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Conservator has zinc corrosion problem on artifact

2004

I am currently working on an artefact from India which is called Bidriware. It is made of Zinc and Copper(97%Zn,3%Cu)

It has been sent to my lab to be restored due to some salt-like formation on its surface. It is white in colour and looks like crystals. I would like to know if it's possible for salt formation on zinc objects like this.

By the way,this object was believed to be used as a wash basin.

Please reply. Thank you.

Lalitha Thiagarajah
Asst. Conservator - Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2004

In the usual environments that we industrials are familiar with, the corrosion of zinc usually produces white powdery-looking (although they are actually gummy and hard rather than soft and powdery) minature volcano shaped mounds of corrosion products surrounding a corrosion pit. I've never seen crystaline corrosion products. But corrosion under unusual environmental conditions may proceed differently. I am sorry that I can offer no help beyond posting your inquiry.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

Visit Conservation on Line website. Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb , Croatia
2004

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