Kurucaşile Stone Sheet

Kurucaşile Stone Slab is a stone product produced using traditional methods in the Kurucaşile district of Bartın Province, Türkiye, and is geographically registered. This product has been manufactured for over 150 years and is distinguished by its production technique and mineral composition. It has been officially registered as a geographical indication under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property and was formally recorded on 10 March 2021 by the Bartın Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Geographical Boundary and Registration Information

Kurucaşile Stone Slab can legally be produced only within the boundaries of the Kurucaşile district of Bartın Province. The product, registered under number 690, is protected as a “geographical indication.” The label must bear the inscription “Kurucaşile Stone Slab” and the geographical indication emblem; if labeling is not feasible, this inscription must be visibly displayed at the production site.

Product Definition and Usage

Kurucaşile Stone Slab is obtained from natural stone masses with smoky, dark bluish or blackish tones. During the firing process, its color turns to yellowish hues and, upon cooling, it assumes a grayish appearance. Typically produced in circular tray shapes, these stone slabs are heat-resistant and used for cooking foods such as red and white meat, fish, börek, and gözleme.

Production Process

Production is carried out using traditional techniques and involves the following steps:

• The area of the rock mass from which the stone will be extracted is marked with a compass.
• The surrounding area is excavated and defined using a pickaxe.
• Murç nails are driven in a circular pattern; they are struck with a mallet at equal speed and duration to prevent the stone from cracking.
• Soft mallet strikes are applied to the center to listen for the sound of separation, and the stone is detached from the mass with a pickaxe at the appropriate moment.
• The stone is shaped with an axe into oval, square, or rectangular forms.
• The front and back surfaces are planed, sanded, and smoothed to achieve a uniform finish.
• Finally, the stone is fired in a wood fire for two hours to enhance its durability.

Mineral Composition

The mineralogical properties of the stone used to produce Kurucaşile Stone Slab have been defined at both macroscopic and microscopic levels:

• Main components: Plagioclase (5%), pyroxene group (7%), biotite (2%), volcanic rock fragments (10%)
• Accessory components: Opaque minerals (1%), very fine-grained volcanic ash matrix (75%)
• Rock name: Vitric tuff
• Color: Grayish olive green (5GY 3/2)
• Texture: Clastic
• Grain size: Medium to fine-grained

This composition constitutes the fundamental factors determining the stone’s physical durability and cooking performance.

Monitoring Mechanism

The production and labeling of the product are monitored by a control authority established under the coordination of the Bartın Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This authority comprises the Bartın Municipality, the Bartın Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, and relevant experts. Inspections are conducted at least once annually; additional inspections may be carried out as needed or in response to complaints. The inspection process includes verification of compliance with production methods, confirmation of the origin of the rock mass, and proper use of the geographical indication emblem.