Architectural Dolostones in Latvian Heritage Objects: A Multimethod Approach Towards the Determination of Stone Sources

Dolostones are widespread in Latvian and broader Livonian cultural heritage, yet their provenance remains much less explored than that of calcitic limestones and marbles. This study applies a multimethod approach — including detailed petrographic study and microfabric typology, stable isotope analysis, and mercury intrusion porosimetry — to samples from heritage objects alongside comparative quarry/outcrop material. Results reveal both local and imported dolostones, systematic differences between building masonry and sculptural/architectural stones, and several unresolved cases that point to now-inaccessible sources. The study shows that combining isotope study, microfabric typology, quantitative porosimetry, and pore-throat metrics has strong diagnostic value. The findings contribute to understanding material selectivity in medieval to early modern Livonia and have practical implications for conservation strategies.