pottery from Malta and Sicily have been sampled and subjected to petrographic exam on thin sections; moreover, mineralogical and chemical analyses of major and trace elements were performed by X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, respectively. Finally, chemical data were treated with statistical method (Aitchison, 1986) in order to attempt to distinguish Maltese and Sicilian Middle Bronz...

Laboratory measurement of density values of representative crystalline rocks of the Peloritani Mountains, southern Italy, constrain the interpretation of gravity data collected along a profile from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Mt. Etna volcano. These data contribute detail to crustal models of this section of the southern Italy orogenic system. Regional gravity modeling, constrained by new petro-physical data, yields the following conclusions: (1) existence of a southward-transported nappe belt of a more internal domain; (2) interpretation of the Taormina tectonic line as the morphological evidence of the thrusting of the Kabilo-Calabrian terrane over the Apenninian-Maghrebian units; (3) reconstruction of the Moho geometry along the geotransect, confirming the abrupt change in depth just starting from the Tyrrhenian coastal zone of Sicily.

This document provides an operative guide useful to perform X-Ray Map analysis using a Python script executable also from MS-DOS command prompt, largely based on ArcGIS® functions, without graphical user interface. The used ArcGIS® version (9.3 or later) should have ArcInfo license and support spatial analysis and data management extensions. This application born to statistically handle several types of multispectral images such as the X-ray maps which represent a multidimensional illustration of the elemental distribution within a selected domain. The procedure provides two different cycles of analysis, each of them subdivided in four principal analytical steps, moreover, the second one provides also the possibility to analyse the density distribution of a selected element within a specific classified mineral phase.The aim of the first analytical cycle (First Cycle) is to analyse the entire selected domain, finalising the procedure by means of the classification of recognised miner...

In this paper, a multi-technique approach, at different scale of observation, is used to characterize a group of decorative stones and to permit to distinguish rocks with similar aspect but coming from different areas. In particular, the samples under study are sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, widely used as building blocks of modern and historical constructions and sculptures. The petrographic and mineralogical features of such rocks were performed by optical microscopy and Raman and Fourier transform infrared absorbance spectroscopies. These techniques permitted to obtain a complete structural, textural, and mineralogical characterization. At elemental level, the investigation was carried out by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). In particular, XRF and Raman measurements were collected using portable instrumentations, whose advantages for the in situ analysis have been pointed out. The obtained results evidenced the high discriminant capability of the portable XRF for the decorative ston...

A new semi-automated image processing procedure based on multivariate statistical analysis of X-ray maps of petrological and material science interest has been developed to generate high contrast pseudo- coloured images highlighting the element distribution between and within detected mineral phases. This new tool package, developed in Python and integrated with ArcGiss, generates in only a few minutes several graphical outputs useful for classifying chemically homogeneous zones as well as extracting quantitative information through the statistical data handling of X-ray maps. The code, largely based on the use of functions implemented in ArcGiss9.3 equipped with Spatial Analyst and Data Management licences, has been suitably integrated with original cyclic functions that hugely reduce the time taken to complete lengthy procedures. In particular these tools, after the acquisition of any kind of multispectral images allow fast and powerful data processing for efficient illustration a...

Summary Rare garnet-spinel pyroxenite xenoliths occur in some basaltic tuff-breccia levels of Miocene age from the Valle Guffari (Hyblean Plateau, Sicily), together with a number of spinel-bearing mantle xenoliths. The garnet-bearing pyroxenites may be divided into two groups (“a” and “b”) on textural and mineralogical bases. Garnet-bearing spinel websterites with a fully recrystallized texture represent the first group (a). Here

ABSTRACT A new semi-automated image processing procedure based on multivariate statistical analysis of X-ray maps of petrological and material science interest has been developed to generate high contrast pseudo- coloured images highlighting the element distribution between and within detected mineral phases. This new tool package, developed in Python and integrated with ArcGiss, generates in only a few minutes several graphical outputs useful for classifying chemically homogeneous zones as well as extracting quantitative information through the statistical data handling of X-ray maps. The code, largely based on the use of functions implemented in ArcGiss9.3 equipped with Spatial Analyst and Data Management licences, has been suitably integrated with original cyclic functions that hugely reduce the time taken to complete lengthy procedures. In particular these tools, after the acquisition of any kind of multispectral images allow fast and powerful data processing for efficient illustration and documenta- tion of key compositional and microtextural relationships in rocks and materials.

Abstract Blackening and disaggregation of exposed surfaces of stone monuments are well-known effects of stone decay taking place in polluted urban environments all over the world. This paper aims to assess the contribution of natural and anthropogenic sources of total ...

ABSTRACT This work is focused on the petro-archeometric characterization of the fine pottery production of the archaeological site of Gela (Sicily). Thirty-five samples coming from three Archaic and Hellenistic kilns and five coming from an Hellenistic house, were investigated by means of optical microscopy, XRD and XRF analysis. With the exception of some ceramics which are undoubtedly imported, all the samples have similar petrographic features, but on the basis of chemical composition, we can distinguish two different groups. The presence of two local productions is confirmed by the comparison with locally outcropping sediments and with archaic and modern bricks of sure Geloan production. This result is particularly significant for the definition of reference groups of this wealthy polis that played an important trading role in the Mediterranean area.

... Amphorae of Gela: A Multidisciplinary Study on Provenance and Technological Aspects Germana Barone a, Paolo Mazzoleni a, Grazia Spagnolo b ... 3. Investigated Materials The thirty-eight amphora samples selected for this study (table 1) were found in contrada Molino a Vento ...

In the present study we carried out an extensive non-destructive and micro-destructive surface investigation on ancient decorated Sicilian samples of cultural interest, using a combination of different spectroscopic methods. In particular, the elemental composition, obtained by a ...

A non-invasive time-of-flight neutron diffraction (TOF-ND) analysis has been performed on archaeological pottery fragments from the excavation sites in the “Strait of Messina” area (Sicily, Southern Italy). The revealed quantitative information on the mineralogical composition have been ...

Introduction The Southern Apennines are one of the collisional arcs of the Mediterra-nean orogenic belt, resulting from the thick-skinned deformation of the Adria block (see inset ÔaÕ in Fig. 1). Crustal thrusts related to the tectonic inversion developed at the major boundaries ...

ABSTRACT A self-cleaning photocatalytic coating for limestone materials, based on TiO2 nanoparticles obtained by the sol-gel process has been studied. TiO2 sol was applied directly to the surface or after a SiO2 intermediate layer. The selected test materials are the Modica and the Comiso calcarenites, limestones of Ragusa Formation outcropping in the South Eastern Sicily (Italy). SEM-EDS, XRD and Raman investigations were carried out to characterise the TiO2 nanoparticles and coating. Nanocrystalline anatase and, to a lesser extent, brookite forms are obtained. To evaluate the harmlessness of the treatment, colorimetric tests, water absorption by capillarity and crystallisation of salts measurements were performed. Photocatalytic activity of the TiO2 colloidal suspension and of the coatings (TiO2 and SiO2/TiO2) was assessed under UV irradiation through methyl orange dye degradation tests. The results show good photodegradation activity and satisfactory compatibility between the sol and the surface of the investigated limestones.

International Geology Review, Vol. 50, 2008, p. 1116–1131. DOI: 10.2747/0020-6814.50.12.1116 Copyright © 2008 by Bellwether Publishing, Ltd. All rights reserved. ... Clay Mineral Assemblages and Sandstone Compositions of the Mesozoic Longobucco Group, Northeastern Calabria:

The non-invasive ultrasound propagation technique was applied in laboratory tests with the purpose to evaluate the susceptibility to decay of stone materials.The ‘Scicli’ limestone was chosen as test material, since it is commonly employed as a building material of baroque churches and historical monuments in South Eastern Sicily.Eight samples were subjected to several hydric and accelerated aging tests (salt crystallization) and during these latter the longitudinal waves velocities were measured.The susceptibility of the rocks to decay was showed by the response to absorption/desorption and salt crystallization tests; in particular high values of mass loss were recorded (up to 41%) and the decay already started during the 4th cycle.During salt crystallization a general decrease of P-waves velocity was observed in response to the occurring of macro- and micro-fractures even if almost all the samples showed broadly irregular patterns.The data obtained by means of hydric and petro-physical tests were subsequently assembled and processed for multiple regression analysis. The goodness of the results and the statistical relevance of the chosen variables was testified by the R2 values (0.99) and by the p < 0.05 values respectively. Variables CA (capillary coefficient) and AB (absorption coefficient) resulted as the most important predictors of mass loss followed by variables linked to the ultrasound propagation indicating that this latter is a suitable non-invasive technique especially when is coupled to a preliminary petrographic and physical characterization of the rock.► The ultrasound technique is carried out in order to study the stone durability. ► The velocity of ultrasound is measured before and during accelerated aging tests. ► The whole data processing indicates the necessity of preliminary rock characterizations. ► The study furnishes useful indication for the interpretation of in situ ultrasound measurement.

This work focuses on the petro-archaeometric analysis of several transport amphorae dated back from 4th to 2nd century BC which were found in various archaeological excavations recently carried out in Messina and Milazzo (north eastern Sicily). These amphorae, generally known as Graeco-Italic, raise the problem of the identification of their production areas. Petrographic analyses proved the presence of two groups

ABSTRACT In this work we present the preliminary results of the analysis of some plaster and mortar samples taken from the site of Taureana (Palmi, RC), an important Bruttii - Roman city. Two different construction phases of the city are investigated and refer to the presence of Bruttii (IV - I B.C.) and Roman (I B.C. - IV A.D.) settlements. The studied materials were collected from different architectonical structures and characterized by means of optical microscopy (OM), SEM/EDS and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The study allowed to obtain preliminary interesting information about the evolutions in this chronological lap of production technology of plasters and mortars used in the different architectural structures. Furthermore, the petrographic observations have allowed the provenance of raw materials to be determined.

ABSTRACT Background: This work is part of a wide scientific project finalized to characterize the Sicilian pottery productions from Greek to Roman Age. In this prospective, local reference groups have been analysed in order to create a database of the circulation and production centres in Sicily during this period. In this framework, a set of 28 waste pottery fragments (III-II century B.C.) from a pit found during excavations at the fortification of Adrano (Sicily) have been studied. Characterization of the samples has been obtained by macroscopic, petrographic (OM), mineralogical (XRD) and chemical (XRF) analyses. Results: Macroscopic analysis of the studied potteries has allowed to distinguish four groups on the basis of grain size, porosity and clay paste color. Petrographic and mineralogical analysis, carried out on a selection of representative samples have allowed us to obtain useful information on the production technology of the studied samples. Moreover, information about raw materials and provenance of clay sediments has been obtained by comparing chemical data of the analysed samples with locally outcropping clay sediments reference data. Finally, chemical results on Adrano potteries have been compared with kiln wastes from Siracusa and Gela. Conclusions: The aim of the present work is to obtain fabric characterizations and technological information on a local reference group of ceramic specimens manufactured in Adrano (Sicily). Petrographic and mineralogical results allow us to esteem high firing temperature suggesting a good technological level of local production; in addition, chemical data suggest a local provenance of raw materials used in the production of the studied samples. The comparison with local production from Siracusa and Gela highlights several differences in the use of raw material and in the technological levels achieved in the different sites, over time. Therefore, this work provides a valuable contribution in defining the local scenario of ceramic production in South-Eastern Sicily during the Hellenistic Age and in producing local reference groups in the petro-archaeometric studies of archaeological potteries.

ABSTRACT The chemical composition and petrographic features of 51 samples of fine pottery selected from the archaeological site of Syracuse have been established by means of optical microscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, with the aim of creating a reference group for the ceramics produced in this important Greek colony during the Hellenistic–Roman period. This reference group is constrained by the analysis of six kiln wasters and of raw materials outcropping in the studied area. Among the studied findings, the main part is assignable imputably to local production, while some specimens probably come from Greece and other colonies (Messina and Gela). The Syracuse fine pottery is characterized by inclusions formed mainly by quartz and micaceous and fossiliferous groundmass. The used pastes were more or less purified through the removal of the sandy-to-coarse silty granulometric fraction. The multivariate statistical analysis of chemical data permits the identification of production at Syracuse on the basis of comparison with the kiln wasters and the Plio-Pleistocene clays.

ABSTRACT The microscopic description of ancient pottery is widely used for the fabric definition, classification and provenance assessment. In most cases, however, the description is qualitative. An improvement of the study of archaeological pottery needs a more objective approach with quantitative analysis. In classical scientific literature, the structural features and mineralogical composition of pottery are carried out on thin sections by means of transmitted polarized light microscope. The determination were obtained through observations with and without cross polarizator (nicols). The quantitative measurements are normally achieved with tedious and time consuming table with point counter. In this article the attention has been focused on the automatic identification of structural and textural components of the potteries through optical microscopy. Image analysis techniques have been then used to automatically classify the image components. Results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach: petrographic data collection becomes faster with respect to the traditional method providing also quantitative information useful for fabric recognition.