Lapis Lacedaemonius

Lapis Lacedaemonius (Latin: stone from Lacedaemon), also known as Spartan basalt,[1] is a form of andesite or volcanic rock known today only from a single source in the village of Krokees on the Peloponnese in Greece.

[2][3] In addition, ancient sources mention a quarry of lapis Lacedaemonius in Taygetus.

It also was used as an element in decorative elements created with opus sectile technique (with examples known from Ostia Antica and Nemi) during Roman times, as well as in several churches in Rome (e.g. Santa Prassede) and in the pavement of St. Peter's Square.

During the Middle Ages it was employed in mosaics in e.g. Palermo, Constantinople, and Santiago de Compostela.

For example, in St. Mark's Basilica, Venice and also as far away from the Mediterranean Sea as in Westminster Abbey, London.