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From: <>
Subject: Re: [NEWGEN-L] Re: [CEMETERY-L] Reading Tombstones
Date: Thu, 1 Jul 1999 05:47:20 EDT

Hello, List!

I have been reading with interest the different media people are using for
bringing out the old lettering on tombstones. I have seen the flour
suggestion before, as well as baking soda or chalk.

The following is a copy of one of the postings from another list I belong to.
I have not researched his theories, nor have I tried either one. I just
thought it would be food for thought. Linda in Lucas

"Marble is a granular aggregate of crystals of either calcite or calcium and
magnesium carbonate, basically heated pressed limestone, with some calcite
formation.
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate Granite is an igneous rock formed by
consolidation of molten rock substances. Unlike volcanic rock, granite is
formed under conditions of extreme slow cooling and great pressure. Chalk is
mostly composed of shells of microscopic sea organisms. Marble is chemically
a base(alkali), same as baking soda, therefore chemically non-harming. On the
Moh hardness scale (a diamond is 10) baking soda would be about a 0.1, and
marble would be about a 3 (relatively soft, a fingernail is a 2), granite is
a lot harder, almost indestructible. Baking soda has a snowballs chance of
physically harming
marble. Chalk is also alkaline, and about a 1 on the hardness scale, again no
real chance of harm. Marble is formed through pressure, and some heat.
Granite is formed through extreme pressure and volcanic heat, a much higher
heat, forming an almost glass like structure.

What might happen though is anything alkaline might neutralize any residual
acid from acid rain that might have fallen. That chemical process might
loosen bits of marble that were being held chemically to the stone. It would
have happened anyway, the real damage was already done. Chalk is normally
white. Chalk that is colored, typically uses a dye to achieve the desired
color. That might lead to some staining, but I think it would be temporary.
The sunlight alone would bleach it out. Any chalk left on the stone, would
actually serve as a barrier to neutralize some acid, before it would
eventually disappear.
Something like acid rain or acid hail would do a lot more damage.

When it comes to your loved ones, consider a granite marker instead of
marble. It is far more durable than marble is, not as subject to rain, hail,
lawnmowers, stones, etc.. Check with a museum restoration committee or the
maybe the Smithsonian for how to care for aged marble. They should have some
answers for you."

Sincerely,

Dennis P. Robinson

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