Approval of Saudi Basalt Rocks as part of the "Global Heritage Stones"

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The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) has included basalt rocks in the Saudi Harrahs - surface flows of molten lava in Saudi Arabia - in the list of World Heritage Stones approved by the union.

Basalt is characterized by its wide geological distribution, durability, and resistance to heat and erosion, making it an important resource for aggregates and infrastructure materials, in addition to its advanced uses in fibers, composite materials, and insulation. Its economic value is further enhanced by the proximity of some of its quarries to road and railway networks, which supports transportation efficiency and construction and maintenance costs.

The Geological Survey Authority confirmed that this recognition opens broader horizons for international scientific cooperation, enhances the Kingdom's presence in global initiatives concerned with protecting geological heritage, and embodies the authority's role in documenting the national geological wealth and highlighting its scientific, developmental, and cultural value.

This recognition comes as a culmination of the scientific efforts made by the authority in documenting the geological, historical, and cultural heritage value of basalt rocks, which have formed an important part of the natural landscape and cultural identity in the west of the Kingdom over thousands of years, due to their association with traditional uses in construction, human settlement, and economic activities, in addition to their scientific and research value.