The physicochemical weathering of monumental dolostones, granites and limestones; dimension stones of the Cathedral of Toledo (Spain)

Abstract Physical and chemical response to weathering has been evaluated for the building stones (granites and carbonate rocks) of the Cathedral of Toledo, Spain. Several aspects have been studied in detail: distribution of porosity and its relation to the fabric within the weathered material, chemical composition of weathering-related surficial crusts, and the order of crystallization of the soluble salts derived from the weathering processes. In addition, the study places some emphasis on the calculation of the crystallization pressures of these salts within the porous material resulting from weathering. Highest pressures are due to gypsum crystallization and, in decreasing order, to: anhydrite, mirabilite, epsomite, bloedite, thenardite and kieserite.