Corsi Collection of Decorative Stones

view of stone 232

Corsi 232, approx. 145 x 73 x 40 mm, © Oxford University Museum of Natural History

OUMNH Number: 232  
Name and quarry location: Lumachella rosea, from Kairouan, Tunisia  
Geological description: Middle Eocene nummulitic limestone. A fossiliferous biomicrite with abundant nummulites, subsidiary sponge, mollusc and serpulid debris.  
Comments: This stone was used mainly in Tunisia and elsewhere in north Africa, rather in Rome, and it has been recycled over the centuries by the scalpellini of Rome so that small pieces are often seen in inlaid tabletops and other examples of their work. No.226 is another example.  
References: Borghini (1997) 244; Corsi (1845) 121-122; Gnoli (1988) 205-206; Mielsch (1985) 41, taf.4; Price (2007) 163  
Further information:
 


Corsi's classification: Class 1. Marbles; Section 3. Lumachellas; i. Ancient lumachellas  
Corsi's text: 79.18 Lumachella antica. Marmor Conchyte. Lumachella rosea... provenissero dall'Asia, o dall'Africa.... i scarpellini Romani ne assegnano capricciosamente le cave ora all' Arabia, ora all' Egitto, ed ora alla Tebaide  

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