Gothic green glazed tile from Malbork Castle: multi-analytical study

A multi-analytical study of green glazed tiles from the Holy Virgin Mary Church at Malbork Castle reveals that what was previously thought to be paint is actually a heavily deteriorated medieval glaze. The research, conducted using portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, SEM–EDS, SEM–WDS, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and powder X-ray micro-diffraction, identified SiO2–PbO as the primary glaze composition, with white, yellow, and black pigments added as opacifiers and colorants. Copper and iron were used for coloring, while originally added pigments transformed into new phases like antimony-doped tin oxide. The findings confirm the tiles' medieval origin, providing insights into the glazing technology of Gothic architecture.

Svorová Pawełkowicz, S., Rohanová, D., & Svora, P. (2017). Gothic green glazed tile from Malbork Castle: multi-analytical study. Heritage Science, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-017-0141-6