Stones buying guideLast updated October 2026

Basalt

Dense volcanic stone for calm, contemporary architecture.

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Price level
Mid-range
Best to buy
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Top sources
China flagVietnam flagItaly flagGermany flagIndonesia flag
Basalt paving stones of the Via Appia Antica in Rome

Photo: Nicholas Hartmann, CC BY-SA 4.0

Overview

What is basalt?

Basalt is volcanic rock that cooled quickly from lava: dense, fine-grained and usually charcoal to black. It is very hard-wearing and UV-stable, so it keeps its colour outdoors, and its calm matte look suits contemporary architecture.

"Lava stone" is the porous, bubbly variety, and some "bluestone" from Asia is basalt too. Dense basalt makes excellent paving, pool surrounds, cladding and cobbles.

Rock type
Igneous (volcanic)
Hardness
About 6 Mohs
Water absorption
Very low (dense); higher for lava stone
Colour
Dark grey to black; UV-stable
Finishes
Honed, flamed, sandblasted, bush-hammered, split
Heat
Dark stone gets hot in full sun

Applications

Best used for

  • Exterior paving and plazasHard-wearing and colourfast.
  • Pool surroundsFlamed or sandblasted for grip.
  • Façade claddingCalm, monolithic dark façades.
  • Minimalist interiorsHoned basalt floors and walls.
  • Cobbles, setts and kerbsClassic street stone.

Think twice for

  • Sun-baked decks. Dark stone can get too hot for bare feet.
  • Porous lava in frost. Only frost-tested lava stone outdoors in cold climates.

Know the names

Popular varieties

  • Hainan Lava Stone

    China

    Porous black with open vesicles.

  • G684 Fuding Black

    China

    Dense black basalt.

  • Vietnam Basalt

    Vietnam

    Blue-black, fine grain.

  • Pietra Lavica

    Italy

    Grey Etna lava, often enamelled.

  • Mayen Basalt

    Germany

    Grey lava with small pores.

Origins

Which countries to source from

The producing countries that matter for basalt, what each is known for, and a direct link to vendors there.
  • China flag

    China Leading source

    The largest exporter of basalt and lava stone

    • Hainan black lava stone
    • G684 Fuding Black (Fujian)
    Vendors in China
  • Vietnam flag

    Vietnam

    Dense blue-black basalt for paving

    • Vietnam basalt pavers and setts
    Vendors in Vietnam
  • Italy flag

    Italy

    Etna lava stone, including enamelled lava

    • Pietra Lavica (Sicily)
    Vendors in Italy
  • Germany flag

    Germany

    Grey lava basalt from the Eifel

    • Mayen basalt
    Vendors in Germany
  • Indonesia flag

    Indonesia

    Lava stone and andesite for pools and walls

    • Andesite
    • Lava stone
    Vendors in Indonesia

Timing

Best time of year to buy

Order before the Lunar New Year shutdowns in China and Vietnam or from March. Landscape stock for northern summers ships from February to April.

  1. Jan: slower or pricier
  2. Feb: slower or pricier
  3. Mar: best time to buy
  4. Apr: best time to buy
  5. May: best time to buy
  6. Jun: normal
  7. Jul: normal
  8. Aug: normal
  9. Sep: best time to buy
  10. Oct: best time to buy
  11. Nov: best time to buy
  12. Dec: normal
Best time to buy Normal Slower or pricier
  • Chinese and Vietnamese factories close for Lunar New Year (late January to February).
  • Flamed and sandblasted finishes add a week or two to production.

Import costs

Tariffs and import duties

Base duties for the main import markets, the extra US surcharge by origin, and the trade remedies to check before you quote a landed price.

HS codes

  • 2516.90Blocks (other building stone)
  • 6801Setts, cobbles and kerbs
  • 6802.99Worked basalt

Base import duty (MFN)

  • United StatesVaries by origin and classificationUS imports of stone now face a tiered forced-labor tariff structure, replacing the previous flat Section 122 surcharge, and specific Section 301 tariffs apply to Chinese goods.
  • European Union0% to 1.7%
  • United Kingdom0%

Importing into the US? Add the 2026 origin surcharge

Section 301 rates in force since 24 July 2026, stacked on the MFN rate above.

  • China flagChina+12.5% & 30112.5% Section 301 (2026) plus the legacy China Section 301 duty (25% on most stone and machinery lines), on top of MFN.
  • Vietnam flagVietnam+12.5%Section 301 (2026) adds 12.5% on top of the MFN rate.
  • Italy flagItaly10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
  • Germany flagGermany10% min.Section 301 (2026) tops the duty up to at least 10% in total; no surcharge if MFN is already higher.
  • Indonesia flagIndonesia+10%Section 301 (2026) adds 10% on top of the MFN rate.
  • US imports are subject to a two-tier forced-labor duty structure, and Chinese-origin goods face additional Section 301 tariffs ranging from 7.5% to 100%.
  • EU-origin goods imported into the US are subject to a 15% all-inclusive ceiling as of July 1, 2026.

Rates checked October 2026. Indicative rates for planning, not a customs ruling. Duties depend on the exact tariff line, origin, trade agreements and the rules in force on the day of entry. Confirm with a licensed customs broker before you price an order.

Before you order

Buying checklist

  1. 1Ask for slip-resistance values for pool decks (flamed or sandblasted).
  2. 2Check flamed samples for rust spots from iron minerals.
  3. 3For lava stone, check pore size and whether pores are filled for interiors.
  4. 4View samples wet and dry: basalt darkens noticeably when wet.
  5. 5Confirm the supplier cuts to your drawing sizes; dense basalt is hard to cut on site.

Price level: Asian basalt pavers are good value; Italian enamelled lava is a luxury product.

Vendor Network

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Compare verified suppliers, or post an RFQ and let them come to you with quotes.

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