Transforming lava stone into artwork



For 50 years, Siciliana Lavica of Belpasso, Catania, has been quarrying and working the natural lava stone from Mount Etna's eruption of 1669. And in addition to standard and custom-cut tiles, the company produces architectural and carved pieces.

The company produces interior and exterior flooring as well as ornamental pieces such as pillars, capitals, fountains, pool copings and other architectural details, and it extracts stone from a site that is adjacent to the industrial plant.

Blocks are taken from the quarry in boulder form and are trimmed on a Pellegrini wire saw. After trimming, the blocks are cut into strips as needed on Pedrini blockcutters, and the company recently purchased a complete Pedrini tile line with 12 polishing heads, representing the latest technology in the marketplace.

While the Pedrini line is used for repetitive tiles, workers use a range of smaller saws for custom, multi-sized tile patterns. The patterns are specified for both indoor and outdoor applications, and they are also being used in both homes and commercial projects. The company also processes thick pavers, and stone is available in a range of textures - from bushhammered and rough-faced finishes to a completely polished surface.

The production rate varies, depending on customer demand and what type of work is being specified, and the company directly exports much of its production. Spain is currently a strong market for Siciliana Lavica, and it has also sold its production to the U.S. market.

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Surfaces 2013 preview

Surfaces 2013 -- to be held in conjunction with StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas -- is slated for January 29 to 31 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. The show, which also includes an extensive educational program that will be held from January 28 to 31, provides a place for thousands of floor covering retailers, distributors, installers, architects, designers and builders from around the world to gather and view the latest products, get vital education, network with other floor covering professionals and conduct business.

More than 600 of the largest manufacturers and suppliers representing products in every major category, including carpet, tile, hardwood, rugs, laminate, resilient and stone, are expected to exhibit at the trade show. Hanley Wood, owner and operator of the exhibition, reports that they have many new exhibiting companies and returning ones who have expanded their booth size. Additionally, Surfaces 2013 will host more than 40 workshops, seminars and mini sessions led by industry experts in the fields of business, sales, marketing, installation and design. Attendees can earn AIA, NKBA, AIBD, IICRC and AIA/CES industry designation. Here is just a small sampling of some of the displays that will be present at Surfaces 2013.

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