Portugal: Ornamental Stones on stamps

In spite of the growing competition Portugal is, to this day, still one of the biggest manufacturers of ornamental stones, with exports reaching significant figures.
In order to stress the importance of this geological heritage, the Portuguese Postal Services has released an original philatelic issue, which aim is to make known some of the stones that exist in Portugal.


Lias and pink marble powder has been embedded in the stamp and souvenir sheet.

This collection was designed by sculptor Jorge Pe-Curto, who carried out a reinterpretation of the traditional Post symbol, also an original and to which was added a touch of fine irony: the postillion on horseback grasping the horn with which in the past he would signal his arrival. This sculpture incorporates seven varieties of stone: lias, Brecha de Santo Antonio, pink marble and Azul de Cascais, Amarelo de Negrais, Escarpao and Moleanos.

The image of the messenger on horseback is still, to this day, the most common Post symbol, anywhere in the world.

This stampset's issue date: 02.Nov.2010.

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