Rosa Beta granite (Sardinian Pink Granite): a heritage stone of international significance from Italy

Abstract

Abstract ‘Rosa Beta’ or ‘Sardinian Pink granite’, an Hercynian granitoid from the Italian island of Sardinia, is formally here nominated as a Global Heritage Stone Resource. Rosa Beta is sourced from the Gallura region of northern Sardinia and has been associated with human heritage since prehistoric times. Notably it can be found in construction ranging from prehistoric Tomba dei Giganti, the 1st century Pantheon in Rome and the Renaissance Cathedral in Pisa to early 20th century monuments in Brazil and Egypt. Most importantly, it has also been used very extensively in the late 20th century for significant construction in countries as wide ranging as the USA, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia.