Corsi Collection of Decorative Stones

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view of stone 314

Corsi 314, approx. 145 x 73 x 40 mm, © Oxford University Museum of Natural History

OUMNH Number: 314  
Name and quarry location: Alabastro a rosa, alabastro fiorito, locality unknown  
Geological description: Compact banded travertine composed mainly of calcite, in some bands as colourless prismatic crystals. It is richly coloured by iron oxides - red hematite and brown goethite, in places clearly bushy growths suggesting the action of cyanobacteria.  
Comments: The source of alabastro a rosa is not known for certain. A sample in the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien calls it 'Alabastro fiorito Antico' and 'Arabia' is suggested as the locality. This sample is exceptionally beautiful.  
References: Corsi (1845) 138; Mielsch (1985) 37, taf.1 . Other examples: Naturhistorisches Museum Wien F2071.  
Further information: Alabaster-travertine.pdf
 


Corsi's classification: Class 1. Marbles; Section 4. Concretionary marbles; Species 1. Alabasters; i. Antique alabaster  
Corsi's text: 95.21 Alabastro antico. Marmor Alabastrum. Alabastro a rosa  

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