Toward establishing a “Global Heritage Stone Resource” designation

Abstract

Creation of the new international designation of Global Heritage Stone Resource is here advocated as a means of recognising those building stone resources that are widely represented in human culture. With introduction of the new designation, the profile of many natural stone materials will be raised to prominence through the researching of citations that will be necessary to create this new international standard. The proposed designation also offers a mechanism to formalise selected characteristics of natural stone material, not previously recognised, for example rock colour and traditional building stone names, in an internationally accepted context. The Global Heritage Stone Resource proposal also aims to complement and reinforce any existing geological standards that have been established especially those facilitated by IUGS, and its affiliated organisations. The interest and support of any geoscientists in advancing the Global Heritage Stone Resource proposal is sought.