Biological weathering and mineral deposits of the Belevi marble quarry (Ephesus, Turkey)

Rock samples from the Belevi quarry have been studied, in order to compare processes occurring in natural rocks with those on monuments. The quarry is formed by calcitic marble with different grain sizes. Surfaces affected by different kinds of patinas, whose colors range from black to beige-brown and orange, exhibit different thicknesses and structures. The alterations studied can be reported as two main types: (i) biological weathering (biopitting); (ii) mineral deposits (patinas). Main component of patina is calcite and a smaller quantity of calcium oxalate. From the textural point of view, there is a wide variety of typologies with a close relationship to the slope and water availability. The development of these patinas is related to the bioactivity. Their composition, morphology and evolution are comparable to those developed in other quarries and monuments of the Mediterranean basin.