Resources of decorative stones in Bac Kan province, Vietnam

Abstract

Bac Kan province locates in the Northeast of Vietnam, formed through geological periods hundreds of millions of years ago. Various thermotectonic activities have resulted in the formation of geological structures, containing different types of rocks, some of which have beautiful colors and can be mined and crafted as products of decorative stones. The combination of endogenous and exogenous activities has created diverse resources of decorative stones in Bac Kan province. On the basic investigation and survey works, sample collection and analysis of material composition, physical and mechanical properties, and artistic quality, several samples have been selected for crafting. As a result, 20 ressource sites of decorative stones have been recorded in Bac Kan province. Among these sites, marbles, banded limestones, magmatic and alkaline rocks show promising potential. Most of the decorative stone sites are easily accessible by means of transportation. The great diversity of decorative stone resources also contributes to supporting and promoting local tourism development.