Corrosion analysis of a historical jade incense burner stored in wooden cabinets

Abstract Understanding the jade corrosion mechanisms is essential to ensure their good preservation state and long lives. An important jade incense burner in a museum collection was found to be severely corroded. By employing multiple analytical methods, including scanning electron microscopy energy spectrum, X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman spectroscopy, and ion chromatography, the jade material and surface corrosion products were systematically studied. Our results showed that the matrix of the jade was mainly composed of brucite, while magnesium formate hydrate (C 2 H 2 MgO 4 •2H 2 O) was the main component of the corrosion products. Formic and acetic acid pollutant vapors emitted from wood were determined to be a cause of the corrosion. Accelerated corrosion experiments simulating volatile organic acid environments reproduced the corrosion process successfully, and a mechanism of jade corrosion in museum environments was established. It highlights the importance of replacing wooden cabinets by modern pollution-free containers, especially for susceptible historical objects.