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Objects Specialty Group Conservation Wiki

INORGANIC MATERIALS

Contributors: Nicole Grabow, Katherine Holbrow, Stephanie Croatt
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Copyright: 2011. The Objects Group Wiki pages are a publication of the Objects Specialty Group of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works.

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Inorganic Materials

Inorganic materials are generally derived from non-living sources, such as rocks or minerals, and encompass such categories as glass, ceramics, and metals. The following outline describes categories of inorganic materials that a conservator might use in determining condition or treatment strategies. These categories are not precise or rigidly adhered to, but do give a sense of what factors may be involved. Some follow scientific taxonomies, but fabrication method, source, and location may also play a role. Historic or common usage also contributes to the groupings since much conservation is focused on art objects and historic artifacts.

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Inorganic Materials

1. Stone

a. Igneous

b. Sedimentary

c. Metamorphic

2. Ceramic

a. Clay

i. tablets

ii. greenware

b. Mud Brick

c. Terracotta and Low Fired Terrasigilata

d. Earthenware

e. Stoneware

f. Porcelain

3. Glass

a. Flat Glass

i. Stained Glass

a. in situ

b. archaeological

b. Vessels

c. Beads

d. Scientific Glass

e. Volcanic

f. Enamel

g. Glazes

4. Metal and Metallurgical By-Products

a. Gold

b. Silver and Silver Alloys

c. Copper and Copper Alloys

d. Iron and Iron Alloys

e. Aluminum

f. Tin

g. Arsenic

h. Lead

i. Ores

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