Serpentine Stone Doorstop

A sturdy serpentine stone doorstop with brass ring handle to the top. The polished finish to the stone shows off a wonderful range of colours. Circa 1890. Dimensions: 24.5cm/9⅝ inches (height) x 9.5cm/3¾ inches (max.diameter). Serpentine is a striking, vibrantly coloured rock, ranging in colour from green to deep red, brown and grey. Because it polishes to a high sheen, it is often referred to as "marble". The stone gained massive national popularity in the UK during the second half of the 19th century, after the Great Exhibition of 1851, where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert praised several pieces and souvenirs made of it.