Austria's Stone Usage: Exploring The Country's Unique Architecture

Austria is rich in stones, with around 25 varieties being commercially mined. The country has a long history of stone use, with natural stone once being the primary building material. Today, Austria continues to mine and export a variety of stones, including marble, granite, limestone, and gemstones.

The discovery of a large amethyst vein in the 19th century secured Austria's place on the world's amethyst map. The country is also known for its emeralds and garnets, which have been mined for high-quality jewellery production. In recent years, the Austrian stone industry has faced competition from cheap imports, but there is a growing preference for local natural stones.

Austria's gemstone industry

Emeralds

The Habachtal in Hohe Tauern, Salzburg, is an important locality for emeralds in Europe. The emeralds found here are typically the size of a fingernail and are blackish-green or apple-green in colour. They were first discovered in the Middle Ages and were systematically documented in a mineral encyclopedia in 1850. In the 1860s, an emerald plant was established to professionalise mining in the area. However, due to the challenging terrain and lack of infrastructure, mining was only profitable for a short time, and the plant closed in 1913. Today, themed hikes and a signposted trail offer visitors the opportunity to search for emeralds.

Garnets

Garnet jewellery was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, with Bohemian garnet being the primary type used. To meet the increasing demand, garnet mining began in Carinthia during the Habsburg monarchy. Carinthian garnets, or almandines, are larger than Bohemian garnets and can still be found by hobby collectors in the Nockberge mountains.

Opals

Austria is also home to opals, specifically dendritic opals or "moss opals," which contain inclusions of iron and manganese. These opals can be found in the Waldviertel region of Lower Austria, near Dobersberg, Waldkirchen, and Lexnitz.

Amethysts

In 1845, a large vein of amethyst was discovered in Maissau, Lower Austria, during quarry work. This discovery secured Austria's place in the global amethyst market. Scientific excavation of this site began in the late 20th century, and amethyst has since become one of the country's main exports. The largest open-pit mine for amethyst extraction is located in Maissau, attracting visitors with its "Amethyst World" museum and adventure park. Amethyst can also be found in the Hohe Tauern mountains of the Central Eastern Alps, which is one of the most geologically significant sites on the planet.

Natural stone buildings in Vienna

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture. From historic palaces and grand cathedrals to modern marvels and quirky creations, Vienna has something to offer for everyone.

St. Rupert's Church (12th-13th centuries)

Vienna's oldest church is tucked away on a small square, Ruprechtsplatz, on the north side of the city centre. The church is named after Saint Rupert, the Bishop of Salzburg. The church more or less retained its simple Romanesque look for over a thousand years, although parts of it reflect Gothic and Baroque additions.

St. Stephen's Cathedral (12th-15th centuries)

St. Stephen's Cathedral is Vienna's biggest and most famous church and the city's main symbol. The Gothic building's ever-expanding size symbolised Vienna's rising imperial ambitions under the Habsburgs in the 14th and 15th centuries. The south tower, completed in 1433, marks the highest point in Vienna; the northern tower was never finished.

St. Charles's Church (18th century)

St. Charles's Church, known as Karlskirche in German, was built as a vow made by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI after a devastating plague swept through Vienna in 1713. Completed in 1737, it is a prime example of the Baroque style in Vienna, although it also includes Renaissance and Roman design elements.

St. Peter's Church (18th century)

St. Peter's Church is a beautiful Baroque church in the heart of Vienna. The current structure was completed in 1733 and modelled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The renowned composer Joseph Haydn served as St. Peter's Church's Kapellmeister (music director) from 1769 to 1809.

Maria am Gestade (14th-15th; 19th centuries)

This quirky church derives its name from its peculiar location on the bank of the Salzgries, once an arm of the Danube River. The proximity to the river explains why the church nave is so narrow and why mainly fishermen came to pray here until the Salzgries dried out in about 1750. Take note of the beautiful Gothic paintings inside and the church's tall tower topped by a helmet-like structure with decorative crockets.

Schönbrunn Palace (14th-19th centuries)

What started as a hunting lodge on the outskirts of Vienna gradually transformed into the Habsburg family's enormous summer palace, known as "Vienna's Versailles". Empress Maria Theresa, who ruled from 1740 to 1780, lived here in Rococo style, surrounded by astonishing details such as black lacquer panels and inlaid floors.

Imperial Palace (17th-19th centuries)

The Hofburg served as the imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty for over 600 years. It is a vast complex with 18 buildings and more than 2,600 rooms. After the fall of the monarchy in 1918, the Hofburg became a versatile complex, housing the Spanish Riding School, the Austrian National Library, and several collections and museums.

Belvedere Palace (18th century)

Belvedere Palace includes two Baroque palaces: the Upper and Lower Belvedere. The complex was built in the early 18th century as a summer residence for Prince Eugene of Savoy, a key figure in European history known for his military victories against the Ottoman Empire.

Vienna City Hall (19th century)

Built between 1872 and 1883, Vienna City Hall was designed by the renowned architect Friedrich von Schmidt. The building's design was inspired by the Gothic style of the Middle Ages, featuring pointed arches, tall spires, and stone carvings. It houses the offices of the city administration and the Vienna City Council chambers.

Austrian Parliament Building (19th century)

The Austrian Parliament Building is located on the Ringstraße and was designed by Theophil Hansen. Construction started in 1874 during the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I and finished in 1883. The building's design is inspired by ancient Greek architecture, known as the Greek Revival style, reflecting democratic ideals.

Library and Learning Centre, Vienna University of Economics and Business (21st century)

The Library and Learning Centre at the Vienna University of Economics and Business is a stunning example of Zaha Hadid's futuristic works. It was finished in 2013 as part of the university's new campus. The building has an angular design with black and white colours, and the interior features sweeping curves, open space, and natural light.

Amethyst in Austria

Amethyst is a purple gemstone that was once held in high regard, alongside diamonds, rubies, and emeralds. It was coveted by royalty and the upper echelons of society. The mining of amethyst was already prevalent in several countries, including Brazil, Madagascar, Tibet, and Namibia, when a large amethyst vein was discovered in Austria in 1845. Quarry workers stumbled upon this deposit during a routine job on the Maissauer Höhe, cementing Austria's place in the world's amethyst landscape.

Despite the discovery of this extensive vein, scientific excavation in Lower Austria did not commence until the late 20th century. Today, amethyst is one of the country's primary exports, with notable mining locations in the Central Eastern Alps, particularly in the Hohe Tauern mountains. This range is part of the Central Eastern Alps and boasts some of the highest peaks east of the Brenner Pass. The geological activity in this region has resulted in an abundance of quartz stones like amethyst.

The town of Maissau in Lower Austria is home to the largest open-pit mine in the world for amethyst extraction. The locals' admiration for the gemstone is evident in the establishment of 'Amethyst World,' a museum, amusement, and adventure park dedicated to amethyst. The park offers a unique experience for both children and gemstone enthusiasts, attracting thousands of visitors annually. One of its main attractions is the opportunity to see real crystals in situ, reaching lengths of up to 15 cm, without the need for permits. Visitors can also learn about the process of transforming rough amethyst stones into stunning jewellery from gemstone experts.

In addition to the mines in the Central Eastern Alps, amethyst can be found throughout Austria's mountainous regions, with some deposits shared with neighbouring Italy and Germany. The discovery of these extensive amethyst deposits in Austria contributed to the gemstone's increased accessibility and affordability worldwide.

Granite from the Waldviertel quarries

The granite from this region is a popular stone for those who enjoy collecting rocks and gemstones. The Waldviertel area is known for its abundant granite, which is a type of igneous rock that forms from the slow cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Over time, the granite in this region has been slowly exposed and shaped by natural forces, creating the distinctive landscape that can be seen today.

In addition to its geological significance, the Waldviertel quarries are also known for their historical importance. The granite from this region has been used in a variety of construction projects throughout Austria's history. For example, the granite was used in the creation of monuments, buildings, and paving stones. The stone's durability and attractive appearance made it a popular choice for builders and artisans alike.

Today, visitors can explore the Waldviertel quarries and learn about the region's granite heritage. The Granite Trail, which takes hikers through the forests and hills of the region, is a popular way to experience the beauty of the area. Additionally, the town of Maissau in Lower Austria, which is known for its granite quarries, has a specialist museum called 'Amethyst World' that celebrates the region's granite culture and history.

Adnet and Untersberg marble from Salzburg

Adnet 'marble' and Untersberg 'marble' are types of limestone found in the Salzburg federal state in Austria. Adnet marble is mainly reddish with grey variants, while Untersberg marble is pale cream, rose to grey-yellow in colour.

Adnet marble is not technically a marble but a limestone, belonging to the Upper Triassic reef limestones and the Early Jurassic limestones from the Adnet Group. It has been used since the Middle Ages and in modern times, continuing the tradition from antiquity of using red stones to express imperial and ecclesiastic power. Adnet marble can be found in the Vatican and is quarried in the village of Adnet, which lies 484 metres above sea level in the Salzach Valley.

Untersberg marble is a fine to medium-grained (partially brecciated) arenite that belongs to the Upper Cretaceous Gosau Group. It was the most prominent statuary limestone within Central Europe and has been mined since Roman times, mainly for decorative purposes.

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