Properties and durability assessment of glauconitic sandstone: a case study on Zamel sandstone from the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin (Czech Republic)

Abstract

Green sandstones from the eastern part of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin represent the traditional stone-cutting material used in the region of Eastern Bohemia since the 14th century. Sandstones of the Cenomanian age are shallow-water marine sediments dominated by pores over 5 µm in size. The green colour of the sandstone is caused by a content of glauconite with a high proportion of Fe3+ in the structure, which is very stable under oxidative open-air conditions. A typical feature of this rock is its rapid absorption and humidity exchange rates between the rock and its immediate environment by vaporization as well as good thermal stability up to temperatures of approximately 550 °C. The rock is resistant to weathering if recommended conditions are observed when used in construction. The rock can be used in external architecture as well as in interiors of modern buildings. The data about the properties and stability of the rock published in this paper will serve as a basis for a historical–structural survey of buildings, for searches of authentic stone deposits for the preservation and restoration of buildings and as a recommendation for conservation work.