Mortar Analysis

Date August 2019

Event ID 1107005

Category Recording

Type Mortar Analysis

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1107005

NB 42127 32749 Under the aegis of the SMCCCP, a non-intrusive examination was undertaken, in August 2019, of six masonry mortar samples removed from the possible 17th century wall exposed during the AOC excavations at Amity House (see above). The examination was undertaken by optical microscopy in reflected light and intended to summarise superficial material compositions and assess archaeological potential. Exposed surfaces of all stratified samples presented similar compositions, consistent with a single-phase interpretation. All stratified samples were lime mortars, bound with a buff to white coloured matrix and tempered with poorly sorted mixtures of sub-rounded quartz-rich lithic clasts and marine shells, consistent with an inter- or supra-littoral (foreshore) temper source. All stratified samples presented evidence of carbonaceous fragments in varying concentrations, with some bio-structural evidence clearly indicating the mortar is included with wood-charcoal. These latter inclusions are very likely to be relict limekiln fuel fragments and limited visibility in transverse section suggests this includes some diffuse porous biomaterials.

Archive: AOC Archaeology; NRHE (intended).

Funder: Historic Environment Scotland; University of Stirling

Mark Thacker ̶ University of Stirling

(Source: DES, Volume 20)