Corsi 906, approx. 145 x 73 x 40 mm, © Oxford University Museum of Natural History
| OUMNH Number: | 906 |
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| Name and quarry location: | Portasanta, from northwest of Chora, Island of Chíos, North Aegean, Greece |
| Geological description: | Partially recrystallised bioclastic limestone with crinoid and other debris, stylolites, and spar-filled fractures. |
| Comments: | This stone, now known as portasanta, is named after the Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, where it forms the door jambs. It was first used by the ancient Greeks, and was extensively quarried by the Romans from the 1st century BC until the quarries closed in Byzantine times. For centuries their location was lost, and in this case Corsi was incorrect in believing the marble to be from the Turkish island of Iasos. The location of the ancient quarries was rediscovered on the Island of Chios, Greece, by William Brindley at the end of the 19th century. Since then, there has been sporadic extraction of the stone. |
| References: | Borghini (1997) 285-287; Corsi (1845) 95-97; Lazzarini (2002c) 262-265; Mielsch (1985) 55-56, taf.14; Porter (1907) 70-72; Price (2007) 140-141 |
| Further information: |
Portasanta.pdf |
| Corsi's classification: | Class 1. Marbles; Section 2. Veined marbles; Species 1. Porta Santa marble |
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| Corsi's text: | 43.15/ S10.3 Marmo Porta Santa |