2 RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY

The analytical program developed during this study determined that problems with the stone had resulted from a combination of factors, including its physical properties and mineralogical composition, the manner in which it was tooled, the effects of previous cleaning treatments that were likely applied inappropriately, and exposure to weathering. The primary objective of this research was to establish a conservation program that would remediate specific physical and aesthetic conditions that had developed primarily at or near the surface of the granite. Additionally, in light of the limited number of published case studies addressing the effects of microabrasive cleaning technologies on historic granite, a secondary goal of the study was to contribute to the existing knowledge base for the conservation of granite.1