Mineralogical and Geochemical Characterization of Archaeological Ceramics from El Badi Palace (XVIth Century), Morocco

Textural, mineralogical and chemical characterization of archaeological ceramics (zellige) of the El Badi Palace (Marrakech, Morocco), the main islamic monument from the Saadian period (XVIth century), has been performed, to enhance restoration issues and to determine technology of manufacturing. A multi-analytical approach based on optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), cathodoluminescence, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used. Re-firing tests on ceramic supports were also performed to determine the firing temperatures used by the Saadian artisans. A calcareous clay raw material was used to manufacture these decorative ceramics. The sherds were fired at a maximum temperature of 800°C in oxidizing atmosphere. The low firing temperature for zellige facilitates cutting of the pieces but also causes fragility to these materials due to the absence of vitreous phases.