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Minerals
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Colours in Minerals and Rocks, Volume II
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Colours in Minerals and Rocks, Volume II

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Crystallography and Physical Chemistry of Minerals & Nanominerals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 February 2024) | Viewed by 12325

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lluís Casas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department de Geologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Edifici C, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
Interests: archaeometry; crystallography; magnetism; petrography; physical–chemical characterization; X-ray microdiffraction; Raman microscopy (RM); magnetic nanoparticles; 3D-printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Roberta Di Febo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department de Geologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Edifici C, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Catalonia, Spain
Interests: archaeometry, petrography of archaeological materials, pottery, glazes, marbles; X-ray microdiffraction; Raman microscopy (RM)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Colour appears as a result of the interaction between light and matter and is one of the most eye-catching properties of some minerals and rocks. In some occasions this property is the essential feature that has historically determined the application or the uses of certain minerals and rocks. Besides, new modern uses sometimes rely on particular colours or chromatic-related effects. Colours of rocks are basically associated to concentration of colour-bearing minerals. A wavelength-dependable absorption coefficient is responsible for colours in minerals and this depends both on their chemical composition and crystallographic structure (and their corresponding chemical bonds). For allochromatic minerals, trace impurities or structural defects can determine the colour and sometimes this can be altered by exposing a mineral to light, heat or radiation.

Colour, pleochroism and interference colour are fundamental properties observable using a petrographic microscope. There are also a number of techniques specifically aimed at colour characterisation and related properties, among others, colorimetry, UV-VIS spectroscopy or multispectral photogrammetry; sometimes the characterised colour appears as a response to an excitation source, as in cathodoluminescence, thermoluminiscence, fluorescence, etc.

The first Special Issue volume on this subject was succesful compiled, featuring several papers, particularly in the fields of gemology and archaeometry. We are now accepting submissions dealing with applications of the colour characterization of minerals in gemology and heritage materials, and we also encourage submissions on other colour-related studies, e.g. pigments for modern paints, pigments in ceramics, decorated glazes, stained glasses, decorative building stones, colourful rock formations, etc.

Dr. Lluís Casas
Dr. Roberta Di Febo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • colour characterization
  • mineral pigments
  • heritage science
  • gems
  • material science
  • construction materials
  • landscape

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 36928 KiB  
Article
Hardware and Software Solutions for the Generation of a Database of HSV-Color Characteristics for the Main Ores and Rocks of the Khibiny Massif
by Darya Nikolaevna Shibaeva, Roman Pavlovich Voronin, Alena Arkadievna Kompanchenko, Denis Olegovich Volkov, Danil Alekseevich Asanovich and Victor Vladimirovich Bulatov
Minerals 2024, 14(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/min14020186 - 10 Feb 2024
Viewed by 639
Abstract
This article presents developed hardware and software solutions based on the application of machine vision technology. The hardware and software solutions were created in order to generate a database of HSV-color value for the main ore types, host rocks, and minerals to define [...] Read more.
This article presents developed hardware and software solutions based on the application of machine vision technology. The hardware and software solutions were created in order to generate a database of HSV-color value for the main ore types, host rocks, and minerals to define criteria for the in-process identification of the Khibiny apatite in testing the walls of blasting boreholes. The hardware ensures a multi-parametric assessment of the optical characteristics of samples and minerals located on their surface. The designed software solution allows the user to control the measurement process; systematize a description of the textural and structural features of the sample under study; and process images of the core surface. The resultant database of HSV-color value for the main ores and rocks of the Khibiny massif and their constituent minerals will provide an opportunity to search for criteria for the in-process identification of the Khibiny apatite in a mineral mixture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colours in Minerals and Rocks, Volume II)
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33 pages, 51654 KiB  
Article
Through the Looking Glass: Technological Characterization of Roman Glasses Mimicking Precious Stones from the Gorga Collection (Museo Nazionale Romano—Palazzo Altemps)
by Roberta Di Febo, Lluís Casas, Alberta Silvestri, Ángel Adolfo del Campo, Oriol Vallcorba, Ignasi Queralt, Judith Oró, Mario Villa, Jaume Gàzquez, Jordi Rius, Chiara Giobbe and Giovanna Bandini
Minerals 2023, 13(11), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13111421 - 08 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1842
Abstract
This paper provides a detailed technological characterization of the Roman opus sectile glasses (second century AD) coming from the renowned Gorga collection. Nine glass samples corresponding to imitations of the porfido verde antico, cipollino rosso, rosso antico, giallo antico, diaspro [...] Read more.
This paper provides a detailed technological characterization of the Roman opus sectile glasses (second century AD) coming from the renowned Gorga collection. Nine glass samples corresponding to imitations of the porfido verde antico, cipollino rosso, rosso antico, giallo antico, diaspro nero e giallo, semesanto and agate/alabaster stones were studied. The aim of this study was twofold: (i) archaeometric, i.e., to provide valuable data on the production, raw materials and techniques of these refined Roman glasses that mimic precious stones and (ii) methodological, i.e., to highlight the good performance of combining polished thin sections and local probe measurements for the study of glassy microstructures. Based on the nature of the flux used, the glasses from the samples were classified as either natron-type or mixed-type (natron/plant ash). The latter stem from remelted glasses and contain relict grains of wollastonite that were not found in the pure natron samples. Relict wollastonite crystals appear to be a proficient petrographic marker to spot recycled glasses along with the commonly used chemical fingerprints. Different production and colouring techniques were identified, even for a given type of imitated stone. Metallic Cu, Ca antimonates and Pb-Fe antimonates were the three opacifiers used for the opaque glasses. Based on the crystal morphologies, metallic Cu and Ca antimoniates were possibly synthesized in situ simultaneously with the glass, whilst the Pb-Fe antimonates were prepared ex situ. The working temperatures for these glasses were estimated within the 900–1100 °C range based on the presence and known thermal stability of some identified crystal phases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colours in Minerals and Rocks, Volume II)
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11 pages, 4585 KiB  
Article
Identification of the Pigments on the Mural Paintings from an Ancient Chinese Tomb of Tang Dynasty Using Micro-Raman and Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy Analysis
by Zhaojun Liu, Wenzhong Xu, Yongjian Zhang, Yingying Wang and Jinwei Li
Minerals 2023, 13(9), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13091224 - 18 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1235
Abstract
The tomb of Hanxiu, a prime minister of the Tang dynasty who died in 740 CE, was decorated with elaborate mural paintings. The pigments used in the mural paintings were collected from representative colours before a restoration process and analyzed using micro-Raman and [...] Read more.
The tomb of Hanxiu, a prime minister of the Tang dynasty who died in 740 CE, was decorated with elaborate mural paintings. The pigments used in the mural paintings were collected from representative colours before a restoration process and analyzed using micro-Raman and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis to characterize the chemical compositions. The results reveal the chromatic palette and the painting technique used in the mural paintings. Most of the pigments are natural mineral pigments similar to those excavated in previous archaeological works, except the yellow pigment is unusual. A rare mineral pigment, vanadinite [Pb5(VO4)3Cl], was employed in a large amount as the yellow pigment. This phenomenon was analyzed and compared with tomb mural paintings from varied periods and locations in ancient China. Notably, the identification of vanadinite via Raman spectra has to be performed carefully and combined with an elemental analysis to avoid misidentification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colours in Minerals and Rocks, Volume II)
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10 pages, 6020 KiB  
Article
Blue Shades in Plasters: Archaeometric Role in Dating of the Casamassima (Southern Italy) Historical Facades
by Giovanna Fioretti and Azzurra Acciani
Minerals 2023, 13(8), 1029; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13081029 - 31 Jul 2023
Viewed by 670
Abstract
Casamassima old town, locally known as “blue town”, is widespread stratified blue paint covering the facades of the historical buildings, not reported in the archival data and historical sources. The archaeometric results presented in this study aimed to investigate raw materials, in particular [...] Read more.
Casamassima old town, locally known as “blue town”, is widespread stratified blue paint covering the facades of the historical buildings, not reported in the archival data and historical sources. The archaeometric results presented in this study aimed to investigate raw materials, in particular pigments, used to cover the facades to contribute more precisely to the historical reconstruction of this local custom. A set of nine samples was collected from two representative historical buildings and observed by reflected light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS) and their mineralogical characterisation was carried out by means of X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD). The comparison of the mineralogical and elementary results and the stratigraphic, morphological, and microstructural observations made it possible to highlight a significant stratification of these plasters and to recognize the artificial ultramarine blue applied with lime, as the main mineral pigment, together with red ochre and blanc fixe. The identification of pigments was crucial to date the blue plasters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colours in Minerals and Rocks, Volume II)
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15 pages, 2955 KiB  
Article
Archaeometric Classification of Scattered Marble Fragments to Help the Reconstruction of Statues
by Lluís Casas, Roberta Di Febo, Julio César Ruiz, Mauro Brilli, Fabrizio Antonelli and Juan Diego Martín-Martín
Minerals 2022, 12(12), 1614; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12121614 - 15 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1732
Abstract
A multi-technique approach combining petrographic, cathodoluminescence, and stable isotope analyses is commonly used in provenance studies of archaeological marbles. In the present paper, this characterization approach transcends provenance, and it is applied to the reconstruction of fragmented sculptures. The potential of this novel [...] Read more.
A multi-technique approach combining petrographic, cathodoluminescence, and stable isotope analyses is commonly used in provenance studies of archaeological marbles. In the present paper, this characterization approach transcends provenance, and it is applied to the reconstruction of fragmented sculptures. The potential of this novel application of archaeometric measurements is illustrated with a case study consisting in 16 scattered marble fragments retrieved from a Roman villa (Els Munts) near Tarraco (presently Northeastern Spain). The samples were grouped taking into account their similarity in quantified parameters such as the cathodoluminescence color clusters and the stable carbon and oxygen isotopic ratios. The results permitted classification of the fragments into three groups corresponding to three different statues depicting Antinous (7 fragments), Minerva goddess (4 fragments), and an undetermined character (3 fragments). Two other fragments could not be ascribed to any particular statue. The archaeometric grouping provides arguments that can be used to confirm or refute archaeological hypotheses of statue reconstructions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colours in Minerals and Rocks, Volume II)
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10 pages, 3702 KiB  
Article
Study on the Color-Influencing Factors of Blue Iolite
by Xin Liu and Ying Guo
Minerals 2022, 12(11), 1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12111356 - 26 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1415
Abstract
This article explores the factors that influence the color of blue iolite, which is the gem-quality variety of the cordierite mineral. The X-Rite SP62 portable spectrophotometer was used to measure color in the CIELAB color space. ED-XRF and UV–vis were used for analysis. [...] Read more.
This article explores the factors that influence the color of blue iolite, which is the gem-quality variety of the cordierite mineral. The X-Rite SP62 portable spectrophotometer was used to measure color in the CIELAB color space. ED-XRF and UV–vis were used for analysis. The results show that blue iolite contains the chromophore elements Fe and Mn, but the effect on the color of iolite is not significant due to the low Mn content. The lightness L* and the hue angle h° are mostly determined by its Fe content. UV–vis spectra show that iolite has a broad absorption band near 570 nm caused by the charge transfer between Fe2+ on the octahedron and Fe3+ on the T11 tetrahedron and results in the color of blue iolite. Each different standard light source has different degrees of influence on the color parameters of iolite, and the hue angle h° is the most influenced. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colours in Minerals and Rocks, Volume II)
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19 pages, 4022 KiB  
Article
Minor Elements and Color Causing Role in Spinel: Multi-Analytical Approaches
by Teerarat Pluthametwisute, Bhuwadol Wanthanachaisaeng, Chatree Saiyasombat and Chakkaphan Sutthirat
Minerals 2022, 12(8), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/min12080928 - 23 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3033
Abstract
Natural spinel (MgAl2O4) usually contains some minor and trace elements (e.g., Cr, Co, Fe, V) that may cause various hues. The ratios of these chromophores directly affect the color composition. The red color in spinel is attributed to the [...] Read more.
Natural spinel (MgAl2O4) usually contains some minor and trace elements (e.g., Cr, Co, Fe, V) that may cause various hues. The ratios of these chromophores directly affect the color composition. The red color in spinel is attributed to the combination of significant Cr and V. Magenta and purple to blue and green colors in spinels are affected by the significant Fe concentration, whereas orange color in spinel shows the contribution of significant V content compared to Cr and Fe. After the heating experiment, advanced gemological investigation reveals some noteworthy characteristic features. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) indicates a greater change in oxidation state, as well as disordering of Fe and V. Broadening of the dominant peak at around 406 cm−1 with occurrences of additional small peaks at around 715–719 cm−1 in Raman spectra, as well as broadening of the 685 nm (R-line) and poorly defined structure of additional peaks (N-lines) in photoluminescence spectra should be significant indicators of spinel undergone heat treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colours in Minerals and Rocks, Volume II)
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