Non-destructive magnetic and chemical characterization of granite column shafts traded in the Mediterranean area: the case of Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa (Italy) and Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay in Lyon (France).

Abstract We present a scheme for non-destructive provenancing of granite shafts dating from the Roman to medieval period using combination visual, magnetic, and chemical determinations. Our results on two monumental complexes in Europe, Pisa Lyon, shows both oriental provenance, most likely spolia, shaft quarries within influence zone Republic (Elba, Corsica Sardinia) that possibly correspond newly obtained quarries, particularly large diameter Ainay Lyon (from Corsica) Piazza dei Miracoli Elba Sardinia). pXRF appears be an efficient way discriminate Corsican Egyptian grey coarse grained provenance.