We the Italians September 19, 2014 - 43 | Page 15

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Flagstones, kerbstones, and slabs of various shapes and sizes are initially semi-finished with the convenience of machines and then hand-finished by skilled craftsmen.Lava basalt has now also found new and more advanced forms of use through the process of ceramisation, with which floors and wall coverings of supreme beauty and quality can be created.

The local area

Etna has been recently listed as UNESCO World Heritage and is defined as “one of the world’s most active and iconic volcanoes”.Basalt blocks for the stone work and decoration industry are mined here at the foot of Europe’s tallest active volcano.

The Etna Lava Stone Production District has also resolved, through its own bodies and the cooperation of its members, to conduct constant monitoring to effectively combat unlicensed operators, who disfigure the territory and discredit the local manufacturing sector.

By Camera di Commercio di Catania with Unioncamere