Weathering of Granite-Based Stone Cultural Heritage: A Multianalytical Review of Mineralogical Alteration, Microcracking, and Decay Patterns

Granite, though long considered durable, undergoes universal yet regionally distinctive mineralogical and microstructural alterations that drive its decay in cultural heritage sites. This review reveals coupled processes such as feldspar hydrolysis, biotite oxidation, and iron transformations, which collectively govern macroscopic decay patterns. By integrating multianalytical techniques—ranging from non-destructive to laboratory-based methods—the study provides a mechanistic framework for understanding granite weathering, illustrated through case studies like the 10th-century rock-carved Buddhas of Gyeongju Namsan and Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul. The findings underscore the importance of environmental controls and conservation strategies while identifying key research gaps, including standardization, climate projection, and machine learning applications for heritage science.

Lee, S. (2026). Weathering of Granite-Based Stone Cultural Heritage: A Multianalytical Review of Mineralogical Alteration, Microcracking, and Decay Patterns. Heritage, 9(7), 263. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage9070263