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The choice of appropriate materials for restoration of historical buildings depends on scientific data from the analysis of materials used for the original construction. In this study the results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses of different Byzantine mortars from a church in the Negev Highlands, Israel, are considered. Moreover, the possibility for the production of lime in this area and its use as a mortar binder are discussed. It was concluded that the mortar for floor was prepared on the basis of local loess. The mortar for wall stonework contained lime as a binder. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.