Origin of Vizzini's lavic stone
The Basalt Lava of Vizzini is extracted from
the slopes of Mount Lauro, in the Municipality of Buccheri.
The area has very ancient surface lava flows,
formed by underwater eruptions, inside of which are incorporated lava monoliths of various sizes washes.
The monoliths were produced by lava flows that run on the slopes of Mount at that time submarine then, they solidified at intervals their face and folds back on itself began to roll to form a compact and rounded lava blocks.
The rapid solidification process outside of the blocks it compressing the core so that it reached very high temperature and then cool quickly; These rapid temperature changes together with the particular chemical structure of lava, have originated the Basalt Lava of Vizzini, with unique physical characteristics.
Physical properties of basalts
The volcanic stone of vizzini is compact with a dark grey color structure and a wide range of shades. The type of surface treatment (Sawed, Polished, Sanding, Bush Hammered) can give at the stone various colour tones than the rough cut.
The structure of the stone is characterized by a diffuse micro porosity in cross section, which makes it:
much lighter than other basalts and stones
flexible and elastic
anti-skid in all conditions
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is resistant to longitudinal stress of 3/4 degrees and this makes it flexible enough for uses such as flooring and walls clapping without adjustment issues
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is athermic, resists to high temperatures without undergoing alterations, sound absorbing, impermeable, does not reflect light or sunrays, it is very resistant to wear, impacts, friction and atmospheric agents (rain, snow and ice)...
Volcanic stone types used
Vizzini’s Basalt
The basalt lava of Vizzini (easily recognizable by its characteristics sponges) is a stone with unique characteristics of hardness, flexibility and beauty. Historically it has been used for the construction of Cathedrals, roads and gardens in the territory of Caltagirone.
Partridge's eye
Extracted in Vizzini, is a type of volcanic rock light enough, very porous and its surface looks pitted. This type off lavic stone is used for furnishings fireplaces, doorway, arches, oval windows, fountains, archi, oblo', coatings for interior and exterior etc...
Etna basalt
The Etna's basalt comes from the slow solidification cooling of the lava flow of Etna and has a dark, grey or blackish color. Is a natural product that is extracted from all the cities in Catania’s province affected by the volcano’s lava flows.