Deliquescence and recrystallization of salts in the Dead Sea Scrolls

Abstract

In the traditional manufacture of the parchment of the Dead Sea Scrolls, considerable amounts of soluble salts were applied. These salts were examined by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and polarized light microscopy. Dynamic aspects of deliquescence and recrystallization of the salts were examined with the environmental scanning electron microscope. The presence of these salts may have considerable significance for the conservation of the Dead Sea Scrolls.