UV Scans Reveal Natural Varnish Protecting 37,000-Year-Old Chauvet Cave Art

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Europe · France · Oct 29, 2026
Primary source: Archaeology News Online Magazine

Non-contact UV fluorescence scans of Chauvet Cave's 37,000-year-old charcoal drawings revealed a thin, naturally formed calcite coating acting as a protective varnish, information researchers say can guide conservation decisions.

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