Structural Study and Chemical Composition Analysis of the Historical Adobe from the Surviving Architectural Structures in the Borj-e Afghan Region of Sistan

Historical mudbricks from the Islamic period in Shahr-i Sokhta, Iran, exhibit complex chemical and mineralogical properties that significantly influence their stability. Analysis of samples from the Borj-e Afghan region revealed heterogeneous compositions dominated by clay-siliceous materials, with notable concentrations of calcium carbonate (9-40.5%) and calcium sulfate (0.26-1.4%), alongside phases like quartz, feldspars, calcite, dolomite, muscovite, and montmorillonite. These findings highlight the reactivity of the materials to moisture and salts, necessitating cautious conservation strategies. The study employed X-ray fluorescence, diffraction, titration, and gravimetric analysis to establish a scientific basis for assessing material conditions and guiding restoration efforts in earthen architecture.

Bater, M., & Rostampour, M. (2025). Structural Study and Chemical Composition Analysis ‎of the Historical Adobe from the Surviving ‎Architectural Structures in the Borj-e Afghan Region ‎of Sistan. Journal of Research on Archaeometry, 11(2), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.66224/jra.2025.11.207