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Spectroscopy of Moroccan Marbles and Ornamental Stones
Abstract
The physical characteristics of several series of marble samples taken from different regions of Morocco were experimentally determined. These characteristics include optical, elemental, and crystalline properties. The marbles and stones analyzed exhibited a variety of colors, including gray, white, black, yellow, and brown. For reference purposes, three white marble samples from Carrara, Italy; Drama; and Kozani, Greece were studied under the same conditions. A white marble sample from the 18th-century Moulay Ismail Mausoleum in Meknes was also studied under the same conditions. Using optical absorption spectroscopy, we identified bands attributed to ferrous and ferric ions (Fe2⁺ and Fe3⁺), which play a fundamental role in marble coloring. Other bands alongside long wavelengths were identified in accordance with crystalline and elemental studies and attributed to carbonates. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra revealed varying concentrations of Mn2⁺ ions in all the marbles studied. EPR lines attributed to Fe3⁺ ions distinguished ions resulting from Ca²⁺ substitution in the calcite lattice from those in iron oxides, clay minerals, and silicates. These identified ions are considered chromogenic elements responsible for the marbles' coloration.
About the Authors
S. Khrissi
Laboratory of Materials, Processes, Environment and Quality, National School of Applied Sciences, Cadi Ayyad University ; Laboratory of Materials and Archaeomaterials Spectrometry (LASMAR), URL-CNRST, N◦7, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University
Morocco
Morocco
Safi, Meknes
M. Haddad
Laboratory of Materials and Archaeomaterials Spectrometry (LASMAR), URL-CNRST, N◦7, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University
Morocco
Morocco
Meknes
L. Bejjit
Laboratory of Materials and Archaeomaterials Spectrometry (LASMAR), URL-CNRST, N◦7, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University
Morocco
Morocco
Meknes
S. A. Lyazidi
Laboratory of Materials and Archaeomaterials Spectrometry (LASMAR), URL-CNRST, N◦7, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University
Morocco
Morocco
Meknes
M. El Amraoui
Laboratory of Materials and Archaeomaterials Spectrometry (LASMAR), URL-CNRST, N◦7, Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University
Morocco
Morocco
Meknes
H. Lifi
Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, National School of Applied Sciences of Safi, MISCOM Laboratory, Route sidi Bouzid
Morocco
Morocco
Safi
C. Falguères
National Museum of Natural History, UMR7194
France
France
Paris
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Review
For citations:
Khrissi S., Haddad M., Bejjit L., Lyazidi S., El Amraoui M., Lifi H., Falguères C. Spectroscopy of Moroccan Marbles and Ornamental Stones. Zhurnal Prikladnoii Spektroskopii. 2026;93(4):572-1-572-8.
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