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In this paper, we report the quantification of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) hosted into two tremolite asbestos from Episcopia and San Severino Lucano villages (Basilicata region, Southern Italy). Micro X-ray fluorescence and Inductively Coupled Plasma spectroscopy with Optical Emission Spectrometry techniques were used to quantify the concentration of major, minor (Si, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, Mn) and trace elements (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn Sr, Ti, Te, V, W, Zn, Zr), with the aim of providing available data useful for the determination of the asbestos fibers toxicity. Results show that in the two studied samples there exist high concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cr and Ni which could lead to the high toxicity of the mineral fibers. By considering the pseudo-total PTEs amounts in each tremolite asbestos, it is possible to affirm that one of the samples is more enriched in toxic elements than the other one (3572 ppm versus 1384 ppm). These PTEs can represent a source of risk to human health since they may be transported away from the geological outcrops, through asbestos in the air, water and soils and thus encountering the human body.
Claudia Ricchiuti; Dolores Pereira; Rosalda Punturo; Eugenia Giorno; Domenico Miriello; Andrea Bloise. Hazardous Elements in Asbestos Tremolite from the Basilicata Region, Southern Italy: A First Step. Fibers 2021, 9, 47 .
AMA StyleClaudia Ricchiuti, Dolores Pereira, Rosalda Punturo, Eugenia Giorno, Domenico Miriello, Andrea Bloise. Hazardous Elements in Asbestos Tremolite from the Basilicata Region, Southern Italy: A First Step. Fibers. 2021; 9 (8):47.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaudia Ricchiuti; Dolores Pereira; Rosalda Punturo; Eugenia Giorno; Domenico Miriello; Andrea Bloise. 2021. "Hazardous Elements in Asbestos Tremolite from the Basilicata Region, Southern Italy: A First Step." Fibers 9, no. 8: 47.
Spanish researchers’ recent evaluations regarding the transfer of knowledge have shown that activities that could help close the gender gap in STEM areas are penalized upon evaluation. The results were very disappointing and, upon inspection, could lead readers to reach certain conclusions: first, Spanish researchers transfer research to society in a mediocre way; second, female researchers are even less capable of transferring knowledge in a profitable, beneficial way; and third, activities without a high economic impact for either society or research institutions are not promoted and do not boost the prestige of researchers in this research area. With the help of an ad hoc questionnaire responded to by 513 researchers (both male and female), we examined the causes of the low scores received by female researchers and whether transfer of knowledge activities focused on promoting STEM among female students end up penalizing the female researchers dedicated to those activities. This issue is compounded by the problem of the low visibility of female role models for young female students. The conscientious analysis of the results of the questionnaire may help to improve the fairness of future application rounds, avoiding subsequent disastrous results and encouraging researchers and administrators to work toward fostering an equal society, even if no economic value is directly derived from female-led research.
Ana López; Dolores Pereira. The Value of Transfer of Knowledge in Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM. Sustainability 2021, 13, 5426 .
AMA StyleAna López, Dolores Pereira. The Value of Transfer of Knowledge in Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (10):5426.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna López; Dolores Pereira. 2021. "The Value of Transfer of Knowledge in Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM." Sustainability 13, no. 10: 5426.
This paper presents a thorough study of the main features and the decay causes and mechanisms of serpentinites both freshly quarried and after centuries exposure at the main façade of the sixteenth century Royal Chancery (Granada, Spain). In particular, the process of in situ formation of calcium and magnesium sulfates has been studied. Several decay factors are identified, all of them acting synergistically in the deterioration of slabs made of serpentinite. Among them, chemical weathering of sulfides such as pyrite present in the original serpentinite induces the formation of sulfate salts such as gypsum or epsomite, salts which are considered the main cause of decay. In addition, unsuitable restoration treatments involving the use of Portland cement to fill up cracks and surface lacunae, the polluted environment of the surrounding area, and the location of the slabs close to the ground, favoring capillary rise of water, all contributed to their deterioration. This work helps to gain knowledge on the deterioration process of ornaments made of serpentinite, allowing us to propose the most appropriate measures to guarantee their conservation.
R. Navarro; D. Pereira; E. Fernández de Arévalo; E.M. Sebastián-Pardo; C. Rodriguez-Navarro. Weathering of serpentinite stone due to in situ generation of calcium and magnesium sulfates. Construction and Building Materials 2021, 280, 122402 .
AMA StyleR. Navarro, D. Pereira, E. Fernández de Arévalo, E.M. Sebastián-Pardo, C. Rodriguez-Navarro. Weathering of serpentinite stone due to in situ generation of calcium and magnesium sulfates. Construction and Building Materials. 2021; 280 ():122402.
Chicago/Turabian StyleR. Navarro; D. Pereira; E. Fernández de Arévalo; E.M. Sebastián-Pardo; C. Rodriguez-Navarro. 2021. "Weathering of serpentinite stone due to in situ generation of calcium and magnesium sulfates." Construction and Building Materials 280, no. : 122402.
Martinamor granite has been used for centuries in the monumental buildings of Salamanca city. In this study, the fracturing pattern of the Martinamor granite outcrops was evaluated in order to assess the possibility of supplying material for the restoration of heritage monuments. Several joint sets with a mean joint spacing lower than one meter compose the fracturing pattern, making the massive exploitation of this granite impossible. Only small blocks for restoration can be obtained; therefore, the outcrops should be protected for such purpose. The area of outcrops and ancient quarries, as well as that of mining activities from the same period, should be preserved as examples of historical extraction techniques and as a remembrance of our geological-materials-based society. Several proposals are presented for the geoconservation of the site.
Luís Sousa; José Lourenço; Dolores Pereira. Suitable Re-Use of Abandoned Quarries for Restoration and Conservation of the Old City of Salamanca—World Heritage Site. Sustainability 2019, 11, 4352 .
AMA StyleLuís Sousa, José Lourenço, Dolores Pereira. Suitable Re-Use of Abandoned Quarries for Restoration and Conservation of the Old City of Salamanca—World Heritage Site. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (16):4352.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuís Sousa; José Lourenço; Dolores Pereira. 2019. "Suitable Re-Use of Abandoned Quarries for Restoration and Conservation of the Old City of Salamanca—World Heritage Site." Sustainability 11, no. 16: 4352.
Conservation strategies to reduce the degradation of stone caused by the action of water are focusing on increasing the hydrophobicity of the surface by imitating existing solutions in nature (lotus leafs and others). These are mainly based on the existence of hierarchical roughness with micro- and nanoscale structures. In the case of marble, research has focused on protective coatings that sometimes are dangerous for the health and the environment, and with undesirable effects such as color changes or reduction of water vapor permeability of the stone. Laser texturing, however, is an environmentally friendly technique, because no chemicals or toxic waste are added and, moreover, it can process nearly all types of materials. It has been used to change the surface texture of metals and other materials on a micro or even nanometric scale, to meet a specific functional requirement, such as hydrophobicity. The objective of this work was to analyze the feasibility of this technique to provide hydrophobic properties to a marble surface without appreciable changes in its appearance. Therefore, an analysis of the irradiation parameters with ultra-short-pulse laser was performed. Preliminary results demonstrate the ability of this technique to provide hydrophobic character the marble (contact angles well above 90 ∘ ). Besides, the analysis of the treated surfaces in terms of roughness, color and gloss indicates that changes in the appearance of the surface are minimal when properly selecting the process parameters.
Ana J. López; Alberto Ramil; José S. Pozo-Antonio; Teresa Rivas; Dolores Pereira. Ultrafast Laser Surface Texturing: A Sustainable Tool to Modify Wettability Properties of Marble. Sustainability 2019, 11, 4079 .
AMA StyleAna J. López, Alberto Ramil, José S. Pozo-Antonio, Teresa Rivas, Dolores Pereira. Ultrafast Laser Surface Texturing: A Sustainable Tool to Modify Wettability Properties of Marble. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (15):4079.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna J. López; Alberto Ramil; José S. Pozo-Antonio; Teresa Rivas; Dolores Pereira. 2019. "Ultrafast Laser Surface Texturing: A Sustainable Tool to Modify Wettability Properties of Marble." Sustainability 11, no. 15: 4079.
In the past 30 years, there has been a growing concern regarding the health risks of exposure to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and naturally occurring asbestos (NOA)
Andrea Bloise; Rosalda Punturo; Robert Kusiorowski; Dolores Pereira Gómez. Editorial for Special Issue “Mineral Fibres”. Fibers 2019, 7, 54 .
AMA StyleAndrea Bloise, Rosalda Punturo, Robert Kusiorowski, Dolores Pereira Gómez. Editorial for Special Issue “Mineral Fibres”. Fibers. 2019; 7 (6):54.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAndrea Bloise; Rosalda Punturo; Robert Kusiorowski; Dolores Pereira Gómez. 2019. "Editorial for Special Issue “Mineral Fibres”." Fibers 7, no. 6: 54.
Serpentinite powdered samples from four different regions were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), SBET and porosity measurements, UV-Vis and Infrared Spectroscopy of the skeletal region and surface OH groups. SEM micrographs of the samples showed a prismatic morphology when the lizardite was the predominant phase, while if antigorite phase prevailed, the particles had a globular morphology. The few fibrous-shaped particles, only observed by SEM and weakly detected by XRD on MO-9C and MO13 samples, were characteristic of the chrysotile phase. All diffraction XRD patterns showed characteristic peaks of antigorite and lizardite serpentine phases, with crystallite sizes in the range 310–250 Å and with different degrees and types of carbonation processes, one derived from the transformation of the serpentine, generating dolomite, and another by direct precipitation of calcite. The SBET reached values between 38–24 m2∙g−1 for the samples less crystalline, in agreement with the XRD patterns, while those with a higher degree of crystallinity gave values close to 8–9 m2∙g−1. In the UV region all electronic spectra were dominated by the absorption edge due to O2− → Si4+ charge transfer transition, with Si4+ in tetrahedral coordination, corresponding to a band gap energy of ca 4.7 eV. In the visible region, 800–350 nm, the spectra of all samples, except Donai, presented at least two weak and broad absorptions centred in the range 650–800 and 550–360 nm, associated with the presence of Fe3+ ions from the oxidation of structural Fe2+ ions in the serpentinites ((MgxFe2+1−x)3Si2O5(OH)4). The relative intensity of the IR bands corresponding to the stretching modes of the OH’s groups indicated the prevalence of one of the two phases, antigorite or lizardite, in the serpentinites. We proposed that the different relative intensity of these bands could be considered as diagnostic to differentiate the predominance of these phases in serpentinites.
Miguel A. Rivero Crespo; Dolores Pereira Gómez; María V. Villa García; José M. Gallardo Amores; Vicente Sánchez Escribano. Characterization of Serpentines from Different Regions by Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, BET Specific Surface Area and Vibrational and Electronic Spectroscopy. Fibers 2019, 7, 47 .
AMA StyleMiguel A. Rivero Crespo, Dolores Pereira Gómez, María V. Villa García, José M. Gallardo Amores, Vicente Sánchez Escribano. Characterization of Serpentines from Different Regions by Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, BET Specific Surface Area and Vibrational and Electronic Spectroscopy. Fibers. 2019; 7 (5):47.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMiguel A. Rivero Crespo; Dolores Pereira Gómez; María V. Villa García; José M. Gallardo Amores; Vicente Sánchez Escribano. 2019. "Characterization of Serpentines from Different Regions by Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, BET Specific Surface Area and Vibrational and Electronic Spectroscopy." Fibers 7, no. 5: 47.
Serpentinites are characterized by highly variable mineralogical, physical, and mechanical properties. Serpentinites from Moeche (North Western Spain) have been studied to establish their mineralogical, petrographic, and textural characteristics, as well as their physical and mechanical parameters and the factors influencing rock failure, to evaluate the possible use of these rocks either for new construction or for conservation-restoration of the architectonic heritage of the region. In this paper, we highlight the importance of a detailed mineralogical and petrographic characterization in the fracture zones, which will determine the viability of quarrying the stone. A strong correlation between the petrographic features and the uniaxial compression strength values has been observed. The most important aspects were found to be the rock texture, the mineralogical composition of the fracture area and foliation, although mineralogy was also found to be involved (% of carbonates) in the strength of the stone. An important preliminary result of the study was the low asbestos content of these serpentinites, which will help in the potential re-opening of the quarries.
José Nespereira; Rafael Navarro; Serafín Monterrubio; Mariano Yenes; Dolores Pereira. Serpentinite from Moeche (Galicia, North Western Spain). A Stone Used for Centuries in the Construction of the Architectural Heritage of the Region. Sustainability 2019, 11, 2700 .
AMA StyleJosé Nespereira, Rafael Navarro, Serafín Monterrubio, Mariano Yenes, Dolores Pereira. Serpentinite from Moeche (Galicia, North Western Spain). A Stone Used for Centuries in the Construction of the Architectural Heritage of the Region. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (9):2700.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé Nespereira; Rafael Navarro; Serafín Monterrubio; Mariano Yenes; Dolores Pereira. 2019. "Serpentinite from Moeche (Galicia, North Western Spain). A Stone Used for Centuries in the Construction of the Architectural Heritage of the Region." Sustainability 11, no. 9: 2700.
Dolores Pereira; Víctor Cárdenes Van Den Eynde. Heritage Stones and Geoheritage. Geoheritage 2019, 11, 1 -2.
AMA StyleDolores Pereira, Víctor Cárdenes Van Den Eynde. Heritage Stones and Geoheritage. Geoheritage. 2019; 11 (1):1-2.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDolores Pereira; Víctor Cárdenes Van Den Eynde. 2019. "Heritage Stones and Geoheritage." Geoheritage 11, no. 1: 1-2.
The ornamental use of marble from Macael region (Almería, southeast of Spain) began more than 5000 years ago. The first small objects are from the Neolithic period (3400–3000 B.C.) and the first known sculptures are from the Phoenicians period (fifth century B.C.) Since then, the marble’s use has been continuous, especially since the eleventh century. Some of the best known examples of Macael marble in Spain can be observed in Roman cities (e.g., Itálica), in Muslim buildings (e.g., Mosque of Córdoba or the Alhambra palace), or in Renaissance buildings such as the monastery of El Escorial, among many others. Some are declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. This makes the region one of the most important extraction centers in Spain, both at present and historically. The oldest and most famous variety of marble is known as White Macael (Blanco Macael). There are other marbles such as Gray Macael, Anasol Yellow Macael, and serpentinites which are traded as Green Macael. These have less importance in terms of their use in heritage but great importance in current regional trade. In this work, we provide a full characterization of the main characteristics of the White Macael marble from Macael and propose it as a candidate for “Global Heritage Stone Resource.” This work is important for duly recognizing a natural stone that has been used profusely in heritage buildings in the past and present with important international significance.
R. Navarro; D. Pereira; A. S. Cruz; G. Carrillo. The Significance of “White Macael” Marble Since Ancient Times: Characteristics of a Candidate as Global Heritage Stone Resource. Geoheritage 2017, 11, 113 -123.
AMA StyleR. Navarro, D. Pereira, A. S. Cruz, G. Carrillo. The Significance of “White Macael” Marble Since Ancient Times: Characteristics of a Candidate as Global Heritage Stone Resource. Geoheritage. 2017; 11 (1):113-123.
Chicago/Turabian StyleR. Navarro; D. Pereira; A. S. Cruz; G. Carrillo. 2017. "The Significance of “White Macael” Marble Since Ancient Times: Characteristics of a Candidate as Global Heritage Stone Resource." Geoheritage 11, no. 1: 113-123.
Natural stones have had an important use in sculpture, both as the main material and as suitable bases on which to mount and enhance the artistic pieces. Many pieces of art can be admired in museums around the world standing on beautiful stones. However, in very few cases are the stones given correct recognition or names. In general, they are all labelled as “marble”. Illustrative examples can be provided from museums in Salamanca, Spain: Museum Casa Lis but, also, and, briefly, the museum Mateo Hernández. The first of these is a very prestigious museum where a superb collection of Art Nouveau and Art Decó sculptures can be admired. Among them are many chryselephantine: sculptures made of ivory, bronze and other materials dating from the European nineteenth century art, placed on plinths of natural stone. Our work has identified, as accurately as possible, those stones. Most of the natural stones used as pedestals consist of onyx, but there are many other stones, ranging from serpentinite to travertine as well as some, as yet, unidentified materials. The second museum, Mateo Hernández, houses a large collection of sculptures by this local artist. The sculptor used different kind of stones, but mainly “Petit Granit”, from Belgium. Despite the trade name, it is actually a type of limestone, but most museum catalogues have translated the name as “Black Granite”. The aim of our work is to help curators to correctly describe stones. The character of the natural stone is related to the aesthetic qualities and history of the sculpture. But proper identification of the stone can also contribute to important work for earth scientists: to disseminate understanding of the importance of natural stones, historical quarries and geoheritage among the general public.
D. Pereira; P. Perez-Castro. Art Museums: a Good Context for Outreach Activities on Natural Stones and Heritage. Geoheritage 2017, 11, 125 -132.
AMA StyleD. Pereira, P. Perez-Castro. Art Museums: a Good Context for Outreach Activities on Natural Stones and Heritage. Geoheritage. 2017; 11 (1):125-132.
Chicago/Turabian StyleD. Pereira; P. Perez-Castro. 2017. "Art Museums: a Good Context for Outreach Activities on Natural Stones and Heritage." Geoheritage 11, no. 1: 125-132.
Natural stone is required for maintenance and repair of historically, archaeologically and culturally important structures to prevent deterioration due to weathering and use. Those that have national or World Heritage significance are historically and culturally important. Sometimes, severely damaged buildings may require extensive or complete restoration. The choice of stone should be appropriate in physical and aesthetic terms, ideally from the original source. Researchers, architects, those who specify contracts and other stakeholders need reliable information, but access to, and awareness of, important sources such as manuscripts, publications and collections of samples is often limited. Easier access to information is needed when planning and commissioning works that require the replacement of stone. Making important information more widely available and promoting awareness of the need to maintain adequate supplies of natural stone of suitable quality is a task for both national and international organizations including the Heritage Stone Task Group of IUGS and IAEG. This paper provides some illustrative examples and pointers towards some recent major publications, as well as describing current Heritage Stone Resource and European Union initiatives, all the while requesting further participation from colleagues in this field.
Dolores Pereira; Brian Marker. The Value of Original Natural Stone in the Context of Architectural Heritage. Geosciences 2016, 6, 13 .
AMA StyleDolores Pereira, Brian Marker. The Value of Original Natural Stone in the Context of Architectural Heritage. Geosciences. 2016; 6 (1):13.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDolores Pereira; Brian Marker. 2016. "The Value of Original Natural Stone in the Context of Architectural Heritage." Geosciences 6, no. 1: 13.
Many papers have been published related to the retention and advancement of women in sciences. Engineering geology is one of the professional areas where women have not yet broken the gender barrier. The research issues of this paper are focused on why female students “leak out” at the end of engineering geology studies, and what can be done to encourage them to complete their degrees with an engineering career in mind. The author has studied students’ preferences of the final year project required to complete their degree at the University of Salamanca (Salamanca, Spain). It has been found that most female students are choosing a more theoretical final project instead of a practical one relevant to professional employment, contrary to their male peers. Focus group meetings with the students showed that at the end of five years of engineering geology training, many female students, unsatisfied with the content of their courses, feel that their expectations had not been met. They often have preferences for traditional geology rather than applied branches of the subject. Also, they do not feel comfortable with future job prospects in the profession. From the findings of this research it is clear that tutoring and mentoring would be valuable from the beginning of studies to allow all students to become aware of the content and the potential outcomes of engineering geology studies. In the case of female students, it is particularly important for them to know from the very start that they are about to join what is still a man’s world but that they are capable of achieving just as much as men can in the profession. Most importantly, the involvement of more female engineers in professional engineering, including teaching duties, should serve as example and role models in students’ education and future careers.
Dolores Pereira. Improving Female Participation in Professional Engineering Geology to Bring New Perspectives to Ethics in the Geosciences. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2014, 11, 9429 -9445.
AMA StyleDolores Pereira. Improving Female Participation in Professional Engineering Geology to Bring New Perspectives to Ethics in the Geosciences. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2014; 11 (9):9429-9445.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDolores Pereira. 2014. "Improving Female Participation in Professional Engineering Geology to Bring New Perspectives to Ethics in the Geosciences." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 11, no. 9: 9429-9445.
Verde Macael is a serpentinite made up mainly by antigorite, with different degrees of transformation to carbonates. It has wrongly been included under the section of marbles in industry catalogues. In Macael (Almería, South Spain) there are different quarries extracting this natural stone. Although in most outcrops rocks are similar, different characteristics are detected derived from transformation processes. The results are shown in variations in mineralogy, texture and/or in the physical and mechanical properties, conditioning the behaviour of the natural stone once emplaced in a building. The main factor of variation is related to the carbonation degree. Due to its late use in some significant heritage buildings such as the cathedral of Nuestra Señora de La Almudena in Madrid or many civil buildings all over the country, a whole characterization of the material from the main quarries is an important task we face in this work. We test the main parameters that determine its proper use in civil construction. This will help to avoid early deterioration of the natural stone and subsequent costs for restoration. Due to the characteristics of Verde Macael this rock is a possible candidate to Global Heritage Stone resource designation.
Rafael Navarro; Dolores Pereira; Ana Gimeno; Santiago del Barrio. Characterization of the Natural Variability of Macael Serpentinite (Verde Macael) (Almería, South of Spain) for Their Appropriate Use in the Building Industry. Engineering Geology for Society and Territory - Volume 5 2014, 209 -212.
AMA StyleRafael Navarro, Dolores Pereira, Ana Gimeno, Santiago del Barrio. Characterization of the Natural Variability of Macael Serpentinite (Verde Macael) (Almería, South of Spain) for Their Appropriate Use in the Building Industry. Engineering Geology for Society and Territory - Volume 5. 2014; ():209-212.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRafael Navarro; Dolores Pereira; Ana Gimeno; Santiago del Barrio. 2014. "Characterization of the Natural Variability of Macael Serpentinite (Verde Macael) (Almería, South of Spain) for Their Appropriate Use in the Building Industry." Engineering Geology for Society and Territory - Volume 5 , no. : 209-212.
Heritage designation of specific materials that associate closely with human culture can also assist policy-maker interest in stone built heritage, encourage the use of local natural stone and ensure the on-going availability of the natural stone resources that are required for the maintenance of the built heritage and the quality of new buildings. The new concept of Global Heritage Stone Resource (GHSR) has triggered the interest of the scientific community working with natural stones, either for new construction, restoration-conservation interventions or preservation of historical quarries. The existence of several natural stones that share geographical location, historical buildings and/or geological history give place to another concept: Global Heritage Stone Province (GHSP). Salamanca was recognised as UNESCO World Heritage in 1988 mainly due to the homogeneous construction of its historical buildings and the good preservation of them. These buildings are made of local natural stones: sandstones, conglomerates, slates, granites and vaugnerites. We present in this paper the first step in nominating all these rocks within the definition of GHSP.
Dolores Pereira; Barry Cooper. A Global Heritage Stone Province in Association with the UNESCO World Heritage City of Salamanca, Spain. Engineering Geology for Society and Territory - Volume 5 2014, 205 -208.
AMA StyleDolores Pereira, Barry Cooper. A Global Heritage Stone Province in Association with the UNESCO World Heritage City of Salamanca, Spain. Engineering Geology for Society and Territory - Volume 5. 2014; ():205-208.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDolores Pereira; Barry Cooper. 2014. "A Global Heritage Stone Province in Association with the UNESCO World Heritage City of Salamanca, Spain." Engineering Geology for Society and Territory - Volume 5 , no. : 205-208.
Serpentinites are metamorphic rocks formed from the alteration of ultramafic igneous rocks. Their precursors largely consist of clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene, olivine and a member of the spinel group, along with other accessory minerals. Serpentinization can be produced through the percolation of fluids of different origins. The transformation gives rise to other rocks, serpentinites, that are characterized by a high‐water content mineralogy (serpentine) and, sometimes, remnants of the original phases. However, serpentinites may also undergo a subsequent carbonation process, transforming most of the mineral phases into carbonates. This is why confusion may arise when dealing with these rocks in the industrial sector, where geologists are not often involved. Serpentinites are often found in natural stone catalogues under the name of ‘green marble’ and this can be misinterpreted by builders and architects, causing misuse of this rock as an ornamental stone.
Dolores Pereira; Mercedes Peinado. Serpentinite. Geology Today 2012, 28, 152 -156.
AMA StyleDolores Pereira, Mercedes Peinado. Serpentinite. Geology Today. 2012; 28 (4):152-156.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDolores Pereira; Mercedes Peinado. 2012. "Serpentinite." Geology Today 28, no. 4: 152-156.
Natural stones are commonly used both for interior and exterior construction but due to their mineralogy, some rocks (e.g., granite) can generate a high amount of radon in the atmosphere. Several samples of commercial ornamental stones from Iberia were analyzed for radon. A correlation between natural radioactivity, mineralogy and geochemistry provides a useful indication of the possible hazards of using such rocks indoors. A high radon content in a rock should lead to both restrictions for its use as interior building stone and, if it has been used, implementation of a ventilation system to reduce any hazard. Such rocks as serpentinite, which do not seem to present any problem related to natural radioactivity, are recommended for interior use in preference to granitic rocks. Les pierres naturelles sont couramment utilisées dans la construction en intérieur et en extérieur. Cependant, du fait de leur minéralogie, certaines roches (comme le granite) peuvent libérer des quantités importantes de radon dans l’atmosphère. Plusieurs échantillons de roches ornementales, venant de la péninsule Ibérique, ont été analysés par rapport au radon. Une corrélation entre la radioactivité naturelle et les caractéristiques minéralogiques et géochimiques fournit une indication utile sur les risques possibles associés à l’utilisation de telles roches en intérieur. Une forte teneur en radon dans une roche devrait conduire à la fois à des restrictions quant à son utilisation comme pierre de construction en intérieur et, si elle a été utilisée, à la mise en œuvre d’un système de ventilation permettant de réduire les risques. Des roches, telles que la serpentinite, qui ne semblent pas présenter de problème quant à la radioactivité naturelle sont recommandées pour les usages en intérieur, de préférence à des roches granitiques.
Dolores Pereira Gómez; Luis Neves; Dolores Pereira; Carlos Gonzalez Neila. Natural radioactivity in ornamental stones: an approach to its study using stones from Iberia. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 2011, 70, 543 -547.
AMA StyleDolores Pereira Gómez, Luis Neves, Dolores Pereira, Carlos Gonzalez Neila. Natural radioactivity in ornamental stones: an approach to its study using stones from Iberia. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment. 2011; 70 (4):543-547.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDolores Pereira Gómez; Luis Neves; Dolores Pereira; Carlos Gonzalez Neila. 2011. "Natural radioactivity in ornamental stones: an approach to its study using stones from Iberia." Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment 70, no. 4: 543-547.
José Nespereira; José A. Blanco; Mariano Yenes; Dolores Pereira. Irregular silica cementation in sandstones and its implication on the usability as building stone. Engineering Geology 2010, 115, 167 -174.
AMA StyleJosé Nespereira, José A. Blanco, Mariano Yenes, Dolores Pereira. Irregular silica cementation in sandstones and its implication on the usability as building stone. Engineering Geology. 2010; 115 (3-4):167-174.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé Nespereira; José A. Blanco; Mariano Yenes; Dolores Pereira. 2010. "Irregular silica cementation in sandstones and its implication on the usability as building stone." Engineering Geology 115, no. 3-4: 167-174.
Dolores Pereira; María Dolores Rodríguez Alonso; Karmah Salman. Evidence of Protolith Contamination in the Generation of an Anatectic Complex: Peña Negra, Central Spain. The Open Mineralogy Journal 2008, 2, 6 -16.
AMA StyleDolores Pereira, María Dolores Rodríguez Alonso, Karmah Salman. Evidence of Protolith Contamination in the Generation of an Anatectic Complex: Peña Negra, Central Spain. The Open Mineralogy Journal. 2008; 2 (1):6-16.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDolores Pereira; María Dolores Rodríguez Alonso; Karmah Salman. 2008. "Evidence of Protolith Contamination in the Generation of an Anatectic Complex: Peña Negra, Central Spain." The Open Mineralogy Journal 2, no. 1: 6-16.
Dolores Pereira; Maria Dolores Rodriguez Alonso; Karmah Salman. Evidence of Protolith Contamination in the Generation of an Anatectic Complex: Pena Negra, Central Spain. The Open Mineralogy Journal 2007, 2, 6 -16.
AMA StyleDolores Pereira, Maria Dolores Rodriguez Alonso, Karmah Salman. Evidence of Protolith Contamination in the Generation of an Anatectic Complex: Pena Negra, Central Spain. The Open Mineralogy Journal. 2007; 2 (1):6-16.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDolores Pereira; Maria Dolores Rodriguez Alonso; Karmah Salman. 2007. "Evidence of Protolith Contamination in the Generation of an Anatectic Complex: Pena Negra, Central Spain." The Open Mineralogy Journal 2, no. 1: 6-16.