Marble Institute of America: Stone of the Month Archive

Stone of the Month Archive

Azul Cielo
A medium- to coarse-grained, light- to medium blue calcite marble of the Precambrian period, Portuguese "azul cielo" = sky-blue. Used as ornamental stone, available since about 1987. QUARRY LOCATION: Argentina (El Condor quarry/La Falda/Sierras Grandes/Sierra de Cordoba/Cordoba) OTHER NAMES: Arabesce Sky Blue, Arabesque Sky Blue, Argentina Sky Blue Marble, Azul Argentina, Azul Celeste, Azur Celeste, Azur Cielo, Azzurro Cielo, Blue Argentino, Blue Celeste, Celeste, Celeste Arabescato, Celeste Argentina, Celeste Argentinia, Cielo Azur, Sky Blue Marble
Bulk Density:	2,716 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	37.28 MPa
Compression Breaking Load:	167.75 MPa
Water Absorption:	0.20%

Baltic Brown
Commercial name (according to European Standard EN 12440 addendum A) for a brown-black granite (rapakivi) of the Precambrian period. Known for its spherical shaped brown potash feldspar crystals. Quarried since 1972. Mineral distribution on the average: Potash feldspar: 55%, quartz: 25%, plagioclase: 11%, amphibole: 9%. Uses: Construction stone, ornamental stone in- and outside Location: Finland (Savitaipale, Ylämaa, Husu, Leppeeranta, Miehikkälä - near the border to Russia) Synonyms: Baltic Braun, Baltic Brovn, Baltic Brown Granite, Baltic Brun, Baltik Braun, Brown Baltic, Bruno Baltico, Castanho Verdoso, Coffe Diamond, GA 501, Kugelgranit, Marron Baltico, Rapakiwi-Granit, Ylaemaan Ruskea
Bulk Density:	2,680 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	11 MPa
Compressive Strength:	150 MPA
Water Absorption:	0.16%

Bethel White

A medium-grained, white to light grey granite of the Devonian period

Uses: Construction stone, ornamental stone inside and outside

Location: USA (Bethel, Windsor County, Green Mountains, Vermont)

Synonyms: White Bethel, Bianco Lord, Hartwick, Hartwick White, Lord, Lord Granit

Technical and Physical Characteristics:

Bulk Density: 2,520 - 2,720 kg/m³
Bending Strength: 2,520 - 2,720 MPa
Compression breaking load: 192 – 233 MPa
Water Absorption: 0.18 – 0.30 %

Bianco Carrara

A fine-grained, white to grey marble of the Jurassic period, can be fine veined (venatino) or strong veined (venato) caused by flecks of graphite. Naturally occurring small cavities (called “tarolli”) are to be expected in the surface of the slabs. Bianco Carrara is one of the best-known marble varieties in the world. There are several types of Carrara arranged by brightness: Bianco Carrara C (light), Bianco Carrara CD (medium), Bianco Carrara D (dark).

Uses: Used extensively in statuary; inlay work; ecclesiastical, commercial and residential architecture.

Location: Italy (Apuan Alps, Tuscany)

Synonyms: Bianca Carrara, Bianco Carrera, Bianco di Carrara, Blanc de Carrare, Blanco Carrara, Branco Carrara, Carrara, Carrara Bianca, White Carrara, White Carrera

Technical and Physical Characteristics:

Bulk Density: 2,711 - 2,735 kg/m³
Bending Strength: 15.05 - 21.78 MPa
Compression breaking load: 86.45 – 131.45 MPa
Water Absorption: 0.12 – 0.15 %
Abrasion Resistance: 0.58 – 0.65 mm
Reference: Musée des Arts Asiatiques at Nice, France; Al Fulaij Al-Quarain Housing Project/Kuwait; Michelangelo’s David.

PP4 Black Granite		by Gem Granites - www.gemgranites.com
S.NO	CHARACTERISTIC	TESTED AS PER	VALUES
2.	Density	ASTM: C 97-98	3,095 kg/m³
3.	Compress. Strength	ASTM: C 170-87	227.6 N/sq.mm.(MPa)
4.	Modulus of rupture*	ASTM: C 880-89	15.3 N/sq.mm.(MPa)
5.	Water Absorption	ASTM: C 97-98	0.08 Percent
6.	Abrasion Resistance	IS: 1237-1980	1.02 mm.
	(*) Modulus of rupture is the same as bending strength or flexural strength

Brèche Nouvelle
A brown-black limestone breccia of the Lower Cretaceous period (other authorities say Jurassic). French "brèche" = breccia. Brown and black-brown limestone fragments, crossed by small, grey calcite veins in a mixture of white and orange-red groundmass. Its name comes from Port-la-Nouvelle, France, a town near the quarries. Saint-Jean Fleuri comes from the same quarry but has white calcite cement with only traces of orange iron oxides. Brèche Nouvelle has been quarried since the 19th century. TECHNICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Bulk Density:	2,670 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	6.59 MPa
Compression breaking load:	92.54 MPa
Absorption:	0.109%
REFERENCE: Lobby of the Empire State Building, New York, USA USES: Architectural elements and furniture QUARRY LOCATION: France (La Palme and Cap Romarin, Languedoc-Roussillon) SYNONYMS: Brecchia Nouvelle, Breccia Nouvelle, Breccia Novella, Breccia Novelle, Brèche de Nouvelle, Brèche Nouvelle, Brèche Novelle (according to EN 12440, addendum A), Cap Romarin (according to EN 12440, addendum A), Tourmalion

Connemara
The color ranges from pale yellow to dark green with veins of white and grey. It is a silicate marble (containing serpentine) of the Precambrian period. USES: Ornamental stone, monuments, ecclesiastical items and crafts. Because having a tendency to break, slabs are often strengthened with a resin and fiber backing. Quarried since the early 19th century, there are many trade names for this stone: Connemara Barnanoraun, Connemara Dark, Connemara Derryclare, Connemara Light, Connemara Lissoughter, Connemara Recess and Irish Green Wild. There is a wide range of color and texture with Connemara. A small sample is not representative. To get a better representation, pictures of large slabs or of finished projects should be presented to the client. LOCATION: Ireland (Barnanoraun, Derryclare and Lissoughter Hill near Recess in County Galway) SYNONYMS: Irish Green, Irish Gruen, Connemara-Marmor, Green Connemarble, Irish Connemarble, Keltenstein, Irisch Gruen and Vert d'Irlande
Bulk Density:	2,595 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	8.14 MPa
Compression breaking load:	99.28 MPa
Absorption:	0.62%
Frost resistant.

Dakota Mahogany
A medium-to coarse-grained, brown-red granite of the Precambrian period, with blue quartz and bands of biotite. USES: Ornamental stone in-and outside LOCATION: USA (Milbank/Grant County/South Dakota) SYNONYMS: American Mahogany, Mahogany, Mahogany Dakota, Mahogany Dakota America
Bulk Density:	2,850 - 2,880 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	12.85 – 13.34 MPa
Compressive Strength:	159.9 – 178.2 MPa
Water Absorption:	0.20 – 0.30%

German Greenstone

by JMS

DESCRIPTION: German Greenstone is a dense, fine- grained calcareous limestone. The combination of lime, quartz grain and glauconite creates the unique green color of the stone which is contrasted by occasional gray and dark green fossilization.

The texture and the fossil inclusions give German Greenstone a distinctive quality hardly any other material can match.

Formed 120 million years ago from deposits on the bottom of the primeval sea German Greenstone has a quarrying history of 1.000 years.

The material covers a wide range of products from thin tiles to cubic work including all standard finishes plus the possibility to do a flamed surface.

Contact us for information and samples at:
website: www.juramarble.com
email: info@juramarble.com

Technical and Physical Characteristics:

Property	Value English	ASTM Test Method
Absorption by Weight, %	2,60 %	C 97
Density, lbs/ft³	158	C 97
Compressive Strength, lbs/in²	9,300	C 170
Abrasion Resistance	18,9	C 241 - 90
Flexural Strength, lbs/in²	3,096	C 880
Coefficient of Friction, honed		C1028-96
wet	0,4884
dry	0,7796

Information provided by:

Jura Marble Suppliers

Giallo Ornamental
A coarse-grained, brown-yellow granulite with some brown-red garnets, Portuguese "amarelo" = yellow. This stone internationally may be nominated as a granite. For the US- and Chinese market this is correct according to ASTM C 119 resp. GB/T 17670. But in the area of application of the European Standard (EN) this stone must be nominated as granulite because the EN 12440 demands a scientific terminology for the denomination of natural stones, determined with a petrografic examination according to EN 12407 and 4.2 of prEN 12670. In case of doubt please ask your supplier. USES: Construction stone, ornamental stone. LOCATION: Brazil SYNONYMS: Amarelo Ornamental, Amarillo Ornamental, Giallo Ornamentale, Giallo Ornamentical, Ornamental Yellow, Yellow Ornamental
Bulk Density:	2,676 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	22.25 MPa
Compressive Strength:	95.5 MPa
Water Absorption:	0.32 %

Giallo Veneziano
A medium- to coarse-grained, ochre-yellow to golden-brown, also light pink gneiss ( pegmatitic orthogneiss ) of the Precambrian period, with biotite and garnet, Italian "giallo" = yellow. This stone internationally may be nominated as a granite. For the US- and Chinese market this is correct according to ASTM C 119 resp. GB/T 17670. But in the area of application of the European Standard (EN) this stone must be nominated as gneiss because the EN 12440 demands a scientific terminology for the denomination of natural stones, determined with a petrografic examination according to EN 12407 and 4.2 of prEN 12670. In case of doubt please ask your supplier. Mineral distribution on the average: microperthitic microcline: 45%, quartz: 30%, oligoclase: 16%, biotite: 5%, accessories: 4%. Uses: Building stone, ornamental stone. Location: Brazil (quarry RN 000232/Zona di Pipinuque/Corrego de Agua Preta/Nova Venecia/Espirito Santo) Synonyms: Amarello Veneciano, Amarelo Venecia, Amarelo Veneciano, Amarelo Veneziano, Giallo Venecciano, Giallo Venecia, Giallo Veneciano, Giallo Venetano, Giallo Venetiano, Giallo Venezia, Giallo Veniziano, Gialo Veneziano, Golden Venecia, Juparana Venecia, Juparana Venezia, Juperana Venezia, Korall Gelb, Venecia Amarelo, Venetian Gold, Venezia Amarelo, Yellow Venezia
Bulk Density:	2,629 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	17.79 MPa
Compressive Strength:	117.10 MPa
Water Absorption:	0.32%
Abrasion Resistance:	0.95 mm

Honey Onyx
A honey-brown to beige onyx marble (aragonite sinter) of Mesozoic age USES: Ornamental stone LOCATION: Turkey (Dutas Yaylasc/Soeguet/Bilecik) SYNONYMS: Honey, Honigonyx, Onyx Honey, Onyx Honig-T, Onyx Miele, Onice Honey, Onice Miele, Onyx Crema, Pascha onyx, Rosen onyx
Bulk Density:	2,690 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	7.70 MPa
Compression Breaking Load:	78.90 - 90.10 MPa
Water Absorption:	0.50%

Iron Red
A dark grey and red banded itabirite. Essential minerals are magnetite and hematite. USES: Ornamental stone LOCATION: Brazil (Itabira) SYNONYMS: Red Metal, Silver Red

Jura Limestone
A limestone of the late Jurassic period with scattered fossils, this is one of Germany's most well-known natural stones. Color range varies from cream to beige to grey. Because it can be polished, it is often called Jura Marble. Internationally this stone is called a marble. For the U.S. and Chinese market this is correct according to ASTM C 119 and GB/T 17670. But in areas of European Standard (EN) jurisdiction, this stone must be defined as limestone because EN 12440 demands a scientific terminology for the classification of natural stones, determined with a petrografic examination according to EN 12407 and 4.2 of prEN 12670. In case of doubt please ask your supplier. USES: Construction stone, flooring, ornamental stone. LOCATION: Germany (Pappenheim, Solnhofen, Treuchtlingen, Gundelsheim, Weissenburg, Moehre/Mittelfranken) SYNONYMS: Altenburger Kalkstein, Eichstaetter Juramarmor, Fossil Stone, Hampton, Jura, Jura Limestone, Jura Marble, Jura Kalk, Jurakalkstein, Jura Marmol, Marbre Jurassique, Marmo Giurassico, Rehlinger, Rehlinger Kalkstein
Bulk Density:	2600 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	13.8 - 17 MPa
Compression Strength:	146 - 158 MPa
Water Absorption:	0.44 %

Masi Quartzite also known as Lapponia Verde
From the north of Norway, this very special and unique material is only quarried 5-6 months during the summer. Total production 400-800 m³. In addition to blocks, this material can also be sold as unshaped ton stone, crushed in various sizes etc. The material is very nice to make special patterns such as book match & butterfly. The material is also nice to use outside for sculptures, garden decorations etc.
Bulk Density:	2,270 kg/m³
Compression Breaking Load:	163 MPa ASTMC 170-50 DIN 52105
Water Absorption %:	0.09 % ASTM C97-47 DIN 52103

New Venetian Gold
A medium grained, yellow-beige gneiss with lots of dark red garnets. This stone internationally may be nominated as a granite. For the US- and Chinese market this is correct according to ASTM C 119 resp. GB/T 17670. But in the area of application of the European Standard (EN) this stone must be nominated as gneiss because the EN 12440 demands a scientific terminology for the denomination of natural stones, determined with a petrografic examination according to EN 12407 and 4.2 of prEN 12670. In case of doubt please ask your supplier. USES: Ornamental stone. LOCATION: Brazil (Espirito Santo) SYNONYMS: Giallo Imperial, Gold Brasil, Gold Brazil, Juparana Light, New Venecian Gold, New Venetian
Bulk Density:	2,676 kg/m³
Compression Breaking Load:	95.5 MPa
Water Absorption:	0.32%

Rosso Levanto
Commercial name (according to EN 12440, addendum A) for a red serpentinite breccia of the Jurassic period. It has white calcite veins and purple-red to dark green rock fragments. The red color is caused by the changing of magnetite into hematite. In Italian, "rosso" = red. USES: Ornamental stone inside.. The variation of color in Rosso Levanto is very wide. A small sample is not representative. To get an impression, pictures of large slabs or of finished projects should be presented to the client. Generally, Serpentinite is not frost, acid or salt resistant. For facing and flooring, (especially thin and large format tiles) use waterless adhesives. LOCATION: Italy (Bonassola, Deiva Marina/Levanto/Provincia di Spezia/Cinque Terre/Riviera/Apennines/Liguria) SYNONYMS: Levanto Rosso, Red Levanto, Rojo Lavanto, Rojo Levante, Rossa di Levante, Rosso di Lepanto, Rossolavane, Rosso Lavanto, Rosso Levano, Rosso Levante, Rosso Levantino, Rouge Levantin, Roter Lepanto, Rouge Levanto CAN BE SEEN AT: the Versailles, France in the Salon des Chien, (fireplace); The Curtis Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA.
Bulk Density:	2,730 - 2,800 kg/m³
Bending strength:	8.8 - 9.0 MPa
Compression breaking load:	72.9 - 94.5 MPa
Absorption:	3.15 %
Abrasion resistance:	5.5 mm (Amsler), Not frost resistant, takes a high polish

Santa Cecilia
A coarse-grained, yellow-grey gneiss. This stone internationally is nominated as a granite. For the US and Chinese market this is correct according to ASTM C 119 resp. GB/T 17670. In the area of application of the European Standard (EN) this stone must be nominated as gneiss because the EN 12440 demands a scientific terminology for the denomination of natural stones, determined with a petrografic examination according to EN 12407 and 4.2 of prEN 12670. In case of doubt please ask your supplier. USES: Construction stone, ornamental stone. LOCATION: Brazil SYNONYMS: Giallo Cecilia, Amarelo Cecilia, Amarelo Santa Cecilia, Brazil Gold, Giallo S. Cecilia, Giallo S. Cecilia Original, Giallo San Cecilia, Giallo Santa Cecilia, Giallo St. Cecilia, Juparana Santa Cecilia, Santa Cecilia Yellow, St. Cecilia, Yellow Santa Cecilia, Yellow St Cecilia
Bulk Density:	2,640 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	10.40 MPa
Compressive Strength:	161.87 MPa
Water Absorption:	0.36%

Tan Brown
A black-brown cordieritefels with big, shapeless, brown-red feldspar crystals. USES: Construction stone, ornamental stone. LOCATION: India (Karimnagar/Andhra Pradesh/West and Eastghats)
Bulk Density:	2,694 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	25.4 MPa
Compression Breaking Load:	121.0 MPa
Abrasion Resistance:	1.41 mm
Water Absorption:	0.03%

Travertino Navona
A light beige travertine of the Pleistocene/Holocene period. USES: Construction stone, ornamental stone LOCATION: Italy (Bagni di Tivoli, Barco, Guidonia/Provincia di Roma/Lazio) SYNONYMS: Navona, Navona Travertine, Navone, Remo, Roma Navona Weiss, Travertin Clair, Travertin Navona, Travertine Navona, Travertino Navone, Travertino Remo, Travertino Romano Navona (according to EN 12440, addendum A), Travertino Romano Chiaro
Bulk Density:	2,440 - 2,470 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	13.24 - 15.60 MPa
Compressive Strength:	107.42 - 110.9 MPa
Water Absorption:	0.85 - 2.0%
Abrasion Resistance:	0.50 mm

Tropic Brown
Medium-grained, brown granite of the Precambrian period USES: Ornamental stone inside and outside LOCATION: Saudi Arabia (Bir Askar/50 km W Najran/near the border to Yemen) SYNONYMS: Ghadeer, Askar Brown, Beir Askar, Bis Askar, Bir Askar Brown, Desert Brown, Falcon Brown, Havana Brown, Najran Brown, Najron Brown, Nayarin Brown, Tropical Brown, Tropical Brown Granite
Bulk Density:	2,660 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	12.46 – 18.74 MPa
Compressive Strength:	163 – 174 MPa
Water Absorption:	0.31% vol.

Verde Butterfly
A coarse- to very coarse-grained, dark grey-green quartz monzonite. This stone internationally may be nominated as a granite. For the US- and Chinese market this is correct according to ASTM C 119 resp. GB/T 17670. But in the area of application of the European Standard (EN) this stone must be nominated as monzonite because the EN 12440 demands a scientific terminology for the denomination of natural stones, determined with a petrografic examination according to EN 12407 and 4.2 of prEN 12670. In case of doubt please ask your supplier. Mineral distribution on the average: perthitic orthoclase: 50%, oligoclase: 30%, quartz: 12%, orthopyroxene: 8%. Uses: building stone, ornamental stone. Location: Brazil (quarry RN 000165/Corrego do Jao/Vila Pavao/Espirito Santo) Synonyms: Butterfly Green, Butterfly Verde, Granite Butterfly Green, Granito Verde Butterfly, Green Butterfly, Verde Papillon
Bulk Density:	2,670 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	9.13 MPa
Compressive Strength:	101.20 MPa
Abrasion Resistance:	0.41 mm
Water Absorption:	0.15%

Verde Ubatuba
A medium- to coarse grained, olive-green granite (charnockite) of the Precambrian period with large quantities of quartz and some red garnets. USES: Ornamental Stone. LOCATION: Brazil (Ubatuba/Sao Paolo) SYNONYMS: Bahia Green, Emerald Green Granite, Granito Verde Ubatuba, Green Obatooba, Green Ubatuba, Labrador Green, Lincoln, Lincoln Gruen, Ooba Tooba, Ooba Tuba Granite, Ooba Toba, Tuba Granite, Uba Tuba, Uba-Tuba, Ubatuba, Ubatuba Gold, Ubatuba Green, Verde Amazonas, Verde Amazonia, Verde Bahia, Verde Minas, Verde Ubatuba Gold
Bulk Density:	2,690 - 2,740 kg/m³
Bending Strength:	12.46 - 17.2 MPa
Compression Breaking Load:	178.5 - 188.5 MPa
Water Absorption:	0.18 - 0.22%
Interior Applications Only

Vermont Verde Antique®
This is one of the world’s most beautiful and best known serpentine marbles. There is no other marble in the world today which compares with it in color, strength and durability. Vermont Verde Antique® green serpentine marble is generally considered the only marble which can be reliably recommended with a polish finish for exterior use. Its decorative characteristics make it adaptable for interior use, particularly for floors and stairways. It also makes for a magnificent kitchen counter top. Vermont Verde Antique® has been a favorite of architects, designers and builders for decades. This beautiful dark green serpentine marble has been used in countless projects both domestically and internationally. Information provided by: Vermont Verde Antique LLC Technical Properties:
Property	Value English	Value Metric	ASTM Test Method
Absorption by Weight, % (%)	0.15	0.15	C 97
Density, lbs/ft³ (kg/m³)	179	2,870	C 97
Compressive Strength, lbs/in² (MPa)	26,100	180	C 170
Abrasion Resistance (Ha)	110	Not Established	C 241
Flexural Strength, lbs/in² (MPa)	4,840	33.4	C 880

The information provided above is copied from Natural Stones Worldwide DVD by a licensed agreement with Abraxas Verlag GmbH, Harsumer Muehlenweg 7, D- 31180 Hasede, Germany, Fax: +49/5121-77 73 74, Phone: 77 71 63, Email: mail@abraxas-verlag.de.

Current physical property values, representative of production stock, must be obtained from the supply source prior to final design decisions and/or calculations are completed.

The Natural Stones Worldwide DVD is available for purchase from the MIA bookstore. It contains 10,600 colored images of stones that can easily be sent directly from the DVD via email. It also features information on 15,182 different dimensional stones including quarry owners, wholesale information, color, geographic location, etc. Windows 2000 or higher required.

Because stone is a product of nature, testing to determine specific physical qualities should be repeated for each project.

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