Mortar samples from the Abbey of Saint John at Müstair: a combined spatially resolved X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption (XANES) study

Advanced synchrotron-based techniques, including spatially resolved X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES), reveal the chemical composition and structural details of mortar samples from the 8th-century Benedictine Convent of St John at Müstair. The study identifies key elements and their distributions within the mortar, providing insights into its historical formulation and potential degradation processes. By combining these high-resolution methods, researchers uncover the intricate chemistry of this UNESCO World Heritage Site's construction materials, offering a deeper understanding of medieval craftsmanship and conservation challenges.

Hormes, J., Xiao, Q., Hu, Y., Bläuer, C., Diekamp, A., Goll, J., & Bovenkamp, G.-L. (2015). Mortar samples from the Abbey of Saint John at Müstair: a combined spatially resolved X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption (XANES) study. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 30(3), 702–706. https://doi.org/10.1039/c4ja00401a