The S. Pietro’s neck-formation, commonly known as “Monte Nero“, takes its name from the dark rock which it is mainly composed: basalt. Indeed, 30 millions years ago (lower Oligocene), this area, which was a wide lagoon, was disturbed by the establishment of volcanic activity. Geologically, the marine white limestone are sharply “sliced” by the dark volcanic rocks. Once the volcano ceased its activity, it became an island in the middle of this lagoon.

One of the minerals which mainly compose these basalt is natrolite (a type of zeolite). Furthemore, the rocks are rich of fossils, because the lava produced by the volcano incorporeted the organisms which, at that time, lived in the lagoon. This evidence testifies the speed and the strong of this volcanic event.

A scale model of the hill “Monte Nero” is placed  in the room of “Monte Nero”. Moreover, some of the tipical flora and fauna’ exponents are exposed. Indeed, this area, thank to his geological composition, favors species tipical of warm habitats, including Autumnal Hyacinth (Prospero autumnale (L.) Speta).

Natrolite - Altavilla Vicentina - Foto Monistier
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