OUMNH Number: | 403 |
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Name and quarry location: | Breccia traccagnina, brecha da Arrábida, from Siera di Arrábida, Setúbal, Portugal |
Geological description: | Polymict limestone conglomerate |
Comments: | The provenances of breccia traccagnina (so-called 'harlequin breccias') used in ancient times are generally not known. Breccias can occur in quite small deposits which may have been worked out. This stone however is almost certainly brecha da Arrábida from Siera di Arrábida, Setúbal, Portugal (Price, 2007), which was used for ornamental purposes in Portugal as early as the 17th century. Quarrying ceased in the late 20th century. As Portugal was also occupied by the ancient Romans, it is probable that any ancient quarries have been obliterated, but Corsi's specimen did indeed come from the ruins of Rome. |
References: | Corsi (1845) 146-147; Dubarry de Lassale (2000) 110-111; Price (2007) 149 |
Further information: |
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Corsi's classification: | Class 1. Marbles; Section 5. Breccias; i. Antique Breccias |
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Corsi's text: | 112.15 Breccia traccagnina |