Fortullino
Rosignano Marittimo, Livorno Province, Tuscany, Italy
Fortullino, Rosignano Marittimo, Livorno, Toscana, Italia
Key Information
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Fortullino, in Rosignano Marittimo, Tuscany, Italy, is a notable mineral locality with a rich geological history.
It is known for rare minerals like melanophlogite, alongside others such as magnesite and calcite.
The area features serpentinite rock with magnesite veins, formed through carbonatic alteration.
Mining occurred from 1914 to 1939, peaking during World War I for magnesite production.
The Mediterranean climate and local culture, including seafood cuisine, enhance its appeal to visitors.
Geographic Location
Fortullino is nestled in Rosignano Marittimo, a coastal town in Tuscany, Italy, part of the Province of Livorno. This area, about 20 km southeast of Livorno and 80 km southwest of Florence, is renowned for its medieval castle and mineral sites. Nearby, other notable mineral localities include Nibbiaia, Gabbro, and the Campolecciano mine, making it a hub for mineral enthusiasts.
Minerals Produced
Fortullino stands out for melanophlogite, a rare mineral found in serpentinite breccia at the contact with magnesite veins. Other minerals include calcite, cinnabar, dolomite, gold, kutnohorite, magnesite, manganese oxides, opal, psilomelane, pyrite, quartz (including chalcedony), and volkonskoite. Melanophlogite’s unique occurrence adds an unexpected layer of interest for collectors.
Geological Structure
The locality is characterized by serpentinite, a metamorphic rock, with magnesite veins. The formation process involves carbonatic alteration of serpentinite, leading to Mg-rich carbonatic rocks and the segregation of siliceous phases like melanophlogite and opal, offering a fascinating glimpse into geological processes.
Mining History
Mining at Fortullino, particularly through the Campolecciano mine, spanned from 1914 to 1939, with significant activity during World War I due to magnesite’s strategic importance for refractory bricks. Production reached 5-6,000 tons annually, but operations declined post-war due to high silica impurities, reflecting the area’s historical industrial role.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Rosignano Marittimo boasts a rich cultural tapestry, highlighted by the Castello di Rosignano and the Civic Archaeological Museum. Local cuisine features traditional Tuscan seafood dishes, and events like the MangiainGiro festival celebrate regional flavors, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the mineral locality.
Climate and Ecology
The area enjoys a Mediterranean climate (Csa), with warm summers averaging 24.1°C in August and mild winters at 6.9°C in January, receiving 909 mm of annual rainfall. The ecology includes pine forests and olive trees, typical of the Mediterranean, enhancing the natural allure for visitors, though the climate’s direct impact on mineral formation is minimal.