Bianco Lasa di Covelano is one of the most popular materials in the world, as it has all the characteristics sought in marble: homogeneity, compactness, fine and crystalline grain.
Designers appreciate its uniform patten with distinguishing translucent white background featuring light shading.
Its two variants Black Vein and Gold Vein are also highly sought after.“Macchia Vecchia” (or “Black Vein”) presents large (often wavy) smoky grey steaks, which transmit great personality. “Vena Oro” on the other hand, is much more subdued, and is used in projects where a very warm and intimate tone is to be conveyed.
Geology of one of the most beautiful regions in the Alps.
This valuable white marble is extracted from the highest quarry in Europe, at more of 2.000 meters of altitude, in Val Venosta (Covelano) within the Stelvio National Park. During the winter season, due to snow, the quarry is closed.
It is therefore in activity from May until the beginning of November approximately. In these months, about 2,000 cubic meters of natural stone are extracted.
Lasa marble, according to the various quarries of extraction, has different gradations of grain. The one from Val di Lasa is finer in grain, therefore particularly noble and precious. Lasa marble has a hardness coefficient of 20% higher than the average. The calcium carbonate component (CaCO3) is between 96.4 and 98.6% in pure white Lasa di Covelano marble. This marble is resistant to frost, antifreeze salt and chlorine. The excellent and homogeneous combination of crystals in the stone also makes it waterproof.
A fascinating history
The excavation of Bianco Lasa di Covelano, which was initially known as the marble of “Passo Tramontana”, began in 1856, in the Mitterwandl quarry. Between 1921 and 1960 the works were interrupted due to the world wars, to be then resumed by the companies "Lasa Marmo" first and "tiroler Marmorwerke GmbH".
In 2007 the Pohl family bought all the rights of the Covelano quarry and founded Covelano Marmi srl.
Val Venosta and surrounding area is rich in works created with this magnificent white stone, used both for the creation of sculptures, arches and public projects, and to embellish churches, castles and many other structures.
Some of the best known works are the arches of Castel Taranto, the bas-relief “The queen of roses" from 1700, monument to the poet Grillparzer, in the public gardens of Vienna, the group of figures "The power of the earth" and “The power of the sea”, exhibited in the imperial palace in Vienna, two white lions that adorn the Marshals' Lodge in Munich and the monument to General Moltke in Berlin.
To date, the uses to which it lends itself most are really many. From coverings, to floors, to columns, fireplaces, stairs, architectural elements, inlays, kitchen tops, bathroom furniture, objects and much more.
Respect for the environment surrounding the extraction points and the variety of vegetation of the Val Venosta have meant that since 2012 paths have been created that run alongside the quarries.