Vert de Glacier, also known as Vert des Glaciers or Vert de Salvan, is a rare and extremely hard conglomerated gneiss stone quarried from the La Plane quarry near the village of Salvan in Switzerland. This stone, composed of siliceous cement, is prized for its remarkable durability and resistance to environmental elements. The quarry is situated in a challenging-to-reach location, between Salvan and the Gorges du Trient, and was officially exploited for the first time in 1978, though evidence suggests that the stone had been used ornamentally for much longer. In 2011, Capinat SA company took over the quarry operations, improving access to the site by building a tunnel.

Formed from detrital sedimentary rocks around 290 million years ago, Vert de Glacier dates back to a period long before the Alps formed. Its green color and rugged texture, characteristic of conglomerate stones, make it a visually striking material. The stone is highly resistant to frost and sunlight, qualities that have contributed to its use in various architectural projects in Switzerland and Germany.

Vert de Glacier’s resilience against extreme weather conditions makes it an ideal choice for outdoor applications, including fountains, sculptures, and decorative elements. Its hardness and longevity ensure that it can withstand the test of time, even in demanding environments. This versatility, coupled with its aesthetic appeal, has made Vert de Glacier a favored material in both historical and modern construction projects.

The combination of its ancient origins, rich visual texture, and practical durability make Vert de Glacier a highly valued stone for architectural, decorative, and artistic purposes. Its rarity and beauty, along with its historical significance, ensure its continued prominence in the stone industry.