Pyrite oxidation and museum collections: A review of theory and conservation treatments

Abstract

The literature relating to the causes of pyrite oxidation is extensive and widely dispersed, and the conclusions drawn often appear contradictory. Different mechanisms for the oxidation process are advocated, many of which are supported by experimental evidence that is difficult to evaluate. The range of literature relating to the problem of pyrite oxidation in a museum context is more limited and has resulted in a consensus about conservation treatments, although these have yet to be proven successful in the long term. This review will build upon the earlier critiques published by Howie (1977a, b, 1992) and Waller (1987) and consider the most recently published work. The review is necessarily selective concentrating on the literature which has significance to museum collections.