Non-destructive in-situ classification of sandstones used in the Angkor monuments of Cambodia using a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer and magnetic susceptibility meter

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2021.103137
• Publication Date: 2021-08-04T23:42:41Z
• Authors: Etsuo Uchida; Ryota Watanabe; Rathborith Cheng; Yuta Nakamura; Toru Takeyama
• Keywords: Arenite

The Angkor monuments were built between the 9th and 15th centuries using gray to yellowish brown sandstone, red greywacke, which are petrologically classified as feldspathic arenite, quartz lithic wacke, respectively. Gray sandstone was generally used in all of monument temples. Red main building material Banteay Srei temple but also occasionally mixed with temples after late Bayon period. Greywacke five sanctuaries atop Ta Keo for statues Linga-Yoni pedestals. To distinguish these sandstones a non-destructive in-situ approach, measurements performed portable magnetic susceptibility meter X-ray fluorescence analyzer. obtained Rb, Sr, Y contents values effectively classify above three rock types. results show differences susceptibility, Rb greywacke temple, that statues, pedestals, demonstrates different source locations.