Visão geológica dos monumentos da cidade de São Paulo

This research deals with the conservation degree of the stone historical monuments from Sao Paulo city. The monuments analysed were A Menina e o Bezerro, Amor Materno, Depois do Banho, Fonte Monumental, Anhanguera, Aretuza, Camoes, Cervantes, Fauno, Mae, Nostalgia, O Ceifador, Monumento as Bandeiras, Duque de Caxias, Gloria Imortal aos Fundadores de Sao Paulo, Monumento a Ramos de Azevedo, Obelisco, Amizade Sirio-Libanesa, Monumento a Carlos Gomes, and Obelisco da Memoria. This study regards the rock materials, their source and analyse of alteration forms of the monuments, based on historical research, on in situ observations and laboratory analytical techniques (X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive spectrometer, and petrographical microscopy). Marble and granite compose the most part of the monuments, mostly Itaquera Granite and Cinza Maua Granite. The monuments composed by Cinza Maua Granite are less degradated. As the monuments are placed in outside, they are affected by weathering, microorganism and pollution. Surface deposit, incrustation, chromatic alteration, stain, alveolization, biological colonization, vegetation, efflorescence, concretion, peeling, spalling, plaquette, fracture and fissure were identified in the monuments. Besides weathering, vandalism raise more degradation in the monuments, mainly graffiti, damaging our cultural heritage.