A study of the cathodoluminescence (CL) properties of imperial topaz from Ouro Preto region (Minas Gerais state, Brazil) and its relation with trace-element composition was conducted, using scanning electron microscope cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL), optical microscope cathodoluminescence (OM-CL), cathodoluminescence-spectrometry (CL-spectrometry), electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and Raman spectrometry. Each analytical technique allowed characterization of the imperial topaz fingerprint. SEM-CL panchromatic images show different crystal growth and resorption events in imperial topaz crystals. Colour CL images indicate only blue to violet emissions. The CL-spectra indicate a broad emission band with low intensity peak at ~417 nm and a broad emission band with high intensity and major peaks at 685, 698, 711 and 733 nm. The EMPA indicates high OH content, in which the OH/(OH + F) ratio ranges between 0.35–0.43 (0.72 ≤ OH ≤ 0.86 apfu). High Cu and Zn concentrations (LA-ICP-MS) were measured in the high luminescence areas of SEM-CL images, suggesting both elements as CL-activators in imperial topaz. Raman and CL-spectra indicate high Cr concentrations, corroborated by EMPA and LA-ICP-MS results. The high Cr caused strong luminescence intensities that enabled their superimposition over the OH stretching mode (~3650 cm–1) of topaz in all Raman spectra. Among trace elements, the concentrations of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga and Ge provide the fingerprint of imperial topaz.

Minas Gerais, Brazil, is vulnerable to the activities of mineral extraction industries, posing an imminent risk to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized cities, e.g. Congonhas. Many of these municipalities hold many soapstone religious sculptures and historical monuments. Consequently, soapstone is susceptible to filamentous fungi attack causing irreversible biodeterioration. Despite the concern related to nondestructive sampling of 18th century sculptures, in this study, we have discussed the factors that lead to biodeterioration of soapstone due to organic acid excretion by the fungi that damage the stone, thereby providing an insight in conserving and preserving the soapstone monuments.

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This article describes the first results of a study of the collection of art materials, painted works, and techniques, belonging to the Lasar Segall Museum in Brazil, using materials and documents of the early 20th century. The paint materials from the museum's collection consist of over a hundred glass vases, tubes, and packets containing powdered pigments, inks, oils, and varnishes.Powdered and dried ink (labeled "ink for posters") samples were analyzed using confocal Raman microscopy spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction. The artist's palette chromophores such as ultramarine, cobalt and Prussian blue, goethite, hematite, and magnetite from natural ochres, lead basic carbonate, lead carbonate, anatase, zinc carbonate hydroxide, zinc oxide, lead chromate, carbon, cadmium sulfide, copper acetate arsenite, verditer, celadonite, serrabrancaite, vermilion, PY1, PY3, PR3, and PO5 were identified mainly by Raman spectroscopy. The color palette found in paintings from 1919 is closely related to the characterized pigments from the museum. Nevertheless, the violets found are not mineral in nature but organic. The descriptions of the results for each sample and painting were made available to the museum to assist in future conservation, dating, and authentication procedures of the works.

This study focused on the identification of the filamentous fungi associated with soapstone samples exposed to outdoor conditions and the biocidal effect of gamma radiations on isolated fungal populations in Minas Gerais State in Brazil. Two soapstone blocks were placed outdoors under tropical environmental conditions for 12 months. A total of 9 filamentous fungal populations were identified on their surfaces, namely Acremomium (cf.) alternatum, Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus fumigatus, Calcarisporium (cf.) arbuscula, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Curvularia lunata, Epicoccum nigrum, Fusarium equiseti and Penicillium citrinum. The gamma radiation assay was then carried out as a test of biocidal action by exposing all fungal populations to the ionizing radiation. The results showed that only the C. cladosporioides species was resistant to this biocidal agent, since it was able to increase its population post exposure. Scanning electron microscopy images identified the microbial colonization on the soapstone blocks and the stone elementar composition was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. After treatment, there was no structural and aesthetic alteration in the soapstone samples, and evidencing that gamma radiation can be used as a biocidal agent. However, the resistance of the black fungal population indicates caution in the choice of gamma irradiation as biocidal treatment.