X‐ray spectrometry applied for characterization of bricks of Brazilian historical sites

Researchers used X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry to analyze bricks from historical sites in Olinda, Brazil, revealing distinct chemical signatures that correlate with age and manufacturing origins. The study identified five clusters of bricks based on their elemental composition, distinguishing between Dutch-made bricks from the 17th century—likely used as ship ballast—and locally produced bricks dating from the 18th to 20th centuries. Quartz dominated the mineral content, while trace elements like iron (Fe), potassium (K), and titanium (Ti) varied slightly among samples. Principal component analysis of XRF data further confirmed these groupings, offering new insights into the provenance and historical context of Olinda's architectural heritage.

Asfora, V. K., Bueno, C. C., de Barros, V. M., Khoury, H., & Van Grieken, R. (2020). X‐ray spectrometry applied for characterization of bricks of Brazilian historical sites. X-Ray Spectrometry, 50(1), 45–52. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/xrs.3194