Francesca Falcone

Francesca Falcone

Researcher

+39 3387005997
Catania
francesca.falcone@cnr.it

Professional profile

Cultural Heritage Diagnostics | Archaeometry and Material Characterization | Non-Invasive X-Ray Techniques (MA-XRF / MA-XRD) | Microstructural and Mineralogical Analysis | Degradation Mechanism Assessment | Conservation Science and Heritage Preservation

The professional activity focuses on the diagnostics of cultural heritage, an area in which extensive expertise in archaeometry has been developed through advanced research and several years of experience. The training includes a PhD in Georesources and Mineralogical–Petrographic Applications for Cultural Heritage, which provided a solid scientific background in the mineralogical, petrographic, and physicochemical study of heritage materials. The specialization covers the microstructural, mineralogical, and elemental characterization of mortars, ceramics, and metals.

Previous work involved the use of analytical techniques such as OM, SEM-EDS, XRPD, and TXRF to investigate composition, crystalline phases, and mineralogical transformations in ancient materials. These methods enabled in-depth assessments of production processes, provenance of raw materials, and degradation phenomena.

Current research activities are primarily dedicated to the use of non-invasive X-ray–based techniques, particularly Macro X-Ray Fluorescence (MA-XRF) and Macro X-Ray Diffraction (MA-XRD). The integrated application of these methods allows for the acquisition of elemental and mineralogical maps over large polychrome surfaces, providing spatially resolved information useful for identifying compositional heterogeneities, corrosion products, neoformations, and mineralogical changes associated with pigment and preparatory layer degradation. These approaches are especially suitable for preserving the integrity of delicate polychrome surfaces, unstable metal artifacts, and fragile archaeological materials. The resulting data support the assessment of conservation conditions and the development of targeted intervention and monitoring strategies. This research activity is embedded in a multidisciplinary context involving conservators and museum professionals, archaeologists, physicists, chemists, and art historians, with the shared goal of providing reliable, scientifically grounded diagnostic data to support the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage.

MUR Italian Scientific-Disciplinary Sector

  • CHEM-01/B Environmental and Cultural Heritage Chemistry
  • PHYS-06/A Physics for Life Sciences, the Environment, and Cultural Heritage
  • GEOS-01/A Mineralogy
  • GEOS-01/B Petrology
  • GEOS-01/D Mineral Resources and Mineralogical-Petrographic Applications for the Environment and Cultural Heritage

Groups & Labs CNR ISPC

XRAYLab →

Publications

Piattaforma CNR IRIS →
ORCID →

Highlight

F. Falcone, M. Aquilino, F. Stoppa (2024). Exploring the Composition of Egyptian Faience. Minerals. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/min14060586

F. Falcone, A. Cinosi, G. Siviero, G. Rosatelli (2024). Innovative methodological approach integrating SEM-EDS and TXRF microanalysis for characterization in materials science: A perspective from cultural heritage studies. Spectrochimica Acta Part B Atomic Spectroscopy. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2024.106980

F. Falcone, E. Di Valerio, V. La Salvia, G. Rosatelli, M.G. Perna, S. Bello, R.E. Francis, F. Stoppa (2023). Geo-archaeology, archaeometry, and history of a seismic-endangered historical site in central Apennines (Italy). Heritage Science. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-023-00906-7

CV ENG