PIETRA LAVICA

APPROFONDIMENTO

2023-09-06

Origin of the lava stone the marble that comes from Etna

The Pietra Lavica marble is an effusive rock of volcanic origin originated from Etna, the largest active volcano in Italy and the entire Eurasian plate.

The slabs of lava stone, proposed in our warehouse, are the result of the lava flows of Etna volcano, which occurred from 1969 to today, which in contact with the air solidify.

Its geological origin does not allow to technically categorize the lava stone as a marble, even if it is commonly defined as such.

The result of this process is an extremely versatile natural stone with a dark grey colour.

Depending on the underground areas of Etna, magma gives rise to different properties of the material, which determine the characteristics of the surface of the Sicilian lava stone.

Process of extraction of lava stone

In ancient times the lava stone of Etna was extracted along the ridges of the volcano: only the superficial layers of lava (more porous and better workable) were taken with tools such as chisel and hammer.

Currently, however, the extraction takes place with the help of mechanical shovels, bulldozers and excavators that allow to reach the deepest layers where the lava is more compact, harder and lighter in color.

However, although the extraction takes place through tools and mechanics, the finishing work of the lava stone is still the work of artisan.

CLOSE UP LAVA STONE — *Pietra lavica levigata*

Marble Lava Stone: characteristics and fields of use

Initially the Lava Stone was used mainly in the areas surrounding the volcano Etna for the construction of roads, houses and objects of daily use or furnishings.

Today, the lava stone slabs are exported all over the world thanks to the interesting technical features such as strength, resistance to temperature changes and its wonderful aesthetic impact.

It is a perfect material for flooring, coverings, furniture and urban planning; moreover, its resistance to high temperatures favors its use in the kitchen making it a valuable ally for fireplaces and barbecues.

Specifically the lava stone is commonly used in:

Building: for the construction of floors, walls, facades and external and internal coverings, thanks to its strength and durability;

Landscape architecture: in the design of gardens, parks and public spaces, where it can be used for the creation of paths, retaining walls, borders for flower beds and decorative elements;

Interior design: for its natural beauty and its unique appearance, where it is used for flooring, wall coverings, kitchen countertops, sinks and other items of furniture;

Art and crafts: for the creation of works of art, sculptures, decorative objects and jewelry, as it offers a solid and stable surface that can be worked with precision;

Kitchen: for the preparation and cooking of food, is often used to make griddles and countertops for direct cooking in contact with heat.

The interpretation of the Lava Stone in Alberti & Alberti

It has always been considered a material to be dedicated to urban uses, we at Alberti & Alberti have understood the potential for use in the field of design and architecture and thanks to the collaboration with architects and designers, who have experimented with Lava Stone in valuable environments and uses, we have been able to emphasize a material that probably had another story to tell and we are happy to be the authors

waterjet, sabbiata (che crea un effetto di “invecchiamento” o “usura controllata”, conferendo un aspetto antico e autentico alla pietra) o bocciardata per la posa di pavimentazioni in esterno che richiede una superficie antiscivolo;
lucida, levigata (che evidenzia i colori e le venature presenti nella pietra, conferendole un aspetto elegante e raffinato) o spazzolata (che crea una superficie ruvida e opaca per dare alla pietra un aspetto rustico e naturale, evidenziando la sua texture caratteristica) invece per interni.

Surface processing of Etna Lava Stone

This versatile stone can be worked with various finishes depending on the intended use:

waterjet, sandblasted (which creates an effect of “aging” or “controlled wear”, giving an ancient and authentic look to the stone) or bush-hammered for the laying of outdoor flooring that requires a non-slip surface;

polished, honed (highlighting the colors and veins present in the stone, giving it an elegant and refined look) or brushed (creating a rough and matt surface to give the stone a rustic and natural look, highlighting its characteristic texture) instead for interior.

The Sicilian Lava stone slabs can also be worked in:

flamed, which causes micro-cracking able to give the stone an irregular texture and a more rustic appearance;
sawn, which involves cutting lava stone into thin slabs and which can be used to create wall coverings or floors with a modern and linear appearance;
inlay and carving, which allow you to create decorative patterns or carved details on the surface of the lava stone, giving a touch of uniqueness to the stone.

The processes can be combined or used individually to achieve the desired effect on the Sicilian lava stone, depending on the style and intended use.

Each type of processing, in fact, can help to enhance the natural appearance and the distinctive characteristics of the lava stone.

If it is used for coatings, the choice becomes even wider because more than 20 different processes can be realized thanks to modern machines and tools.