PORTORO MARBLE

Quarry Site and Scientific Classification

Portoro Marble gets its name from the ancient name of the La Spezia region where its quarries are located, "Porto d'Oro." This natural stone, still in production today, dates back to the Triassic period and is classified as "True Marble." Due to its organic composition, it is black containing veins of yellow iron oxide (limonite) clay filling.

Portoro Marble in the Ottoman Period

Portoro Marble was used in the frames of the painting on the wall next to the mihrab section in the Sultanahmet Mosque. In addition, in the 19th century, it was also favoured for decorative furniture pieces like tables and coffee tables in Ottoman palaces.