Survey of the Italian archaeological precious metal collections: characterisation of the patina and study of the degradation phenomena

To choose the correct strategy for the conservation of metallic archaeological artefacts, it is of importance to study the complex chemical-physical processes that occur during aging. The condition of the artefacts is the result of their intrinsic metallurgical features and environmental conditions, in which the metallic artefacts were buried and are now stored or exhibited. This study could help archaeologists and curators to find the history and the evolution through ages of the archaeological remains, and when feasible, to preserve, restore, protect and display them in museum without causing further damages.