Porphyry stone has been valued for centuries, with relics found in Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Roman sites. Its name derives from the Latin porphyra, meaning purple red—a symbol of prestige and royalty.
Used by Egyptian pharaohs for its durability and striking color, porphyry gained significance in Roman times, associated with luck and imperial status. Emperors were born in porphyry-clad rooms and buried in porphyry sarcophagi. The stone appeared in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Renaissance sculptures, and Versailles.

The 19th century saw industrial quarrying in Northern Italy, which expanded after WWII, shaping the modern porphyry industry. This history intertwines with the Odorizzi family’s legacy, pioneering advancements in production and market expansion.

In terms of technical characteristics, Porphyry is an extrusive igneous rock (Volcanic rock – coming from volcanic activity). It dates to the Lower Permian era, and formed when the magma was expelled into the lithosphere. As a consequence, due to the effect of the reduction of pressure, rapid cooling and contact with the earth’s atmosphere, the process of crystallization halted, and the crystals remained very small.
The main chemical component is silica, while other major components are iron, potassium and aluminum oxides. Porphyry is rich of the following minerals: quartz, sanidine, plagioclase, and to a lesser extent, pyroxenes and glass matrix.
These chemical and mineralogical aspects determine the physical and mechanical characteristics of porphyry.
These are some technical characteristics for which designers choose porphyry above other stone products:

• Hardness: Compression strength more than 30.000 psi
• Slip resistant: the natural surface makes it non slippery
• Naturally oil/stain resistant: after a couple rainfalls, it’s clean again
• Durable: no maintenance required, lasts for more than 50 years
• Fashion: provides the Italian style that customers are looking for
• Beauty: earth-tone colors, suitable for any location