Mohammadamin Emami, Moein Eslami, Hamid Fadaei, Hamid Reza Karami, Kamran Ahmadi. “Mineralogical–geochemical characterization and provenance of the stones used at the Pasargadae Complex in Iran: A new perspective”

A new perspective on the provenance of stones used in the Pasargadae Complex, Iran, reveals that the construction employed two distinct types of limestone—light and dark—likely sourced from nearby quarries. This bichromatic use of stone was strategically integrated into royal architecture, suggesting a deliberate aesthetic choice by ancient builders. The study employed mineralogical and geochemical analysis to trace the origins of these stones, providing evidence that supports the hypothesis of local quarrying practices. By comparing geological characteristics, researchers identified distinct signatures in the limestone, offering insights into the material sourcing strategies of one of Iran's earliest monumental complexes.

Gondet, S. (2019). Mohammadamin Emami, Moein Eslami, Hamid Fadaei, Hamid Reza Karami, Kamran Ahmadi. “Mineralogical–geochemical characterization and provenance of the stones used at the Pasargadae Complex in Iran: A new perspective”. Abstracta Iranica, Volume 40-41. https://doi.org/10.4000/abstractairanica.49152