• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.207-222
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• 2018

Celestial Chart Stones (original and reproduction) in the National Palace Museum are representative scientific cultural heritage of Korea. Material analysis and nondestructive deterioration assessment were conducted for long-term preservation of these stones. Material analysis revealed that the original was composed of slate and the reproduction was made of dolostone. The original consists of quartz, mica, dolomite minerals, while the reproduction was made up of dolomite, calcite and forsterite. Major deterioration factors of the original stone were cracks and breakouts. In case of the reproduction, scratches and artificial materials were mainly observed. The green and black surface contaminants present at the sides and back of the two celestial chart stones were interpreted as resin-based paint materials. The physical property evaluation using ultrasonic velocity showed a low velocity in the upper left side of the original, while the front right side of the reproduction showed a weak property. Meanwhile, the To-Tc method using ultrasonic velocity was applied to major cracks that impede stability of the original. As a result, it has been calculated that the beginning and the center of the crack are the deepest.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.244-257
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• 2020

State-designated rain gauge pedestals, including a rain gauge support, were installed in front of the "Imunwon" at Changdeok Palace, made from various rock types. Some of those pedestals provide exact information on their production dates. These rain gauge pedestals are highly valuable as scientific instruments; however, there has been insufficient scientific research carried out on them. Therefore, precise analysis and conservative consideration are required. As a result of petrographic character analysis, the Changdeokgung rain gauge pedestal has been classified as marble. Furthermore, comparison of the results of P-XRF analysis with GSJ reference samples (JLs-1, JDo-1) has determined it to be dolomitic marble. Applying the same analysis to other state-designated rain gauge pedestals, it was presumed that the rain gauge supports at Gyeongsand-do Provincial Office and Gwansanggam were each made from aplite, pinkish medium-to-coarse biotite granite. Results confirmed that only the Changdeokgung rain gauge pedestal was made from marble. Marble is viewed as having an identity specificity rooted in a certain historical background. According to the tendency towards stone figures being made from marble, especially dolomitic marble, it is necessary to further studies whether particular rocks were used to make royal stone figures in Joseon Dynasty.