lajás

Lajas, in Spanish, refers primarily to flat, broad stones or slabs that are used in construction and paving. A laja is typically a quarried piece of rock with a smooth, level surface, suitable for sidewalks, floors, walls, or roofing when cut and finished. Lajas are commonly associated with sedimentary rocks such as sandstone or limestone and are valued for their natural flatness and durability. In architectural and landscape contexts, lajas can define both practical surfaces and decorative detailing.

The term is also used in geographic names in the Spanish-speaking world. The toponym Lajas is applied to several places, reflecting historical or present stone-working practices in those areas. The most notable example is Lajas, a municipality on the western coast of Puerto Rico, known for its coastal geography and local communities. In other regions, places named Lajas often arose near stone quarries or areas where flat stones were once a prominent resource.

Beyond its literal meaning, lajás can appear in regional dialects and traditional construction vernacular, where flat stone surfaces are integral to local architecture and outdoor spaces. The word therefore spans both geological/architectural usage and geographic naming, illustrating how natural materials have shaped place names as well as built environments.