The oldest piece of work prepared in Bateig stone (or Novelda stone) dates back to between the 6th and 7th centuries. It is a carving of the Virgin of Tejeda of only 27 cm in height, and which, according to tradition, appeared to John the Shepherd in the year 1208. Destroyed during the civil war, it was restored after the same by the Valencian sculptor Rafael Orellano.
http://www.litosonline.com/en/advertorials/en/801/bateig-natural-stone-past-and-present-stone-industry-novelda
