Georgia’s geological and cultural heritage has received significant international recognition. The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) designated the Javakheti basalt as a “Heritage Stone” and issued a corresponding certificate.

Javakheti basalt is the first stone from Georgia and the entire Caucasus to receive this designation. This international status is a quality mark awarded to natural building stones, emphasizing their cultural, historical, architectural and geological value. The goal of this designation is to protect and promote stones that have significantly impacted human history.

Recognition of this status was made possible based on an application prepared by scientists from the Alexander Janelidze Institute of Geology at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University. In accordance with the institute’s research focus, a group of scientists from the institute, including Giorgi Vashakidze, Ketevan Gabarashvili, Tamar Beridze, Manana Kavsadze and Koba Lobzhanidze, study the young volcanism of Georgia. From 2023 to 2026, they implemented the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation grant project “Study of the Architecture of Volcanic Facies of Lava Flows of the Javakheti Volcanic Province (Southern Georgia) and Associated Inter-Lava Horizons.” During fieldwork on the Javakheti volcanic plateau, the scientists observed the widespread use of basalt in historical and modern cult and secular architecture, as well as in household items.

As a result, the idea emerged to nominate Javakheti basalt for "heritage stone" status. With the help of the project’s foreign consultant, Professor Dr. Raymond A. Duraiswami of Pune University (India), an application was prepared and submitted to the Heritage Stone Subcommission of the International Commission on Geoheritage (ICG) of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). Five international experts evaluated the application and gave it the highest score (3.8). In January 2026, Javakheti basalt was designated as a Heritage Stone and took its rightful place among the world’s most well-known natural stones. This international status is granted to natural building stones and emphasizes their cultural, historical, architectural and geological value.

The Javakheti basalt is geologically related to the intense volcanic activity that occurred on the Javakheti volcanic plateau in Georgia during the Upper Pliocene - Lower Pleistocene period (3.75–1.50 million years ago). These volcanic formations are part of the continental plateau basalts that stretch across southern Georgia, central and northern Armenia, and northeastern Turkey. This area was recently recognized as the world’s smallest continental plateau basalt province of the South Caucasus region.

Due to its geographical location, geological structure and history, Javakheti is one of the most distinctive regions of Georgia. Ancient people’s accurate identification of basalt’s properties led to its widespread use for various purposes, creating a rich cultural heritage. For centuries, basalt has been the dominant natural building material and has shaped the region’s religious, military and domestic architecture, a tradition that continues to this day. The use of Javakheti basalt, both raw and processed, has been known since ancient times. It was used in megalithic, pre-Christian, and late Christian dwellings, as well as in cult (Orthodox, Gregorian and Catholic) and defensive fortifications. Items confirming the agricultural and domestic cultural heritage were also made from basalt, some of which are still in use today. The cultural and architectural use of basalt is unique and endemic to Samtskhe-Javakheti and the surrounding areas.

What does a Heritage Stone designation mean? 1. International prestige and scientific recognition. Global visibility: The ratified stone is part of the International Geological Heritage and information about it is included in the Global Register. This increases its international awareness and popularity within geological and architectural circles around the world. Standardization: It is a reliable material for restorers worldwide. Significance of the designation: This stone is an important part of the geological and cultural history of the Earth and humanity, not just a building material. 2. Protection and restoration of cultural heritage. Let’s take care of what the world has already recognized. 3. Increasing economic and geotourism potential. 4. Stimulating education and research. The designation is one of the mechanisms for protecting a country’s cultural identity. Granting the designation shows the world that a country values ​​its geological heritage and has a solid scientific basis for managing its natural resources.

From November 4 to 8, 2026, the International Union of Geological Sciences will hold a special forum in the Algarve Geological Park in Portugal. During this event, the official ceremonial presentation of the ratified stones, including the Javakheti basalt, will take place.