ABSTRACT
Tests were carried out to determine the effects of two fungal strains on marble samples. After 5 months incubation at 28°C, Ca-oxalate formation was detected through Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. These results allow a general interpretation of the different hypotheses formulated to explain the oxalate patina genesis on stone materials. A hypothesis concerning the natural formation of these patinas was formulated by J. V. Liebig who maintained that lichens were responsible of oxalate production. Ca-oxalate was detected on marble samples cultured with two different fungal strains. The analysis carried out shows that the metabolic activity of fungal strains My3 and My5 caused oxalate formation on the marble samples. The culture medium and the marble samples were previously sterilized at 120°C for 20 minutes. The trials were performed in triplicate. Cultures without fungal inoculum were carried out.
