Azul Mara Granite

Azul Mara Granite is a captivating and durable natural stone quarried in La Playa, Province of Córdoba, Argentina. It features a coarse-grain texture with a silver-gray and bluish base, adorned with dark blue speckles that create an intricate and vibrant pattern. Known for its strength and aesthetic appeal, Azul Mara Granite is ideal for both interior and exterior applications.

Texture and Pattern

• Base Color: A blend of silver-gray and bluish shades, giving it a cool and elegant appearance.
• Grain Pattern: Coarse-grain texture with dark blue speckles dispersed throughout, adding visual depth and contrast.
• Pattern Consistency: Medium variation, with natural changes in the density of blue speckles across slabs.
• Surface Texture: Polished for a reflective finish or available in various textured finishes for different applications.

Test Results and Technical Specifications

• Density: 2700 – 2750 kg/m³
• Compressive Strength: 160 – 180 MPa
• Flexural Strength: 13.5 – 15.0 MPa
• Water Absorption: 0.15% – 0.20% by weight
• Porosity: Low, ensuring high resistance to moisture and environmental factors.
• Slip Resistance: Polished surfaces have lower slip resistance, while honed, brushed, or flamed finishes offer improved traction.

Chemical and Mineral Composition (% by weight)

• Quartz (SiO2): 28% – 32%
• Feldspar (K2O, Na2O·Al2O3·SiO2): 55% – 60%
• Biotite and Hornblende (FeO, MgO): 5% – 7%
• Plagioclase Feldspar: 3% – 5%
• Iron Oxides (Fe2O3): 0.8% – 1.2% (responsible for the blue speckles) 

Hardness and Durability

• Mohs Hardness: 6 – 7, ensuring high resistance to scratches and abrasion.
• Durability: Exceptional durability, suitable for high-traffic areas and heavy-use applications.
• Weather Resistance: Excellent performance under varying climate conditions, including heat and frost.
• Impact and Wear Resistance: Highly resistant to impacts, making it ideal for exterior and commercial projects.

Usage and Applications

Azul Mara Granite’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for numerous applications: 

• Interior Applications: Flooring, wall cladding, feature walls, and fireplace surrounds. 
• Countertops: Ideal for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar tops due to its durability and stain resistance.
• Furniture Tops: Perfect for tabletops, console tops, and custom-designed furniture.
• Staircases and Thresholds: Provides a sophisticated and long-lasting finish.
• Outdoor Applications: Suitable for pavers, facades, and outdoor countertops due to its weather resistance.

Maintenance and Care

• Sealing: Annual sealing is recommended to enhance stain resistance and protect against moisture.
• Cleaning: Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner to preserve its natural beauty. Avoid acidic or abrasive agents.
• Polishing: Periodic re-polishing restores the granite’s shine and enhances its natural colors.
• Stain Prevention: Wipe spills promptly, particularly acidic substances like wine, citrus, and vinegar, to prevent surface etching.

Cutting Sizes and Thickness Options

Slab Sizes:

• Standard slab dimensions range from 260 – 320 cm x 150 – 200 cm (102 – 126 inches x 59 – 79 inches).

Tile Sizes:

Custom tile sizes can be cut based on project requirements:

• 60 x 60 cm (24 x 24 inches)
• 30 x 60 cm (12 x 24 inches)
• 60 x 120 cm (24 x 48 inches)
• Other custom dimensions available upon request.

Thickness Options:

• 2 cm (0.79 inches) – Ideal for wall cladding, flooring, and countertops.
• 3 cm (1.18 inches) – Preferred for heavy-duty applications such as countertops and stair treads. 

Surface Finish Options

• Polished: Enhances the silver-gray and blue hues while providing a glossy and reflective surface.
• Honed: Offers a smooth, matte finish that highlights the natural patterns while minimizing glare.
• Brushed/Leathered: Creates a textured, natural look that enhances the grain and speckle patterns.
• Flamed: Rough, slip-resistant surface, ideal for outdoor applications.
• Tumbled: Antiqued and weathered appearance, perfect for rustic and traditional designs. 

Packaging and Shipping

• Slabs: Secured in wooden bundles with reinforced straps to prevent breakage during transport.
• Tiles: Packed in wooden crates with foam and plastic protection for safe handling.

Azul Mara Granite’s striking silver-gray and bluish tones, accented by dark blue speckles, combined with its durability and versatility, make it a perfect choice for high-end architectural and design applications.