Efflorescence:

Migration of a salt to the surface.

Efflorescence (Stone):

A phenomena whereby a whitish powdery material forms on the surface of the object.

Embrittlement:

A loss of flexibility causing the material (e.g., paper, parchment, leather) to break or disintegrate when bent or curled.

Enamel (Ceramics/ Glass):

Glassy substance, coloured by metallic oxides, applied and fired onto glaze, as decoration.

Environmental Conditioning:

Each different material has different ideal environmental levels. At the WCEC we are able to control factors such as temperature, relative humidity and light levels to create the best environmental conditions for a specific collection.

Environmental Control:

The active control of the temperature, RH and light on an object to help preserve its materials.