Pietra di Vico Sandstone

Pietra Di Vico Sandstone, also known as "Pietra di Vico," holds a significant place as a heritage stone utilized in historical constructions within southern Piemonte, particularly in the Monregalese area. Its notable application can be observed in the sanctuary of Vicoforte, a national monument and an emblematic architectural landmark of the Piemonte region. This sandstone, formed relatively recently, belongs to the San Paolo Formation, deposited during the early Miocene period, approximately 16 to 23 million years ago. Following its formation, it underwent a significant localized cementation process.

This project not only aims to describe Pietra di Vico and its historical applications but also delves into its geological origins. Characterized by a gray-beige hue, Pietra di Vico Sandstone exhibits a medium-coarse grain size, composed primarily of well-sorted quartz grains and reddish lithic fragments, cemented together by carbonate. Sedimentary features such as trough cross bedding and water escape structures are evident in natural outcrops and the sanctuary walls.

A detailed stratigraphic analysis of the sedimentary succession exposed in the Pietra di Vico quarry sheds light on the geological context and paleo-environmental conditions during deposition. Cross bedding indicates deposition in an environment characterized by water currents and rapid sedimentation, possibly in continental or fluvial settings, although coastal marine settings cannot be entirely ruled out.

Geological and petrographic studies reveal that Pietra di Vico Sandstone represents a cemented portion of the San Paolo Formation, with heterogeneous lithification observed in masses of varying dimensions. The lithification process, attributed to the precipitation of dolomitic cement, is uncommon in siliciclastic sandstones. The dolomite cement's presence suggests the circulation of hydrothermal fluids along faults and fractures, likely linked to deformation processes in the southwestern edge of the Tertiary Piemonte Basin during the early Miocene.

In summary, Pietra Di Vico Sandstone stands as a testament to both natural geological processes and human craftsmanship, offering insight into the region's geological history while adorning architectural masterpieces with its timeless beauty and durability.