Solnhofen Stone: complete guide

History and origin

It comes from the Solnhofen area in Bavaria, world-famous for its exceptionally preserved fossils, including Archaeopteryx. Its very fine grain made it the lithographic stone par excellence in the 19th century. For centuries it has also been used for floors and cladding, often in natural-cleft slabs. Marmi di Carrara supplies it on request.

Look and veining

The background is straw yellow or cream, sometimes with grey or pinkish tones and dark dendrites resembling tiny plants. The natural-cleft surface shows slight undulations, while honed slabs are smooth and uniform. The variation in tone from one slab to another contributes to the rustic character of the installation.

Technical properties (indicative)

Recommended uses

It is ideal for interior floors, whether crazy paving or rectangular slabs, stairs, window sills and cladding. It is well suited to floors in historic and rustic houses. It is not recommended for kitchen worktops, and outdoors it must be assessed carefully because thin slabs are sensitive to frost.

Care and maintenance

Treat with a stain-proofing impregnator, possibly followed by stone waxes in traditional installations. Clean with neutral soaps. Avoid acidic products and limescale removers.

Pairings

• reclaimed timber beams and furniture
• wrought iron and handmade ceramics
• white or sand-coloured limewashed walls

FAQ