Sicilian Basalt – Glazed Lava Stone from Mount Etna
Quarried from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, this natural basalt is transformed through the specialized Nero Sicilia glazing process into a distinctive architectural surface. Available in five colors—Aurora, Black, Grey, Turquoise, and White—these slabs combine the character of volcanic stone with rich, glass-like finishes. The World of Stone maintains a limited inventory in Los Angeles, with additional quantities available by special order.
Natural Basalt from Mount Etna, Sicily
Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, has shaped the landscape of Sicily for thousands of years. Its successive lava flows have created extensive deposits of basalt, a dense volcanic stone formed as molten lava cools and solidifies.
Quarried from the slopes of Mount Etna, Sicilian basalt has been used for centuries in architecture, paving, and construction. Its natural strength, durability, and distinctive appearance have made it an important building material throughout the region.
Nero Sicilia takes this traditional material in a different direction. Rather than relying solely on conventional stone finishes, the company uses specialized high-temperature processes to transform the basalt’s surface, creating a range of architectural finishes and colors while retaining the natural volcanic stone beneath.
The result is a material that connects Sicily’s geological history with contemporary architectural design. What begins as volcanic rock becomes a sophisticated surface suitable for projects where ordinary stone or manufactured tile may not deliver the desired appearance.
The Nero Sicilia Glazing Process
Nero Sicilia transforms natural volcanic basalt from Mount Etna into a distinctive architectural surface through a specialized high-temperature treatment process.
The process begins with basalt quarried in Sicily and cut into slabs. The stone is then subjected to carefully controlled temperatures in specialized kilns, transforming its surface while preserving the natural volcanic material beneath.
One particularly interesting aspect of the Nero Sicilia process is its use of recycled glass. According to the manufacturer, glass recovered from discarded television and computer monitors is crushed and ground to produce the raw material used in its colored surfaces and decorative finishes.
The result is a combination of natural stone and specialized glass technology, producing rich colors and distinctive surface characteristics that would not be possible through conventional honing or polishing alone.
Unlike ordinary manufactured tile, the underlying material remains natural basalt. Each slab begins as volcanic stone, with the glazing process adding an entirely different architectural dimension.
This specialized manufacturing process, along with the material’s Sicilian origin and limited production, places glazed basalt in the premium architectural surfaces category rather than among conventional basalt products.
Architectural Applications for Glazed Basalt
Glazed Sicilian basalt offers architects and designers an opportunity to introduce color, texture, and the character of natural volcanic stone into contemporary interiors and architectural installations.
Unlike conventional basalt, which is generally selected for its natural grey or charcoal appearance, the Nero Sicilia glazing process produces distinctive colored surfaces. The result is a specialty material particularly suited to projects where the stone itself is intended to become a design feature.
Feature Walls and Vertical Surfaces
Glazed basalt can create dramatic feature walls in residential interiors, hotel lobbies, restaurants, and commercial spaces. Its combination of natural stone and richly colored glazing provides an alternative to conventional ceramic tile, porcelain, and decorative wall panels.
Kitchen and Bathroom Applications
For kitchens, bathrooms, and vanity installations, glazed basalt offers an unusual combination of natural volcanic stone and a decorative glass-based surface. Countertops, backsplashes, and other working surfaces should be evaluated according to the intended use, fabrication details, and the manufacturer’s technical recommendations.
Furniture and Custom Architectural Elements
The material is also worth considering for custom tables, reception desks, bar fronts, decorative panels, and other architectural features. Its distinctive colors can become the focal point of a design without relying on elaborate patterns or additional ornamentation.
Hospitality and Commercial Interiors
In hospitality environments, where creating a memorable visual identity is often as important as selecting the appropriate material, glazed basalt offers possibilities for reception areas, restaurant interiors, decorative wall treatments, and custom installations.
Exterior Applications
Natural basalt has a long history of exterior use. Glazed basalt, however, must be evaluated as a finished architectural product. Exterior exposure, installation methods, slip resistance, and other performance requirements should be reviewed for the specific application rather than assumed from the properties of untreated basalt.
The World of Stone works with architects, designers, and fabricators to evaluate material selection, available slab dimensions, and project requirements. With limited inventory in Los Angeles and additional material potentially available by special order, early planning is particularly important for larger installations.
Why Glazed Sicilian Basalt Is a Premium Material
Not all basalt is created equal. While conventional basalt is widely used for paving, architectural cladding, and other applications, glazed Sicilian basalt represents a different category of natural stone.
The distinction begins with the material itself. Quarried from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, the basalt is cut into slabs before undergoing a specialized manufacturing process developed by Nero Sicilia. Rather than simply honing or polishing the stone, the manufacturer uses controlled high-temperature treatments to create distinctive architectural surfaces.
The colored finishes incorporate recycled glass recovered from discarded television and computer monitors. This glass is processed and fused to the basalt through specialized firing techniques, producing colors and surface characteristics that cannot be achieved through conventional mechanical stone finishing.
The additional processing, specialized equipment, and technical expertise contribute to the material’s higher cost. Unlike ordinary basalt slabs, these surfaces require considerably more than quarrying, cutting, and polishing.
There is also the question of design. Glazed Sicilian basalt offers architects and designers a combination of natural volcanic stone and distinctive glass-based finishes that is difficult to reproduce with conventional materials. Its value lies not simply in the basalt beneath the surface, but in the manufacturing process and the finished appearance.
For projects where cost alone determines material selection, conventional basalt or porcelain may be more appropriate. But when a design calls for an unusual architectural surface, glazed Sicilian basalt offers something decidedly different.
The World of Stone maintains a limited selection of these specialty slabs in Los Angeles, allowing designers to examine the actual material before committing to a project. Additional quantities and custom production may be available by special order.
Slab Sizes and Los Angeles Availability
The World of Stone maintains a limited inventory of glazed Sicilian basalt slabs at our Van Nuys, Los Angeles warehouse. Five colors are available: Aurora, Black, Grey, Turquoise, and White, each produced using the specialized Nero Sicilia glazing process.
Slab Dimensions
Our current inventory consists primarily of slabs measuring approximately 118″ × 31″ × ¾″ (20mm), with a small number measuring 114″ in length.
Dimensions are nominal, and actual measurements may vary. Exact slab dimensions and usable measurements will be confirmed upon inquiry to ensure appropriate allowances for fabrication and installation.
Inventory and Special Orders
Quantities are limited in each color and subject to prior sale. Additional quantities and custom production may be available by special order, depending on project requirements and manufacturing availability.
The World of Stone supplies natural stone and specialty architectural surfaces for residential, hospitality, and commercial projects throughout the United States. Nationwide shipping is available to the contiguous 48 states.
Viewing and Inquiries
Our Los Angeles showroom and slab warehouse are available by appointment only. Architects, designers, fabricators, and project owners are welcome to contact us to confirm current availability, request photographs and measurements, or arrange a viewing.
Technical Information and Fabrication Considerations
Glazed Sicilian basalt combines a natural volcanic stone substrate with a specialized glass-based surface treatment. While the underlying basalt has characteristics familiar to experienced stone fabricators, the glazed finish requires additional consideration during cutting, edge finishing, handling, and installation.
Cutting and Fabrication
Basalt is a dense volcanic stone that can be cut and fabricated using appropriate natural stone equipment. However, the Nero Sicilia glazing introduces a finished surface that should be protected throughout fabrication.
Cutting methods, blade selection, edge treatments, and the potential for chipping should be reviewed with the fabricator before work begins. Sample testing is advisable, particularly for exposed edges, intricate cuts, and custom architectural details.
Surface Finish and Edge Treatments
The glazed face provides the material’s distinctive color and appearance. Because the finish is applied to the stone’s surface, a cut or polished edge should not be assumed to match the glazed face.
Edge details, exposed substrate, and transitions to adjoining materials should be considered during the design stage.
The reverse side of each slab is flat with a saw-cut basalt finish. For projects requiring conventional natural basalt rather than a glazed surface, this side may be honed by a qualified stone fabricator to achieve a smoother appearance.
Installation and Intended Use
Installation methods should be selected according to the application, substrate, slab dimensions, and environmental conditions.
Vertical cladding, countertops, furniture, flooring, and exterior installations can have substantially different performance requirements. Particular attention should be given to slip resistance for walking surfaces, thermal exposure, movement accommodation, and the compatibility of setting materials with the finished stone.
The suitability of the glazed surface should be confirmed for the specific application rather than inferred from the properties of untreated basalt.
Technical Documentation and Project Planning
For projects requiring specific performance criteria, relevant technical data and manufacturer recommendations should be reviewed before material selection and fabrication.
The World of Stone can assist architects, designers, and fabricators with material availability, slab measurements, and coordination of project-specific technical inquiries.
Because inventory is limited, we recommend confirming material quantities, usable dimensions, and fabrication requirements early in the design process.
Looking for Natural Basalt Slabs?
While our Sicilian basalt collection features specialty glazed surfaces, the reverse side of each slab is flat with a natural saw-cut finish.
For projects requiring traditional basalt rather than a glazed surface, the reverse side can be honed by a qualified stone fabricator to achieve a smoother finish.
The World of Stone maintains limited slab inventory in Los Angeles. Contact us to discuss available sizes, finishes, and project requirements.
