pdf: http://www.science.org.ge/3-1/Akimidze.pdf

Three levels of volcanism are known in the shaly series of the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus. The most widespraed are Late Pliensbachian-Early Toarcian subalkaline basalts, evidenced as separate outcrops all over the territory of Georgia – from the upper reaches of the river Bzybi up to the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan.The author investigated analogous basaltoids, revealed in the upper reaches of the river Alazani, in the Kvachadala segment, presenting the results in this paper. Considering the data, the mentioned complex has been found to absolutely satisfy all the technical and technological requirements, it has fine external texture and is perfect raw material for manufacturing ornamental stone decorative tiles. Besides, according to the stable homogeneity of the basaltic complex within the limits of its spread, the author assumes it to be prospective as raw material for manufacturing ornamental stone blocks and tiles and recommends to carry out geological studies in this direction.