Bluestone is another name for the volcanic rock, Basalt. It is an extremely durable, hard stone with beautiful qualities that can vary dramatically from tile to tile. The stone itself is finely grained due to the rapid cooling of the lava as it reaches the earth's surface. Bluestone is usually grey to black in colour and was the favoured stone in the gold rush in Victoria with many significant Melbournian buildings being constructed with this type of stone.
Bluestone is extremely appealing visually and looks fantastic when utilised in paving, walling, and cobbles. Generally the attractive blue/grey types will cost a little more than the flat grey varieties. The surface of bluestone has tiny little holes that are created when the rock cools down. The term “cats paw” is used to describe a pattern of slightly larger holes running through the tile and can be an extremely attractive feature when it is present in the right amounts.