{
  "id": 8664440,
  "title": "Saudi basalt recognized as Global Heritage Stone in Kingdom first",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/saudi-basalt-recognized-as-global-heritage-stone-in-kingdom-first",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-20T10:25:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Saudi Gazette",
    "slug": "saudi-gazette",
    "url": "https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664699/saudi-arabia/saudi-basalt-recognized-as-global-heritage-stone-in-kingdom-first"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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,…",
  "key_points": [
    "Saudi basalt rocks recognized as Global Heritage Stones by IUGS",
    "First such honor for Kingdom, highlights geological heritage",
    "Basalt vital for construction, infrastructure, and scientific research"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Saudi foreign minister reaffirms Kingdom’s commitment to global peace at UN",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/saudi-foreign-minister-reaffirms-kingdoms-commitment-to-global-peace",
        "published": "2026-09-20T11:04:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Saudi Gazette",
        "title": "Prince Faisal: Saudi participation at UN reflects commitment to global peace and security",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/prince-faisal-saudi-participation-at-un-reflects-commitment-to-global",
        "published": "2026-09-20T12:18:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}