Pietra Serena is a type of sandstone that is quarried in Italy, specifically in the regions of Tuscany and Umbria. It is renowned for its unique and beautiful appearance, making it a popular choice in architectural and design applications.

Appearance:

The stone typically features a bluish-gray or gray-green color, with occasional variations and veining that add to its aesthetic appeal. The soft, subtle tonal variations in the stone give it a sense of depth and character, making it a sought-after material for various projects.

Physical Characteristics:

Pietra Serena is a compact and fine-grained sandstone, composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals. Its compact nature contributes to its durability and resistance to weathering, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Applications:

This stone has been used for centuries in various architectural projects and artistic endeavors throughout Italy. Its versatility allows it to be employed for a wide range of applications, such as:

-Flooring: Pietra Serena is frequently used as flooring material, especially in high-traffic areas due to its durability.

-Cladding: It is an excellent choice for building facades, adding a touch of elegance and timeless beauty to structures.

-Stairs and steps: Its slip-resistant properties make it a safe and stylish option for staircases and steps.

-Paving: The stone's natural beauty complements outdoor spaces, making it suitable for patios, walkways, and garden paths.

-Interior design: Pietra Serena is often used for interior wall cladding, fireplace surrounds, and countertops, adding sophistication to living spaces.

-Sculpture and art: Its ease of carving and unique coloration have made it a popular choice for sculptors and artists.

-Cultural and Historical Significance: Pietra Serena has been a significant material in Italian architecture since the Middle Ages. Its use can be seen in numerous historical buildings and landmarks, including churches, palaces, and museums. This stone has not only left its mark on Italian history but has also influenced architectural styles and trends around the world.

Due to its popularity and the limited availability of the high-quality stone, Pietra Serena is considered a premium building material. Its use in modern architecture continues to showcase the enduring appeal of this beautiful Italian sandstone.

Petrographic definition: feldspathic sandstone 
Massa Unit Volume: 2600 Kg/m3 
Water Absorption: 1.82 % 
Simple Compression Breaking Load: 102 MPa 
Compression breaking load after freezing: 87 MPa 
Tangent Modulus of elasticity: 17,800 MPa 
Secant Modulus: 16,600 MPa 
Indirect Tensile Strength by Flexing: 11.9 MPa 
Coefficient of relative Abrasion (referred to Granite St. Fedelino): 0.49 
Impact resistance: minimum fall height: 89 cm 
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion: 13.1 x 10-5 0C-1 
Knoop microhardness: 2864 MPa 
Index of non-uniformity of hardness: 3.64
Source: Università di Pisa - Politecnico di Torino