Blanco Malpartida Granite

Blanco Malpartida Granite Overview:

Blanco Malpartida Granite is a premium stone quarried in Malpartida de Cáceres, Cáceres, Spain. Known for its clean, light color palette, this granite features a predominantly white to off-white base. It includes fine grey and occasional black flecks that are evenly distributed, creating a uniform and refined pattern. Its timeless and versatile aesthetic makes it suitable for a diverse array of interior and exterior architectural applications.

Physical and Mechanical Properties:

• Water Absorption: 0.4% by weight
• Density: 2610 kg/m³
• Flexural Strength: 12.0 MPa
• Compressive Strength:

        - 153.0 MPa (average)

        - 71.1 MPa (some sources report lower values)

• Hardness: Typically rated 6-7 on the Mohs scale, typical for granite, denoting good scratch resistance.
• Porosity: Generally low, contributing to its durability and resistance to staining.
• Slip Resistance: Depends on the finish, with flamed finishes offering better slip resistance than polished ones.

Chemical and Mineral Composition (% by weight):

• Quartz: 20-45%
• Feldspar (Potassium and Plagioclase): 35-60%
• Mica (Biotite and Muscovite): 5-10%
• Other minerals (trace amounts): including amphibole and other accessory minerals.

Usage:

Interior Applications:

• Countertops
• Wall cladding
• Flooring
• Bathroom vanities

Exterior Applications:

• Facades
• Paving stones
• Landscaping elements (benches, planters, etc.)

Maintenance:

• Routine cleaning with mild detergent and water is recommended.
• Periodic sealing may be required to enhance stain resistance, especially for high-use surfaces like countertops.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners which can etch the surface.

Available Common Surface Finish Options:

• Polished: Offers a high gloss finish that enhances the stone's color and patterns.
• Honed: Provides a smooth, matte finish, less glossy than polished.
• Flamed: Increases slip resistance with a rough texture, ideal for outdoor use.
• Bush-hammered: Another textural finish, offering an even roughness suitable for exterior paving.

In summary, Blanco Malpartida Granite is versatile and durable, suited for varied applications both inside and out. Its physical properties such as high density and low porosity contribute to its resilience, while the aesthetic appeal is maintained with regular care. Its adaptability in dimensions and finishes makes it a favorite choice for architectural design.

Two-Micas Granite – Cabeza de Araya

A thin-grained two-micas granite extracted from the batolith of Cabeza de Araya. The site has good access, with mining operations and average reserves.

General Characteristics

• Origin: Malpartida de Cáceres
• Province: Cáceres, Spain
• Color: White-Grey
• Petrographic Description: Muscovite granite
• Grain Size: Thin

Physical and Mechanical Properties

• Open Porosity: 1.3 %
• Apparent Density: 2,610 kg/m³
• Abrasion Resistance: 19.5 mm
• Compressive Strength: 153 MPa
• Flexural Strength (Concentrated Load): 12 MPa
• Elastic Modulus: 17,761 MPa
• Knoop Microhardness: 1,696 MPa
• Impact Resistance (Minimum Fall Height): 40 cm
• Capillary Water Absorption: 0.794 g/m²·s⁰·⁵
• Frost Resistance (Flexural Strength Variation after Cycles): 0 %
• Salt Crystallization Resistance (Mass Variation): 0.12 %
• Water Absorption at Atmospheric Pressure: 0.4 %