What is Finland’s national stone?
The national stone of Finland is granite. Granite was chosen as Finland’s national stone in 1985, and it is a significant part of Finland’s geological heritage. Granite is a type of deep rock that mainly consists of quartz, feldspar and mica. It is known for its durability and versatile uses, which makes it an important natural resource in Finland.
Properties of granite
Granite is known for its hardness and durability, which makes it an excellent building material. It is also very resistant to weather conditions and wear. Granite varies in color from gray to reddish, and its appearance depends on its mineral composition.
The presence of granite in Finland
Granite is abundant in various parts of Finland, and it is especially common in southern Finland. Finland’s bedrock is one of the oldest in the world, and granite is a significant part of this bedrock. Granite is widely used as a building material, in monuments and as decorative stones.
The importance of granite in Finnish culture
Granite has a profound meaning in Finnish culture and history. It has been an important construction material in many historical buildings, such as Helsinki Cathedral and Suomenlinna. Granite also symbolizes the strength and durability of Finnish nature.
Use of granite
Granite is widely used for various purposes, such as:
- As a building material: Granite is used in building facades, floors and stairs due to its durability and aesthetics.
- In monuments: Granite is a popular material for tombstones and monuments due to its longevity.
- As decorative stones: Granite is also used as interior design elements, such as kitchen countertops and bathroom coatings.
Sources
You can read more about granite and its importance in Finland from the following sources:
