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The different types of lava
Auvergne, a region in central France, is known for its volcanic geology. Several varieties can be found there, but only basaltic lavas are renowned for their incomparable properties.
Mont Dore, Volvic and Chambois: three French lavas that are perfect for enamelling!
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Volvic
Mont Dore
Chambois
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The different varieties of lava
Basaltic lava: the most common lava in Auvergne – black or dark grey lava.
Phonolite: fine texture and high resistance – grey or green lava.
Andesite: fine texture and high hardness – black or grey lava.
Trachyte: fine texture and low porosity – white, grey or pink lava.
Rhyolite: fine texture and high strength – light-coloured lava.
Basaltic lavas are renowned for their incomparable technical qualities and are perfect for enamelling.
Here are the 3 types of French lava that are used.
Volvic lava
Volvic lava is a variety of basaltic lava that comes from the volcanic region of Auvergne in France. It is known for its dark grey colour and its fine, homogeneous texture. It is renowned for its high strength, durability and ability to withstand the elements. Volvic lava is widely used in construction, especially for walls, floors, kerbs and exterior cladding. It is also used in sculpture and in the production of decorative objects such as vases, statues and jewellery.
Volvic lava is known worldwide and is widely used for enamelling.
Mont Dore lava
It is “light grey” in colour and studded with phenocrysts. Known for its hardness and high resistance, it is suited to a wide range of construction uses, especially walls, floors and paving slabs. It is also used in the creation of sculptures, ornaments and other decorative objects.
Chambois lava
It has a homogeneous appearance, can be fine or vesicular, and comes in slightly bluish-grey tones.
The quarries are located at the foot of Puy de Dôme and Puy de Côme. Widely used in the manufacture of exterior building products, façade cladding, walls and paving, this lava is also prized in the production of urban furniture. Its veining and bluish-grey nuances also lend themselves to unique applications in interior decoration.
love of lava stone
that met another outstanding craft: enamelling on lava stone.
Working with lava: our story
