The effects of air pollution on carbonate stone monuments in urban areas (Sivas, Turkey)

In this study, the gypsum formation in carbonate stone by air pollutants has been investigated. The mineralogical composition (x-ray powder diffraction analysis) and texture (optical microscopy research of thin sections) of samples taken from the unsheltered surfaces of 13 historical buildings of different ages in various parts of Sivas have been examined. The gypsum formation on polluted surfaces has been caused and influenced by the polluted atmosphere of Sivas city, high relative humidity, the age of the buildings and stone characteristics