Digging deep into the Maltese Soil

'If one was to take a side view towards the Dingli cliffs, one would be able to categorize the sediments which make our islands. In fact, the Maltese rock layers are subdivided into five unique types.'

·         The Lower Coralline Limestone known as ‘Zonqor’ or ‘il-Qawwi t’isfel’ in Maltese. This rock was the first to be formed in the Maltese Islands. This means that it is our oldest rock, which is hard and porous, meaning that it allows water to pass through it. The Lower Coralline Limestone is of a white or 

     grey shade. 

Globigerina Limestone also known as ‘Il-Franka’ in Maltese is harder compared to the Blue Clay and Greensand but softer when compared to the Coralline Limestone. Globigerina has a whitish or yellowish colour and is porous. Buildings are usually built with this type of stone. It is also used for the making of sculptures

 Blue Clay is another type of rock in the sediment of the Maltese Islands.  In Maltese we find this rock named as ‘it-Tafli’. As its name entails, the colour of this rock is of a      bluish colour. Since it is also a soft rock it is likely to erode quickly due to the fact that the rock is impermeable which leads to it holding water used for irrigation purposes. As a result, the Blue Clay was mostly used for pottery. 

Greensand, ‘Il-Gebla s-Safra’ in Maltese, is a very delicate layer of rock, with its color being usually orange. It is highly porous and it easily breaks down into sand. It is also 

known to have many marine remains.

      The Upper Coralline Limestone is known as ‘Il-Qawwi’ in Maltese. This was the last to form on the Maltese Islands, making it the youngest rock. The Upper Coralline Limestone is also porous.  This rock can be located on top of cliffs and high land around the Maltese Islands mainly Malta and Gozo. Road surfacing, concrete mixtures and stone buildings are done with this type of rock.