Victorian Septarian Nodule marble and mahogany occasional table

English, 19th Century
Height 68cm, diameter 53cm
 
This circular side table is a wonderful piece of English Victorian furniture, notable for its fine Septarian Nodule marble top. Known as ‘turtle stone’ because of its turtle shell-like colours and patterns, Septarian Nodule is an ancient marble, formed in the Cretaceous period, 50-70 million years ago. The stone was created when balls of mud dried out and cracked, and the gaps created were filled with Calcite crystals (made up of crushed seashells). The striking yellow colour of the stone is the Calcite, the brown lines Aragonite and the grey is Limestone. Septarian Nodule marble first began to be cut, polished and inset into furniture and decorative art in the 19th Century, after it was discovered in Oxfordshire, in England. This Victorian table boasts a particularly beautiful piece of the rare ‘turtle stone’.
 
The Septarian Nodule marble top is set into a circular mahogany frame, and supported on a turned, shaped mahogany stem, the lower section of which is gadrooned. This stem stands on three mahogany legs, which flare outwards, and feature scrolled tops and feet.
 
This circular side table is not only a beautiful piece of antique furniture, it is also an interesting talking point. The ‘turtle stone’ inset top makes this table an exceptionally special item.