Characterization, Analysis, and Investigation of the Provenance of the Stone Construction Materials of the Vera Cruz Church (Segovia, Spain)

Abstract

As part of the restoration project of the 13th century Vera Cruz Church (Segovia, Spain), a preliminary study of the stones used in its construction—dolostones of the Montejo de la Vega Fm of Santonian age (Upper Cretaceous)—and the possible location of the quarry of the provenance of these stones was carried out. For this purpose, a comparative analysis was performed between the currently active quarry of La Vera Cruz n° 88 and the historical quarry of Zamarramala. The samples were characterized using a multidisciplinary approach, combining X-ray diffraction (XRD), polarized optical microscopy (POM), and scanning electron microscopy with microanalysis (SEM-EDX). The combined mineralogical, chemical, and textural characterization provided valuable information on historical provenance. The results show a significant correlation between the dolostone samples obtained from the church and both quarries. The integral characterization confirms the suitability of the dolostones identified in the currently active quarry, Vera Cruz n° 88, for the restoration of the Vera Cruz Church, ensuring the use of appropriate materials. This study contributes to the restoration efforts of the Vera Cruz Church by providing a deeper understanding of the historical origins of the building stones.