Determination of the origin and evolution of building stones as a functionof their chemical composition using the inertia criterion based on an HJ-biplot

The aim of the present work is to determine the origin and background of 72 samples of four varieties of granite s.l. from quarries and different part s of the Cathedral Group Buildings of Avila (Spain) subject to different mi croenvironmental conditions. To do so, the results of the chemical analyses of major and trace elements of all samples were analysed statistically usi ng the inertia method based on an HJ-biplot. Clusters of samples related to their origin, quarry or building were obtained. The statistical method emp loyed is a useful tool for determining the origin of the stone located on d ifferent parts of the historical monument. This is of great interest when t he stone needs to be replaced for maintenance and restoration purposes. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.