CHARACTERIZATION OF NATURAL STONES EMPLOYED IN HISTORICAL BUILDINGS: A CASE STUDY OF THE FORT IKOMA HISTORICAL BUILDING IN SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK, TANZANIA

Abstract

This study characterizes the natural stones used in the construction of the Fort Ikoma historical building located in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The research aimed to support conservation and restoration by analysing the physical, chemical, mineralogical, and petrographic properties of the building stones. Twenty-five samples were examined through field inspections and laboratory techniques, including Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), X–ray Diffraction (XRD), and petrographic microscopy. Results indicated two dominant stone types: shale and limestone. Shale displayed high silica content, low porosity, and mineralogical components such as quartz, illite, and dickite, making it suitable for superstructure walling. Limestone exhibited high CaCO3 purity, significant calcite content, and characteristic fossil and micritic textures, confirming its suitability for foundation and floor level applications. The findings provide essential material knowledge for informed restoration strategies and contribute to broader conservation efforts for historical stone masonry structures in protected areas.