IUGS Heritage Stones as Representatives of Geology and Human Culture: Examples from Germany

Abstract The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) acknowledges building stones that have shaped the national or international building culture as IUGS Heritage Stones (HS). Four German building stones were recently awarded the title. Using the Rochlitz Porphyry Tuff, the Solnhofen Limestone, the Jura Marble Limestone and the German Roofing Slate as examples, geological, cultural and construction as well as extraction aspects of the respective stones are examined. It is demonstrated that these natural stones have significant influence on the character of the relevant cultural landscapes and are – in this or that way – iconic for the German building culture. The relationship between regional geology and regional building culture is highlighted. Furthermore, aspects of IUGS HS designation with respect to education, science and tourism are discussed.