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<p>The Javakheti Highland, centrally located in the Lesser Caucasus, is part of a continental flood basalt province spanning southern Georgia, central/northern Armenia, and northeastern Turkiye. Basalt varieties range from grey-black (massive) to buff yellow. Based on petrography and geochemistry the lava flows are categorized as tholeiitic basalt or olivine tholeiite depending on olivine content. Thin sections reveal fine to medium-grained vesicular textures with plagioclase and olivine phenocrysts in a groundmass of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and opaques, showing porphyritic, intersertal, ophitic, sub-ophitic, and diktytaxitic textures. Basalt quarries are widespread across the region, especially near settlements like Khizabavra, Toki, Saro, Khando, Chunchkha, Besthasheni, and Trialeti. Physical and thermo-mechanical properties of the basalts, such as density, porosity, compressive strength, and wear resistance vary due to differences in volcanology, mineralogy, texture, chemical composition, and degree of weathering. Fresh samples show densities between 2091 and 2833&#xa0;kg/m³, while weathered counterparts range from 1220 to 1560&#xa0;kg/m³. Water absorption varies from 0.4% to 3.2%, and the softening coefficient spans 0.7 to 1.02. Dry ultimate compressive strength ranges from 344 to 1100&#xa0;kg/cm², reflecting the material’s structural integrity and suitability for construction and ornamental use. The Javakheti basalts hold notable cultural and architectural importance, distinguished by their exceptional workability and enduring durability unique to the region. The basalts have been used since Neolithic to Bronze age (5th millennium BC onward), megalithic (approx. 2000 BC – 200 BC), pre-Christian (before 4th Century AD) and late Christian dwellings (rock-cut monasteries, fortified cave complexes, and monastic communities). The Etchmiadzin Cathedral (301–303 AD) and Haghpat Monastery (10th century) in Armenia, and Ani Cathedral (989–1001) and Church of St. Gregory of Tigran Honents (1215) in Eastern Turkiye are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their cultural, spritual and architectural significance. We believe that Javakheti basalt is emblematic of the cultural and geoheritage of the Lesser Caucasus region and is a good candidate to be declared as a Global Heritage Stone.</p>

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The Geoheritage Potential of Basalts from the Javakheti Volcanic Highlands, South Georgia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月16日

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  • Ketevan Gabarashvili,
  • Tamar Beridze,
  • Krishnan Baskar,
  • Manana Kavsadze,
  • Koba Lobzhanidze,
  • Giorgi Vashakidze,
  • Purva Gadpallu,
  • Raymond A. Duraiswami

摘要

The Javakheti Highland, centrally located in the Lesser Caucasus, is part of a continental flood basalt province spanning southern Georgia, central/northern Armenia, and northeastern Turkiye. Basalt varieties range from grey-black (massive) to buff yellow. Based on petrography and geochemistry the lava flows are categorized as tholeiitic basalt or olivine tholeiite depending on olivine content. Thin sections reveal fine to medium-grained vesicular textures with plagioclase and olivine phenocrysts in a groundmass of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and opaques, showing porphyritic, intersertal, ophitic, sub-ophitic, and diktytaxitic textures. Basalt quarries are widespread across the region, especially near settlements like Khizabavra, Toki, Saro, Khando, Chunchkha, Besthasheni, and Trialeti. Physical and thermo-mechanical properties of the basalts, such as density, porosity, compressive strength, and wear resistance vary due to differences in volcanology, mineralogy, texture, chemical composition, and degree of weathering. Fresh samples show densities between 2091 and 2833 kg/m³, while weathered counterparts range from 1220 to 1560 kg/m³. Water absorption varies from 0.4% to 3.2%, and the softening coefficient spans 0.7 to 1.02. Dry ultimate compressive strength ranges from 344 to 1100 kg/cm², reflecting the material’s structural integrity and suitability for construction and ornamental use. The Javakheti basalts hold notable cultural and architectural importance, distinguished by their exceptional workability and enduring durability unique to the region. The basalts have been used since Neolithic to Bronze age (5th millennium BC onward), megalithic (approx. 2000 BC – 200 BC), pre-Christian (before 4th Century AD) and late Christian dwellings (rock-cut monasteries, fortified cave complexes, and monastic communities). The Etchmiadzin Cathedral (301–303 AD) and Haghpat Monastery (10th century) in Armenia, and Ani Cathedral (989–1001) and Church of St. Gregory of Tigran Honents (1215) in Eastern Turkiye are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their cultural, spritual and architectural significance. We believe that Javakheti basalt is emblematic of the cultural and geoheritage of the Lesser Caucasus region and is a good candidate to be declared as a Global Heritage Stone.