Corsi Collection of Decorative Stones

view of stone 129

Corsi 129, approx. 145 x 73 x 40 mm, © Oxford University Museum of Natural History

OUMNH Number: 129  
Name and quarry location: Bianco e nero di Portoferraio, from Portoferraio, island of Elba, Livorno, Tuscany, Italy  
Geological description: Black limestone breccia with white calcite-filled veins and fractures, some en echelon and fibrous in places. Abundant stylolites and thin fractures are filled with yellow siderite.  
Comments: Although Jervis (1889) does not record any black and white marbles from the area around Portoferraio, on Elba, this same stone is given the same name in other 19th century collections, and with its distinctive en echelon veins, is seen in various places including the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome. The fine yellow veining resembles that of Portoro or the black and yellow marble of Carrara, localities on the mainland that are close to Elba.  
References: Corpo Reale deller Miniere (1904) 64; Corsi (1825) 55; Jervis (1889) 314-315; Price (2007) 81  
Further information:
 


Corsi's classification: Class 1. Marbles; Section 2. Veined marbles; Species 6. Black and white marbles  
Corsi's text: 55.5 Bianco e nero di porto Ferrajo  

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