Chemical composition of Medieval stained glasses from the Cathedral of León (Spain)

Abstract

A selection of glass samples from the stained glass windows of León Cathedral (Spain) dating from Medieval and Renaissance times has been chemically characterized. The techniques used for this characterization were X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma. X-ray fluorescence and flame photometry. The analyses indicate that the samples are potash-lime glass, with the Medieval glass having a low alumina concentration. This fact has given rise to its deterioration throughout history due to environmental conditions.