Petit Granit – Pierre bleue de Belgique

The stone can be used in nearly every kind of applications in architecture, garden architecture, decoration and sculpture. It has been used in many monuments throughout Belgium since the Middle Age until present. Largely exported since at least 18th century, first in surrounding countries (France, western part of Germany, but mostly in Holland) then through the world (for examples in the cathedral of Funchal, Madeira, and in the original fittings of the Suez Canal). In Paris, floors of Notre-Dame cathedral and Panthéon used the material mixed with French limestones. Appreciated since a long time by many artists for sculpture, small to very large, and also very frequently used in funeral heritage in Belgium and neighbouring regions. An ancient quarry in Soignies is protected as heritage site with the old industrial buildings, now used for education and professional training. 15 quarries are still active at present.