Serizzo Formazza: complete guide

History and origin

It is quarried in the area of Val Formazza and, more generally, the Ossola valley in northern Piedmont, an area historically bound up with stone. Commercially it is sold among the granites, but geologically it is a gneiss. Serizzo has been used for generations in Northern Italian construction, particularly for stairs, thresholds and paving. Marmi di Carrara supplies it on request.

Look and veining

The background is grey, with eye-shaped light feldspar crystals and dark mica arranged in an oriented pattern. This structure gives a slightly directional pattern, which varies according to the cutting direction and between slabs. Polished, it highlights the contrast between the light eyes and the background; flamed or bush-hammered, it is more uniform and lighter.

Technical properties (indicative)

Recommended uses

It is widely used for stairs, indoor and outdoor floors, thresholds, window sills, cladding and kitchen worktops. It withstands frost well, so it is suitable for mountain areas. For large-format slabs it is advisable to assess the direction of the pattern before cutting.

Care and maintenance

Clean with a neutral detergent and water. A stain-proofing protector is recommended on worktops. Outdoors, periodic washing and, if necessary, moss removal are enough.

Pairings

• spruce or larch wood
• Corten steel
• matt white and warm greys

FAQ