Geological Characterization of the Marble Commercial Varieties Outcropping in the Frigido Valley (Apuan Alps, Italy)

Abstract

The Apuan Alps are studied by several authors since the nineteenth century for the presence of important geoheritage mainly represented by metamorphic polydeformed rocks, polymetallic mineralizations and large outcrops of precious natural stones. The Apuan Alps marble is a typology of ornamental stone that is worldwide known for decoration and building purposes as well as for the excellent physical-mechanical properties. This paper aims at improving the knowledge of geology, petrography and microstructures of the marble commercial variety of the Apuan Alps. In particular, this study investigated the Frigido Valley (NW Tuscany, Italy) and its nine stone-work basins: Brugiana, Capraia, Madielle, Rocchetta, Gioia, Valsora, Piastramarina, Piastreta and Forno. Seven marble commercial varieties were identified (namely white, ordinary, veined, grey, “Arabesque-like”, Calacatta and Seravezza Breccias) from these basins, corresponding to more than fifty local names according to the current nomenclature used by the workers during the exploitation work and trading.