At Rose of Jericho, our in-house specialist conservation laboratory provides a comprehensive range of analytical services to support the investigation, specification and conservation of historic buildings, traditional materials and heritage structures. Combining established wet chemistry techniques with advanced instrumental analysis, we deliver accurate, evidence-based data to architects, conservators, surveyors, engineers, contractors, manufacturers and researchers. Whether investigating historic mortars, plasters, stone, pigments, renders, masonry or construction materials, our laboratory testing helps inform conservation decisions in accordance with best practice and the principles of minimum intervention.

Our laboratory capabilities include wet chemistry and titration, ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) for elemental analysis, stereo and compound microscopy for material identification and microstructural examination, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) for mineralogical characterisation. Together, these techniques enable detailed investigation of both historic and modern construction materials, providing reliable analytical data to support conservation projects, material development, quality control, forensic investigations and academic research throughout the UK.

Wet chemistry analysis in the Rose of Jericho conservation laboratory

Wet Chemistry & Manual Analysis

Traditional wet chemistry and manual analytical techniques remain fundamental to the investigation of historic building materials. Using methods such as acid digestion, titration, carbonation testing and aggregate separation, we can identify binder composition, soluble salts and material characteristics, providing robust scientific evidence to support conservation, quality control and research.

ICP-OES elemental analysis in the Rose of Jericho conservation laboratory

ICP-OES Analysis

ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) provides precise elemental analysis of mortars, plasters, stone, pigments and other mineral-based materials. Following acid digestion, it accurately identifies major, minor and trace elements, supporting material characterisation, quality control, conservation and research.

X-ray diffraction analysis in the Rose of Jericho conservation laboratory

X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)

X-ray Diffraction (XRD) identifies and quantifies the crystalline minerals present within mortars, plasters, stone and other construction materials. It provides valuable insight into mineral composition, hydraulicity, deterioration mechanisms and material compatibility, supporting conservation, research and product development.