Maria Cristina Caggiani
Maria Cristina Caggiani obtained her Master’s Degree (Laurea Specialistica) in Science and Technology for the Diagnostics and Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the University of Bari Aldo Moro, with a thesis in Ceramic Archaeometry entitled “Red-Figure Ceramics from the Egnazia Site: Production Technology Investigated through Archaeometric Analyses.”
She was awarded a PhD scholarship within the PhD School in Chemical and Molecular Sciences – Chemistry of Innovative Materials (XXVI cycle) at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, where she obtained her PhD with a dissertation entitled “Spectroscopic Techniques for the Study of Geological and Archaeological Materials.” Her research primarily focused on the application of innovative spectroscopic analytical approaches (Raman, EDS and XPS) combined with microscopy techniques (SEM, OM) and thermal analyses (TG, dilatometry) to materials of archaeological interest. The study of archaeological glass artefacts—including Roman glass from Pompeii and Islamic enamelled and gilded glass—and amber (samples of Baltic and Romanian provenance) was complemented by parallel investigations of geological raw materials. A specific research focus concerned rocks containing minerals of the sodalite group, including lapis lazuli from different provenances, hauynophyre from Melfi, and phonolite from Toppo San Paolo, investigated as sources of the blue colour in glass and enamels dating to the Frederician period. During her PhD, she spent a research period abroad at MONARIS (de la Molécule aux Nano-Objets: Réactivité, Intéractions et Spectroscopies), UMR SU-CNRS 8233 / Sorbonne Université, Paris, France, where she had previously undertaken a post-graduate research internship and further consolidated her expertise in Raman spectroscopy.
Following a competitive selection for the FIS “KLARA” project, she is currently a Researcher at the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania. Her current research focuses on molecular spectroscopy applied to the analysis of volatiles in volcanic glasses. Her research activities also include the development of innovative materials for the conservation and restoration of Cultural Heritage, the characterization of Cultural Heritage materials and the study of their degradation, as well as gemmology. She is also actively involved in teaching and third-mission activities.
She is currently the author of 53 peer-reviewed scientific publications in widely disseminated international journals, as well as several contributions to conference proceedings. She has participated as an author in approximately 100 presentations at national and international conferences and serves as a reviewer for several international scientific journals.
She obtained the Italian National Scientific Qualification (Abilitazione Scientifica Nazionale, ASN) for the position of Full Professor in the academic field of Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Petrology, Volcanology, Geo-resources and Applications, effective from 8 June 2026.
- Fixed-term Researcher (Type A), SSD GEO/06, research project: KLARA. Activities: mineralogical and spectroscopic analyses, with particular focus on the determination of volatile contents in volcanic glasses using Raman and FTIR techniques. Head of the research group: Prof. Gabriele Lanzafame.
- Research Fellowship, entitled “Molecular analysis of Sicilian soils and agri-food products for production traceability”, within the framework of the PRIN 2022 PNRR project “Implementing advanced and chemical analysis for quality, safety, and traceability assessment of PGI and PDO agri-food products.” Scientific Supervisor: Prof. Agatino Musumarra.
- Fixed-term Researcher (Type A), SSD GEO/06, with a two-year renewal, research project: “Formulation of new materials and application of innovative techniques for the restoration and conservation of Cultural Heritage from an eco-friendly and smart perspective”. Affiliation: Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania. Heads of the research group: Prof. Paolo Mazzoleni, Prof. Germana Barone.
- Research Fellowship, SSD CHIM/12, within the INTERREG Italy-Croatia project: “ML-Repair: REducing and Preventing, an integrated Approach to Marine Litter Management in the Adriatic Sea”, at the Department of Philosophy and Cultural Heritage, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. Scientific Supervisor: Prof. Giulio Pojana.
- Occasional self-employed professional contract, SSD GEO/09. Activities: application of innovative archaeometric methods for the characterization of lithic raw materials, within the project “Central Adriatic coastal areas: a millennial history of interactions between Climate, AMBIent and UoMan (CAMBIUM)”, Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome.
- Occasional self-employed professional contract, SSD CHIM/12. Activities: integration of the archaeometric database of the Interdepartmental Centre “Research Laboratory for the Diagnostics of Cultural Heritage”, Department of Chemistry, University of Bari Aldo Moro. Supervisor: Prof. Annarosa Mangone.
- Research grant for a scientific research period at a foreign institution. Activities: training in the use of (micro-)Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of Cultural Heritage materials using different portable and benchtop instruments; participation in a measurement campaign on gilded and enamelled glass artefacts in the storage collections of the Louvre Museum (Paris), at MONARIS (de la Molécule aux Nano-Objets: Réactivité, Intéractions et Spectroscopies), UMR SU-CNRS 8233 / Sorbonne Université, Paris, France. Head of the research group: Prof. Philippe Colomban.
TEACHING
- Teaching assignment for the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Environmental and Natural Sciences (L-32), Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, entitled “Petrography with Elements of Mineralogy” (A.Y. 2026/2027, 2 ECTS credits, 24 hours).
- Teaching assignment for the Master's Degree Programme in Geology and Geophysics (interclass LM-74/LM-79), Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, entitled “Gemology and Museology” (A.Y. 2025/2026 and A.Y. 2026/2027, 1 ECTS credit, 7 hours).
- Teaching assignment for the Master's Degree Programme in Geological Sciences (LM-74), Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, entitled “Innovative Methods for Applied Petrography”, SSD GEO/09 (A.Y. 2019/2020, 6 ECTS credits, 42 hours; A.Y. 2020/2021, 5 ECTS credits, 35 hours; A.Y. 2022/2023, 6 ECTS credits, 42 hours).
- Teaching assignment for the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Geological Sciences (L-34), Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, entitled “Mineralogy and Rock-Forming Minerals with Laboratory”, Laboratory module, SSD GEO/07 (A.Y. 2020/2021, 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, 3 ECTS credits, 35 hours).
- M.C. Caggiani, A. Coccato, P. Mazzoleni, S. Salini, G. Barone (2025), Elemental and molecular insight into different colors of corundum gemstones, Journal of Optics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12596-025-02969-0.
- M.C. Caggiani, A. Coccato, M. Fugazzotto, M.Y. Spironello, D. Bersani, P. Mazzoleni, G. Barone (2025), Non-invasive investigation of red gemstones on devotional jewellery from Sicily: focus on garnets composition, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.70020.
- A. Bertino, M.C. Caggiani, M. Fugazzotto, S. Portale, S. Starinieri, G. Barone, P. Mazzoleni (2025), Synthesis, characterization and application of pigmented geopolymers to the pilot site of the UNESCO Cefalù Cathedral (Sicily, Italy), The European Physical Journal Plus, 140: 482. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-06420-y;
- S. Panebianco, G. Barone, M.C. Caggiani, G. Cirvilleri, C. Finocchiaro, G. Lanzafame, P. Mazzoleni, A. Musumarra, M.G. Pellegriti (2025), Quality and origin assessment of pistachio nuts by using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and chemometrics, Applied Radiation and Isotopes 223, 111902. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2025.111902;
- M.C. Caggiani, F. Salvemini, C. Finocchiaro, M. Fugazzotto, R. Occhipinti, S. Portale, S. Zafarana, P. Mazzoleni, G. Barone (2025), Capillary water uptake in artificially weathered geopolymers for cultural heritage conservation: real-time neutron imaging investigation, The European Physical Journal Plus, 140: 347. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-06282-4;
- M.C. Caggiani, Ph. Colomban, L. Bellot-Gurlet, P. Mazzoleni, G. Barone (2025), Vitruvius-like synthesis of Egyptian Blue using Roman coins as copper source, Spectrochmica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy 336, 126029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2025.126029;
- M.C. Caggiani, R. Occhipinti, G. Barone, G. Cultrone, P. Mazzoleni (2025), An integrated micro- and nano-scale investigation of green aluminosilicate materials: New insight into the gel network after natural weathering, Applied Clay Science 267, 107742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2025.107742;
- M. Fugazzotto, M.C. Caggiani, M.Y. Spironello, G. Barone, P. Mazzoleni (2025), First insight into gemstones on historical ecclesiastical artefacts in Sicily (17th-19th centuries): A non-invasive survey, Archaeometry, 67: 966–983. https://doi.org/10.1111/arcm.13059;
- M.C. Caggiani, M. Fugazzotto, L. de Ferri, A. Bertino, F. Andriulo, G. Barone, P. Mazzoleni (2024), Exploitation of IR statistical results as a guidance for the multi-technique study of synthetic and natural iron-based pigments, Microchemical Journal 197, 109851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2023.109851;
- M.C. Caggiani, G. Barone, P. Mazzoleni (2024), Non-invasive analysis of reference glass and historical mosaic tesserae by means of reflectance infrared spectroscopy, Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 308: 123675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2023.123675;
- A. Coccato, M.C. Caggiani* (2024), An overview of Principal Component Analysis approaches in Raman studies of cultural heritage materials, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 55(2), 116-124. https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6621;
- M.C. Caggiani, M. Cavarra, G. Barone, A. Coccato, A.M. Manenti, P. Mazzoleni (2024), Corroborating the autoptic identification of archeological glyptics in museum collections: The contribution of portable Raman spectroscopy, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 55(2), 200-215. https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.6588;
- S. Panebianco, M.G. Pellegriti, C. Finocchiaro, A. Musumarra, G. Barone, M.C. Caggiani, G. Cirvilleri, G. Lanzafame, A. Pulvirenti, A. Scordino, P. Mazzoleni (2023), XRF analysis searching for fingerprint elemental profile in south-eastern Sicily tomatoes, Scientific Reports, 13: 13739. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-40124-6;
- A. Coccato, M.C. Caggiani*, C. Finocchiaro, M. Fugazzotto, G. Lanzafame, P. Mazzoleni, G. Nucatolo, R. Occhipinti, S. Starinieri, A. Stroscio, G. Barone (2023) New chemical and mineralogical data on mosaics from the South aisle wall of Monreale Cathedral (Italy), European Physical Journal Plus 138:461. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-023-04074-2;
- R. Occhipinti, M.C. Caggiani*, L. de Ferri, Z. Xu, C.C. Steindal, J. Razavi, F. Andriulo, P. Mazzoleni, G. Barone (2023) Structural properties of volcanic precursors-based geopolymers before and after natural weathering, Ceramics International 49, 21892–21902. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2023.04.013;
- A. Mangone, M.C. Caggiani*, T. Forleo, L.C. Giannossa, P. Acquafredda (2023) A Possible Natural and Inexpensive Substitute for Lapis Lazuli in the Frederick II Era: The Finding of Haüyne in Blue Lead-Tin Glazed Pottery from Melfi Castle (Italy), Molecules 28, 1546. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28041546;
- M. Fugazzotto R. Occhipinti, M.C. Caggiani, A. Coccato, C. Finocchiaro, G. Lanzafame, P. Mazzoleni, G. Nucatolo, G. Piacenti, S. Starinieri, A. Stroscio, G. Barone (2023) Restoration feasibility study by using alkali activated mortars based on Mt. Etna volcanic ash: The case study of Monreale Cathedral (Palermo, Italy), Materials Letters 333, 133626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2022.133626;
- M.C. Caggiani, R. Occhipinti, C. Finocchiaro, M. Fugazzotto, A. Stroscio, P. Mazzoleni, G. Barone (2022) Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) as a potential on site tool to test geopolymerization reaction, Talanta 250, 123721. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123721;
- G. Lanzafame, M.C. Caggiani, C. Finocchiaro, G. Barone, C. Ferlito, L. Gigli, P. Mazzoleni (2022) Multidisciplinary characaterization of the “Ghiara” volcanic paleosoil (Mt. Etna volcano, Italy): Petrologic characters and genetic model, Lithos 418–419, 106679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2022.106679;
- R. Occhipinti, M.C. Caggiani*, F. Andriulo, G. Barone, L. de Ferri, P. Mazzoleni (2022) Effect of atmospheric exposure on alkali activated binders and mortars from Mt. Etna volcanic precursors, Materials Letters 315, 131940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2022.131940;
- M.C. Caggiani*, A. Mangone, P. Acquafredda (2022) Blue coloured haüyne from Mt. Vulture (Italy) volcanic rocks: SEM‐EDS and Raman investigation of natural and heated crystals, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 53 (5), 953-968, DOI: 10.1002/jrs.6310;
- M.C. Caggiani, T. Forleo, G. Pojana, G. Lagioia, A. Mangone, L.C. Giannossa (2022) Characterization of Silk-Cotton and Wool-Cotton Blends Pattern Books by Fiber Optics Reflectance Spectroscopy. The Booming Market of First Synthetic Textile Dyes in Early 20th Century, Microchemical Journal 175, 107178;
- A. Coccato, D. Bersani, M.C. Caggiani, P. Mazzoleni, G. Barone (2022) Raman studies on zoisite and tanzanite for gemmological applications, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 53, 550-562, DOI: 10.1002/jrs.6203;
- M.C. Caggiani, A. Coccato, G. Barone, C. Finocchiaro, M. Fugazzotto, G. Lanzafame, R. Occhipinti, A. Stroscio, P. Mazzoleni (2022) Raman spectroscopy potentiality in the study of geopolymers reaction degree, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, 53, 617-629, DOI: 10.1002/jrs.6167;
- A. Coccato, M.C. Caggiani*, R. Occhipinti, P. Mazzoleni, A. D’Alessio, A. Russo, G. Barone (2021) The Irreplaceable Contribution of Cross Sections Investigation: Painted Plasters from the Sphinx Room (Domus Aurea, Rome), Minerals 11, 4, DOI: 10.3390/min11010004;
- M.C. Caggiani*, G. Barone, L. de Ferri, R. Laviano, A. Mangone, P. Mazzoleni (2021) Raman and SEM-EDS insights into technological aspects of Medieval and Renaissance ceramics from Southern Italy, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy 52(1), 186, DOI: 10.1002/jrs.5884;
- M.C. Caggiani, A. Coccato, P. Mazzoleni, A. D’Alessio, A. Russo, G. Barone (2020) Integrated analytical approach to unveil the secrets of the recently discovered “Sphinx Room”: a new piece of Domus Aurea puzzle, Heritage Science 8, 124, DOI: 10.1186/s40494-020-00465-1;
- A. Pasculli, A. Gurrado, G.M. De Luca, A. Mele, A. Marzullo, A. Mangone, S. Cellamare, V. Ferraro, F. Maqoud, M.C. Caggiani, F. Rana, G. Cavallaro, F.P. Prete, D. Tricarico, C.D. Altomare, M. Testini (2020) Bridging repair of the abdominal wall in a rat experimental model. Comparison between uncoated and polyethylene oxide-coated equine pericardium meshes, Scientific Reports 10:6959, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63886-9;
- D. Moscone, G. Eramo, M.C. Caggiani, D. Morandi Bonacossi, C. Conati Barbaro (2020) Compositional features of cherts from the Jebel Zawa mines (Dohuk, Kurdistan Region of Iraq) and implications for exploitation strategies during the Late Chalcolithic/Early Bronze Age, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 29, 102086, DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.102086;
- G. Agrosì, G. Tempesta, D. Mele, M.C. Caggiani, A. Mangone, G. Della Ventura, M. Cestelli-Guidi, I. Allegretta, M.T. Hutchison, P. Nimis, F. Nestola (2019) Multiphase inclusions associated with residual carbonate in a transition zone diamond from Juina (Brazil), Lithos 350-351,105279, DOI: 10.1016/j.lithos.2019.105279;
- M.C. Caggiani, Ph. Colomban (2018) Raman microspectroscopy for Cultural Heritage studies, Physical Sciences Reviews, 20180007, DOI: 10.1515/psr-2018-0007;
- L.C. Giannossa, M.C. Caggiani, R. Laviano, P. Acquafredda, M. Rotili, A. Mangone (2017) Synergic analytical strategy to follow the technological evolution of Campanian medieval glazed pottery, Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences 9 (6) 1137-1151, DOI: 10.1007/s12520-017-0477-6;
- L.C. Giannossa, F. Giacobello, I.M. Muntoni, R. Laviano, M.C. Caggiani, F. Mastrorocco, G. Lagioia, A. Mangone (2017) An analytical techniques pool to hit the target. A comprehensive examination on an Apulian red figured pottery collection, Microchemical Journal 134, 354-361, DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2017.07.002;
- M.C. Caggiani, A. Mangone, F. Mastrorocco, C. Taccogna, R. Laviano, L.C. Giannossa (2017) The Tetris game of scientific investigation. Increase the score embedding analytical techniques. Raw materials and production technology of Roman glasses from Pompeii, Microchemical Journal 131, 21-30, DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2016.11.012;
- L.C. Giannossa, R.M. Mininni, R. Laviano, F. Mastrorocco, M.C. Caggiani, A. Mangone (2017) An archaeometric approach to gain knowledge on technology and provenance of Apulian red-figured pottery from Taranto, Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences 9 (6), 1125-1135, DOI: 10.1007/s12520-016-0345-9.
- M.C. Caggiani, A. Cosentino, A. Mangone (2016) Pigments Checker version 3.0, a handy set for conservation scientists: A free online Raman spectra database, Microchemical Journal 129, 123-132, DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2016.06.020;
- G.I. Badea, M.C. Caggiani, Ph. Colomban, A. Mangone, E.D. Teodor, E.S. Teodor, G.L. Radu (2015) Fourier Transform Raman and statistical analysis of thermally altered samples of amber, Applied Spectroscopy 69(12), 1457-1463, DOI: 10.1366/15-07866;
- M.C. Caggiani, N. Ditaranto, M.R. Guascito, P. Acquafredda, R. Laviano, L.C. Giannossa, S. Mutino, A. Mangone (2015) Combined analysis of enamelled and gilded glassware from Frederick II Castle at Melfi (Italy) to identify technology and raw materials, X-Ray Spectrometry 44(4), 191-200, DOI: 10.1002/xrs.2594;
- G.I. Truica, N. Ditaranto, M.C. Caggiani, A. Mangone, S.C. Liescu, E.D. Teodor, L. Sabbatini, G.L. Radu (2014) A multi-analytical approach to amber characterization, Chemical Papers 68 (1), 15-21, DOI: 10.2478/s11696-013-0415-8;
- M.C. Caggiani, P. Acquafredda, Ph. Colomban, A. Mangone (2014) The source of blue colour of archaeological glass and glazes: the Raman spectroscopy/SEM-EDS answers, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy 45 (11-12), 1251-1259, DOI: 10.1002/jrs.4492;
- M.C. Caggiani, C. Valotteau, Ph. Colomban (2014) Inside the glassmaker technology: search of Raman criteria to discriminate between Emile Gallé and Philippe-Joseph Brocard enamels and pigment signatures, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy 45 (6), 456-464, DOI: 10.1002/jrs.4481;
- M.C. Caggiani, Ph. Colomban, C. Valotteau, A. Mangone, P. Cambon (2013) Mobile Raman spectroscopy analysis of ancient enamelled glass masterpieces, Analytical Methods 5, 4345-4354, DOI: 10.1039/C3AY40648B;
- A. Mangone, M.C. Caggiani, L.C. Giannossa, G. Eramo, V. Redavid, R. Laviano (2013) Diversified production of red figured pottery in Apulia (Southern Italy) in the late period, Journal of Cultural Heritage 14 (1), 82-88, DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2012.03.011;
- Ph. Colomban, A. Tournié, M.C. Caggiani, C. Paris (2012) Pigments and enamelling /gilding technology of Mamluk mosque lamps and bottle, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy 43 (12) 1975-1984, DOI: 10.1002/jrs.4101;
- D. Mancini, A. Tournié, M.C. Caggiani, Ph. Colomban (2012) Testing of Raman spectroscopy as a non-invasive tool for the investigation of glass-protected miniature portraits, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy 43, 294–302, DOI: 10.1002/jrs.3010;
- M.C. Caggiani, M. Ciminale, D. Gallo, M. Noviello, F. Salvemini (2012) Online Non Destructive Archaeology; The Archaeological Park of Egnazia (Southern Italy) study case, Journal of Archaeological Science 39, 67-75, DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2011.08.017.
- M.C. Caggiani, Ph. Colomban (2011) Raman identification of strongly absorbing phases: the ceramic black pigments, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy 42, 839–84, DOI: 10.1002/jrs.2777.
- M.C. Caggiani, Ph. Colomban (2011) Testing of Raman spectroscopy as a non-invasive tool for the investigation of glass-protected pastels, Journal of Raman Spectroscopy 42, 790–798, DOI: 10.1002/jrs.2740.
Cultural Heritage
Development of innovative methodological strategies for the investigation and multi-technique characterization of complex matrices, including natural and artificial stone materials, using Raman spectroscopy, FTIR-ATR, DRIFTS, FORS, OM, SEM-EDX, and ICP-MS.
Development of diagnostic protocols for pre- and post-restoration assessment, as well as for monitoring during restoration treatments, using non-invasive and micro-destructive techniques, including portable instrumentation for in situ investigations.
Innovative Materials
Synthesis of geopolymeric materials specifically developed for use in the restoration and conservation of Cultural Heritage, followed by the analysis of their mineralogical, petrographic, and petrophysical properties. Investigation of structural modifications in stone materials resulting from the application of innovative consolidants.
Gemmology
Gemmological identification and recognition of synthetic materials, imitations, and treatments, using both conventional gemmological instruments and non-invasive spectroscopic techniques such as Raman spectroscopy and DRIFT spectroscopy.
Volcanology
Mineralogical and spectroscopic analyses, with particular focus on the determination of volatile contents in volcanic glasses using Raman and FTIR spectroscopy.