Inorganic Materials
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INORGANIC MATERIALS
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Nicole Grabow, Katherine Holbrow, Stephanie Croatt
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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
- a. Clay
- 3. Glass
- a. Flat Glass
- i. Stained Glass
- a. in situ
- b. archaeological
- i. Stained Glass
- b. Vessels
- c. Beads
- d. Scientific Glass
- e. Volcanic
- f. Enamel
- g. Glazes
- a. Flat Glass
- 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
- 1. Stone
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