It's Amazing What a Simple Stone Can Tell Us
I never thought that a stone found on the road could tell me so much about life and amazing events around the world. Balma Syenite of Valle Cervo (Biella) is born in the center of the Earth…
Do you like fables? Here is one about a Simple Stone. Hope you like it.
The Tale of the Simple Stone
Once upon a time, nestled within the heart of an ancient forest, there lay a simple stone, unassuming and weathered by the passage of countless seasons. This unpretentious rock, seemingly inconspicuous, held within its silent core a tale that transcended time itself.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the moss-covered ground, the stone began to whisper the secrets of the ages. It spoke of the mighty trees that had stood sentinel for centuries, witnessing the dance of the leaves in the gentle breeze and the symphony of birdsong that echoed through the woodland.
The stone recounted tales of civilizations long forgotten, their echoes etched into its surface like an ancient script waiting to be deciphered. It spoke of nomads and settlers who, seeking refuge, had passed by, leaving behind fleeting footprints in the soil. Each indentation told a story of resilience, of journeys embarked upon in pursuit of dreams and destinies.
In the moonlit serenity, the stone unfurled narratives of changing landscapes – the gradual transformation of the forest, the ebb, and flow of life, and the seasons that painted the canvas of existence in hues of emerald, amber, and scarlet. It whispered of storms that shook the very foundations of the earth and serene moments when the world held its breath in tranquil repose.
And so, beneath the star-studded tapestry of the night sky, the simple stone wove a tapestry of tales – tales that echoed the resilience of nature, the passage of time, and the interconnectedness of all living things. It stood as a silent witness to the grand symphony of life, a repository of memories etched into its weathered facade.
As dawn broke, casting its golden rays upon the ancient forest, the stone remained steadfast, its story continuing to unfold with each passing moment. A humble rock, it held within it the essence of life's eternal journey, a silent storyteller in the vast tapestry of existence.
Balma Syenite of Valle Cervo (Biella)
I never thought that a stone found on the road could tell me so much about life and amazing events worldwide. Balma Syenite of Valle Cervo (Biella) is born in the center of the Earth…
Perhaps none of you will find this piece of stone interesting. We see it every day. Instead, it is a miracle. I'll explain right away.
I'm not a geologist and don't know much about minerals. This stone caught my attention when I was preparing to guide excursions in Casa Zegna (with FAI) last week: Why does this (unique) piece of syenite appear among all the most precious materials in the garden of this representative villa (the cup inside the fountain)?
So, after doing some research, I discovered that this material, Balma syenite, extracted in the Cervo Valley (Biella, Italy), is a rarity because apart from Balma, it is found only in 4 other places worldwide.
Syenite also arises interestingly. Do you know how polenta bubbles? Syenites are these magma bubbles.
Syenite is similar to granite, but it is not because it contains (almost) no quartz.
At this point, I had to go and investigate on the spot. Yes, I've been close to this place a thousand times, I've also done more walks on the other side of the Cervo, but I didn't think about Syenite and this cave.
The itineraries of possible walks in the area can be seen in the photo. I will do them; they are on my list of places to visit. I am curious to know more.
Until not too long ago, life in Valle Cervo was linked to Sienite. Many men were skilled stonemasons, known for their expertise throughout the world. Their presence is already documented in the 16th century in Milan in the construction of the Duomo. Among their works, Notre-Dame de Fourviere in Lyon (France), the Port of New York (USA), Istituto Municipal de Higiene in Lima (Peru), the railway line Davos-Feltsur in Canton Grigioni (Switzerland), and a reinforced concrete bridge near Tbilisi (Georgia) are worth mentioning.
The Stele to the Stonemasons
But now I'll show you two interesting things: the stele to the Stonemasons and the 2002 flood memorial.
Memorial to the Victims of the Flood
It was a terrible storm for two days in the Biella region. The worst situation was that of Valle Cervo, where water, mud, and debris caused damage, and in the worst cases, overwhelmed the houses. Blocks of syenite destroyed the roads when they fell, and the debris blocked any possibility of access from Balma onward to the valley. To try to assist, mountain rescue volunteers climbed on foot. This is why you see the memorial in exactly this place, near the former syenite cave.
