STONE TYPES
Basalt - Sleek, robust and timeless
Basalt is a volcanic natural stone known for its dark color, density and wear resistance. Thanks to its robust and modern look, basalt is very popular for both interior applications and outdoor projects such as paving and facade cladding.
Origin
Basalt forms when lava cools rapidly at the Earth’s surface. The rock occurs worldwide, but commonly used types for construction and interiors include:
- Chinese basalt - Widely used for floors, patios and facade cladding; uniform gray to dark gray.
- Vietnamese basalt - Slightly lighter in shade, often used in paving and garden projects.
- Belgian basalt - Darker in color, more exclusive and rarer than the Asian varieties.
Popular types of basalt
- Chinese basalt - Uniform structure, sleek and modern
- Indian basalt - Durable and dark stone
- Vietnamese basalt - Suitable for outdoor paving, durable and colorfast
Applications of basalt
Basalt is a versatile natural stone used in many construction projects:
- Outdoor - Paving, patios, stairs and façade cladding
- Indoor - Floors, wall cladding and thresholds
- Detail work - Columns, plinths and ornaments
Properties of basalt
- Hardness - Very hard and durable
- Scratch sensitivity - Highly resistant to scratches
- Frost-resistant - Ideal for outdoor use
- Porosity - Low porosity, but impregnation can extend its lifespan
- Colour - From light grey to deep dark anthracite, often uniform in structure
Pros and cons of basalt
Advantages
- Very strong and durable
- Modern, sleek appearance
- Suitable for intensive use and outdoor projects
- Colour- and wear-resistant
Disadvantages
- Limited colour variations (mainly shades of grey)
- Belgian basalt is rare and therefore more expensive
- Relatively heavy material; requires professional installation
Treatment & maintenance tips for basalt
- Cleaning – Sweep regularly and rinse with water.
- Impregnation – Recommended for floors and terraces to repel dirt and moisture.
- Avoid aggressive cleaning products – Use mild, neutral, colourless cleaners.
- Natural weathering – Outdoors, basalt often develops a light patina, which actually adds character.
Do you want to use the sleek and robust look of basalt in your project?
Feel free to contact us and discover the possibilities of Chinese, Vietnamese and Belgian basalt.