Azul Platino: a bluish granite from Extremadura (Spain) to be considered in the context of architectural heritage

Abstract

Granite quarrying is one of the main industries operating in Spain, and was severely affected by the economic crisis that began in 2008. Although the industry is slowly recovering from this event, new construction activity has not fully recovered. For a company to be competitive in the stone market, it must consider the overall characteristics of the materials it provides and their importance with regard to architectural heritage, with the aim of using original types of stone in restorations. In the area of Trujillo (Extremadura, Spain) a variety of striking bluish and secondary yellow granites outcropping within the Plasenzuela pluton have been analysed. These two varieties are quarried under different names and petrographically characterized by leucocratic minerals with a bluish phosphate dispersed throughout the rock. Their physical and mechanical properties make these granites a perfect option for most applications as ornamental rocks. The bluest variety, Azul Platino, has been used in local, national and international projects and fulfils the necessary requirements that would allow it to be considered a Global Heritage Stone Resource (GHSR).