Vert de Salvan

Über Vert de Salvan

Vert de Salvan (also Vert de Glaciers, Gletschergrün, Salvan Green) is a Permian coarse clastic rock (conglomerate/breccia) from Salvan in the Martigny district of Canton Valais, Switzerland. The 'brecciated/knobbly' (brekziös bzw. knollig) structure gives the stone its distinctive appearance: angular to sub-rounded green clasts set in a darker or lighter matrix. The stone is classified as a sedimentary rock (Grobklastit), not a gneiss as some commercial sources incorrectly state. Technical data (DNSA Stein 996): density 2735 kg/m³, compressive strength 88 MPa, flexural strength 31.1 MPa, water absorption 0.17%, abrasion resistance 6.8 cm³/50cm² (high — this is a soft sedimentary stone relative to granite). The stone is frost-resistant but has partial acid sensitivity: some mineral components are not permanently acid-resistant. Only matte gloss is achievable — no high-polish finish possible. Occasionally used in Germany. Suitable for interior flooring, cladding, and decorative applications; limited for high-traffic exterior paving due to higher abrasion.