Selectional removal of the harmful gypsum weathering layer on the calcareous stone heritages

Abstract A novel method for the selectional removal of the harmful gypsum weathering layer on the calcareous stone heritages was studied. By this method, the gypsum weathering layer was cleared away and the carbonate substrate of the calcareous stone was left intact at the same time. The removal effect was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), capillary suction and color difference measurement. This selectional removal method will be highly helpful for the conservation of the surface weathering calcareous stone relics.