Mechanical properties and resistance
Basalt is a tenacious rock, with the evaluated hardness of 6 on the Mohs’ scale, which puts it in a strong-to-very strong category. Empirically proven, the values of all three strength properties are impressive, compressive (100-300MPa), tensile (10-30MPa) and sheer (20-60MPa). As silica makes up for about 50% of basalt’s structure, it is quite dense material, at 2.6-3.0g per cube centimetre. Basalt products are incredibly hard-wearing and resistant. The resistance goes further than the pure flexural strength, as it offers unparalleled abrasion and chemical resistance. Hence the basalt tiles are often used for flooring of heavy industrial objects. Finely polished, these floors also feature a metallic sheen.

A wide variety of applications
Since Roman times, basalt has been used as a construction material, usually for building cobblestone roads. Nowadays, basalt is most commonly used in its crushed form, as it can serve many purposes. Road bases are often made of crushed basalt; it can be a concrete and asphalt pavement aggregate or filter aggregate for drainage fields. Stone wool – a renowned thermal insulation material – can be produced from heating and extrusion of basalt.

Armenian basalt as a dimensional stone
Being a winsome rock, basalt is often cut into sheets, slabs, or bricks, and then used for decoration purposes. Due to its hardness and resilience, but also low porosity, basalt makes a perfect, long-lasting paving material. The density of the rock makes it a great choice for not only walkways and patios, but also driveways, and stairs. It comes in a variety of finishes, shapes and sizes, each providing unique textures. While the most popular finish is flamed, it also can be chiselled, sandblasted, honed or polished. Contemporary architects like using basalt pavers due to its somewhat unusual appearance. The usual thickness of basalt pavers ranges from 1-1/2” up to 6”, depending on the surface it’s installed on.

Basalt tiles can also be used for both indoor and outdoor wall cladding. The benefits of cladding the walls with natural stones are additional strength and durability, but also the aesthetic appeal. The notable traits of basalt besides the aesthetics are extremely high insulating properties and fire resistance.

Regarding indoor decoration, basalt is commonly used in the form of floor or wall tiles, usually flamed or honed, measuring from 3/8” to 3/4” thick. The black or dark grey tiles create a mesmerizing visual effect in contrast to other natural materials, such as wood for example. Basalt can also be used for veneering but is also cut into thicker basalt slabs. These can be polished to a shiny black lustre or flamed – adding a beautiful texture to this natural stone. Basalt is dense, durable and long-lasting material for both outdoor and indoor projects.

Being a relatively soft rock, tuff has been used for construction and building purposes for thousands of years in human history. Tuff has excellent building properties and is appreciated widely by engineers and architects for its light weight, high quality, strength and low thermal conductivity. Tuff is commonly used to create blocks for the construction of slabs and tiles, while it is also a smart choice for building high-performance roofing and waterproofing protection.

Back in the days of the Soviet Union, the Armenian tuff was employed not only within the USSR territorial construction works but also international engineering and infrastructure projects, an example being the construction of the United Nations headquarters in New York in the year 1951. Armenian tuff belongs to a particularly archaic group of natural rocks that emerged as a result of volcanic activity that took place billions of years ago on our planet. The ancient Romans used tuff for building buildings, bridges and houses that stood as a symbol of eternity, elegance, wealth and power. The porosity and softness of the tuff stone allow it to be treated and handled without using special tools. However, despite its apparent pliability and flexibility, tuff is no less reliable than granite.

Turkish Travertine
Turkey has vast deposits of a broad spectrum of natural stones, travertine being one of the most popular deposits that are mined all over the country. Turkish travertine is widely admired and valued in the international markets, and the nation supplies some of the most significant quantities of travertine to the world.

Turkish travertine is quite similar to the travertine varieties extracted in Italy and Iran. Travertine has been mined in Turkey since antiquity and used widely in construction, building, decoration and other applications throughout its history. The majority of travertine quarries in Turkey are located in and around Denizli. Turkish travertine is available in several stunning shades and hues, including ivory, walnut, classic, light, medium, yellow, red/pink, silver as well as a dark chocolate colour known as noche.

Turkish travertine is extensively used in both indoor and outdoor applications, including driveway paving, alfresco areas, floor tiling, walls and roofing. Travertine from Turkey is cheaper than other natural stones such as granite, is very durable, and environmentally friendly. Turkey enjoys a soaring global demand for its travertine due to its high quality, affordability, vibrant colours and variety.

Italian Travertine
The largest reserves of travertine stone are found near Trivoli, Italy, which remains the world’s leading supplier of travertine to this day. As travertine is readily found in Italy near valleys, lakes and other water resources, it has served as a common building material throughout the history of the Roman Empire. Italy continued to be the principal supplier and exporter of travertine until the 1980s and held a natural monopoly in the global market.

Roman engineers used travertine extensively in their ambitious construction projects including Roman baths, amphitheatres and aqueducts. In modern times, travertine from Italy has been employed in thousands of construction projects. Italian travertine is known for its long-life, quality and aesthetic value. Travertine from Italy continues to be a prominent construction, décor and façade material, widely used in polished tiled walls, floors, countertops and backsplashes.

Italy is considered the most prestigious supplier of travertine stone, which is why it strictly regulates and controls its international supply. Unlike Turkish travertine, which is cheaper in price, the Italian travertine is a distinctly premium product which is available only in the ultra-luxury market worldwide.

Armenian Travertine
Armenian Travertine is available in a wide range of colours, designs and textures. Travertine in Armenia comes in an easy-grained variety that is formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate into natural carbon source. Armenian travertine is extensively used in building, construction, decorative and facing purposes as it tends to create an extraordinary beautiful multi-dimensional effect. Travertine from Armenia is also a reliable and aesthetically pleasing natural stone for facing, refurbishing and mesh backing. Armenian travertine is different from Italian and Turkish travertine based on its patterns, styles and shades.