Saudi basalt recognized as Global Heritage Stone in Kingdom first
RIYADH — Basalt rocks from Saudi Arabia’s harrats have been recognized by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) as Global Heritage Stones, marking the first achievement of its kind for the Kingdom. The recognition highlights Saudi Arabia’s status as a country rich in geological heritage and follows scientific efforts by the Saudi Geological Survey (SGS) to document the geological,…
In a significant development for Saudi Arabia, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) has recognized basalt rocks from the country's harrats as Global Heritage Stones. This marks the first such achievement for the Kingdom and underscores Saudi Arabia's rich geological heritage. The recognition underscores the geological, historical, and cultural value of the basalt rocks, which have been an integral part of the natural landscape and cultural identity of western Saudi Arabia for thousands of years.
Traditional uses include construction, human settlement, and various economic activities, alongside their scientific and research value. Basalt is known for its widespread occurrence, durability, heat and erosion resistance, making it a vital resource for aggregates and infrastructure materials. Its advanced applications extend to fibers, composite materials, and insulation, further enhancing its economic value.
The proximity of some basalt quarries to transportation networks also boosts its economic potential by reducing construction and maintenance costs. The recognition opens avenues for international scientific cooperation and strengthens Saudi Arabia's global presence in protecting geological heritage. It also highlights the Saudi Geological Survey's role in documenting the Kingdom's geological wealth and its scientific, developmental, and cultural value for future generations.
Written by urgent.news from Saudi Gazette's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
