Ancient Roman Mortars from Villa del Capo di Sorrento: A Multi-Analytical Approach to Define Microstructural and Compositional Features

Abstract

This research provides a characterization of ancient Roman mortars from “Villa del Capo di Sorrento” (commonly known as “Villa di Pollio Felice” or “Bagni della Regina Giovanna”). A deepened analysis of cementitious binding matrix and aggregates was conducted with the aims of determining possible sources of raw materials and the mix recipe, and to evaluate the minerogenetic secondary processes. Twenty samples taken from the Villa were investigated by means of a multi-analytical approach, including polarized optical microscopy on thin sections, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy analysis, energy dispersed spectrometry, simultaneous thermal analyses, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Bedding mortars were made with slaked lime mixed with volcanic materials, whereas coating mortars were made adding to previous recipe as ceramic fragments. All samples were classified as hydraulic mortars. Cementitious binding matrix was characterized by gel-like C-A-S-H, calcite, hydrocalumite, and gypsum, deriving from lime/pozzolanic material. Geomaterials used for mortar production had a local origin. Pozzolanic materials, such as volcanic fragments, scoriae, pumice, and crystal fragments derived from both pyroclastic rocks of the Campi Flegrei district and from rocks of the Somma-Vesuvio complex; porosity test suggest that the products related to minerogenetic secondary processes, make mortars more resistant.

Characterization and Analysis of the Mortars of the Church of San Francisco of Quito (Ecuador)

“…These observations allow the description of the rustic character- Optical and electron microscopy observations on thin sections of the representative samples ISF-03 from phase III and ISF-11 from phase V (shown in Figures 6 and 7, respectively) allowed us to identify a high percentage of plagioclase and amphibole and quartz in a lower percentage, as well as a conglomerate matrix formed by small calcite grains and clay minerals. These observations allow the description of the rustic characteristic of the volcanic composition from which the materials originate [32,33]. Optical and electron microscopy observations on thin sections of the representative samples ISF-03 from phase III and ISF-11 from phase V (shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7, respectively) allowed us to identify a high percentage of plagioclase and amphibole and quartz in a lower percentage, as well as a conglomerate matrix formed by small calcite grains and clay minerals.…”

Archaeological Mortar Characterization Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) Imaging Microscopy

“…This information can be directly correlated to the use of these mortars for hydraulic applications. 4,29 Indeed, sample M3 was made for an aqueduct. M2 was certainly made for the creation of a cistern, even if this piece was later used as an additional room for the Hercules House.…”

Characterization and Analysis of the Mortars of the Church of Santo Domingo in Quito (Ecuador)

“…The samples ISD-08 and ISD-11 from phase II (Figures 5 and 6), ISD-05 from phase III (Figure 7), and ISD-12 from phase IV (Figure 8) were chosen as representative samples of the use of volcanic aggregates in different ornamental situations. The use of these in stucco-type finishes is worth mentioning [39,40]. As shown in (Figure 5) of sample ISD-08, this EDX analysis was performed at nine different points of the main chemical elements.…”