Powdering

Powdering
Photo: D. Bouchardon

Description

A type of stone degradation due to volume expansion associated to salt crystallization. Powdering, or crumbling, of the stone occurs as the mechanical stress disrupts the porous matrix. Highly soluble salts, such as sodium chloride and sodium sulfate, can cause this effect.

Resources and Citations

• ICOMOS-ISCS: Illustrated glossary on stone deterioration patterns