Determination of the origin and evolution of building stones as a function of their chemical composition using the inertia criterion based on an HJ-biplot

The aim of the present work is to determine the origin and background of 72 samples of four varieties of granite s.l. from quarries and different parts of the Cathedral Group Buildings of Avila (Spain) subject to different microenvironmental conditions. To do so, the results of the chemical analyses of major and trace elements of all samples were analysed statistically using the inertia method based on an HJ-biplot. Clusters of samples related to their origin, quarry or building were obtained. The statistical method employed is a useful tool for determining the origin of the stone located on different parts of the historical monument. This is of great interest when the stone needs to be replaced for maintenance and restoration purposes.