Conserve-O-Gram 6/5 Soluble Salts and Deterioration of Archeological Materials
Source: National Park Service (NPS)
Porous archeological artifacts such as ceramics, stone, bone, and ivory often contain soluble salts. Ground water and seawater can carry these salts into the pores of the artifact during burial leaving them behind when the water evaporates. After excavation, these salts can crystallize at or just below the surface of the artifact causing damage.
