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Characterization of Late Prehistoric Plasters and Mortars from Erimi – Laonin tou Porakou (Limassol, Cyprus)
Author(s) -
Turco F.,
Davit P.,
Chelazzi F.,
Borghi A.,
Bombardieri L.,
Operti L.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
archaeometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.716
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1475-4754
pISSN - 0003-813X
DOI - 10.1111/arcm.12168
Subject(s) - petrography , mortar , lime , calcite , materials science , mineralogy , metallurgy , archaeology , geology , composite material , geography
Several plasters and mortars from the Middle Bronze Age site of Erimi – Laonin tou Porakou (Cyprus) were analysed in order to perform a technological characterization. Morphological (SEM), elemental (EDX), mineralogical (XRPD), petrographic (polarized OM, SEM–EDX), thermal (TGA) and spectroscopic (FT–IR) techniques were applied. Plasters and mortars were identified as pyrotechnological lime products, obtained using local raw materials and containing a moderate amount of spathic calcite fragments. The use of organic fibres was ascertained and a seminal use of a crumbled ceramic as additive was evidenced.