Marble Statues Attacked By Acid Rain

Acid precipitation affects stone primarily in two ways.

Marble statues attacked by acid rain.

When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. While more resistant than limestone it is subject to attack by weak acids and so performs poorly in outdoor environments subject to acid rain for severe environments granite is a more lasting material but one which is far more difficult to work and much less suitable for. Marble does not bear handling well as it will absorb skin oils when touched which leads to yellow brownish staining. Although many different types of stone have been used for sculpture the most vulnerable to potential acid rain damage are marble and limestone steiger 2015 the former is essentially a recrystallized form of the latter.

Both are composed of calcite caco 3 other types of stone which are composed of silicate minerals such as granite or sandstone are intrinsically more resistant to acid attack. Acid rain has also attacked the chiseled words on some tombstones rendering them unreadable. Acid deposition also affects human made structures. The most notable effects occur on marble and limestone which are common building materials found in many historic structures monuments and gravestones.

Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details. Old statues monuments and tombstones are vulnerable to acid rain because they were made of limestone. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves.

How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings. Acid rain acid rain effects on human made structures.