Corsi Collection of Decorative Stones

view of stone 529

Corsi 529, approx. 145 x 73 x 40 mm, © Oxford University Museum of Natural History

OUMNH Number: 529  
Name and quarry location: Pietra paesina, from Valdarno, Florence, Tuscany, Italy  
Geological description: Micritic limestone or calcareous marl from the Cretaceous Alberese Formation. Calcite-filled microfractures control iron-staining. Some dendritic Mn oxides emanate from the fractures.  
Comments: A fine example of 'pietra paesina', most probably from Valdarno, south-east of Florence. Loose boulders of this stone have been widely used for decorative purposes for many centuries.  
References: Marko (2003); McBride (2003); Price (2007) 101-103  
Further information:
 


Corsi's classification: Class 1. Marbles; Section 6. Argillaceous stones; iii. Ruin marbles  
Corsi's text: 131.2 Paesina di Firenze  

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