Corsi Collection of Decorative Stones

view of stone 617

Corsi 617, approx. 145 x 73 x 40 mm, © Oxford University Museum of Natural History

OUMNH Number: 617  
Name and quarry location: 'Serpentina dell'Elba', from the island of Elba, Livorno, Tuscany, Italy  
Geological description: Heavily alterered ?peridotite/pyroxenite; now composed mainly of actinolite.  
Comments: Although not a serpentinite, this stone could easily be mistaken for one. Examination under a microscope shows the green colouring is largely confined to fibrous masses of actinolite crystals.  
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Further information:
 


Corsi's classification: Class 7. Serpentines; ii. Common serpentines  
Corsi's text: 152.42 Serpentina dell'Elba  

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