OUMNH Number: | 604 |
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Name and quarry location: | almost certainly verde di Prato, from Prato, Florence, Tuscany, Italy |
Geological description: | Serpentinised coarse peridotite with very dark olivine domains. Note the reticulated distribution of Fe/Cr oxides, and presence of some pale acicular inclusions. |
Comments: | This is almost certainly verde di Prato. Verde di Prato was extensively used in the construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the San Giovanni Baptistry in Florence, as well as the Cathedral of San Stefano in Prato itself. Although the stone had been quarried extensively from medieval times through to the 16th century, at the time Corsi was writing, little stone was being extracted. Major working recommenced around 1860 to supply stone for repair work and continued until the mid 20th century. |
References: | Bastogi (2004); Bonney (1879); Giusti (n.d.); Jervis (1889) 309-310; Price (2007) 178; Watson (1916) 429-430 |
Further information: |
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Corsi's classification: | Class 7. Serpentines; ii. Common serpentines |
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Corsi's text: | 150.29 Nefrite dell'Elba |