Sardinian granitoids: 4000 years of geoheritage and dimension stones

The article presents a review of Sardinian granite from the point of view of its use during different historical periods; more specifically, the historical significance of Sardinian building stones is extended to be included as a substantial component of geoheritage. Archaeology shows that this stone has been used since prehistoric times for the construction of a wide range of buildings and artifacts. The Romans made frequent use of it and transported it across the Tyrrhenian sea; in the Middle Ages, castles and churches were built and many buildings were constructed in the pre-industrial era. The industrial age made Sardinian granite known throughout the world. After a geological overview, the article dwells on the differences between the various facies of granite and the use of stone in the various historical periods. A state-of-the-art analysis of quarrying, stone-processing and current market positioning is also given. Finally, the reasons why the area of Sardinia, where granites are quarried, can be nominated as a Global Heritage Stone Province are explained.