Pyrite Decay of Large Fossils: The Case Study of the Hall of Palms in Padova, Italy

Pyrite decay is arguably the major problem in geological and palaeontological conservation, as it can cause total destruction in valuable specimens. Various methods have been devised since the 19th century to treat and prevent it with different degrees of success. Nevertheless, the conservation of l...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Minerals (Basel) 2018-01, Vol.8 (2), p.40
Main Authors: Becherini, Francesca, Del Favero, Letizia, Fornasiero, Mariagabriella, Guastoni, Alessandro, Bernardi, Adriana
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analytical methods
Case studies
Conservation
Damage
Decay
fossil palm
Fossils
Geology
Microclimate
Museums
Oxidation
Oxidation resistance
paleontological collection
Paleontology
Palm
preventive conservation
Pyrite
pyrite decay
Raman spectroscopy
Risk
X ray powder diffraction
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Summary:Pyrite decay is arguably the major problem in geological and palaeontological conservation, as it can cause total destruction in valuable specimens. Various methods have been devised since the 19th century to treat and prevent it with different degrees of success. Nevertheless, the conservation of large fossils at risk of pyrite decay remains an unsolved issue, because a feasible method for maintaining them in a controlled microclimate that is suitable for specimens on public display has remained elusive. This paper describes the study carried out to investigate the alterations that developed in a large fossil palm of the collection of the Museum of Geology and Palaeontology in Padova (Italy), already treated for pyrite decay several years before. Results of X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy performed on samples collected from that fossil palm confirmed that the alterations were due to pyrite decay. The microclimate indoors (inside showcases and in the Hall itself) and outdoors was monitored for one year to investigate its possible relation with the damage observed. The measured thermo-hygrometric conditions exceeded the recommended thresholds for the prevention of pyrite oxidation and indicated the fossils were at high risk of damage from that process. This study demonstrates that treatment alone is not sufficient for the conservation of fossils at risk of pyrite decay and that it can be ineffective without a proper management of the microclimatic conditions under which the fossils are preserved.
ISSN:2075-163X
2075-163X
DOI:10.3390/min8020040