Marmo Rubbio

About
Item Details
- Material Type:
- Marble
- Origin:
Italy (Province of Vicenza (VI), Veneto) - Recommended Usage:
- Kitchen and bathroom countertops, wash basins, building stone, ornamental stone, stairs, interior, exterior wall and floor applications, mosaic, waterjet pattern, wall panels, table tops, balustrades, columns, wall and pool copings, pool pavers, fireplaces
- Additional Names:
- Rosa Rubbio Marble
- Finished Surface:
- Polished,Bush Hammered,Tumbled,Brushed,Honed,Split,Machine Cut,Natural Surface,Sandblasted,Combed,Leathered,Water Jet,Filled,Chiseled,Pickling
Testing
- Water Absorption:
- 1.5 – 3.5%
- Density:
- 2450 – 2600 Kg/m³
- Flexural Strength:
- 7 – 10 MPa
- Compressive Strength:
- 70 – 90 MPa
Description
Geological Classification: Fossiliferous Limestone (commercially sold as "marble")
Commercial Designation: Marble
Marmo Rubbio is a distinctive and historically significant stone quarried in the Veneto region of Italy. Characterized by a warm golden-beige base, it is interspersed with dry rose and light brown shades, and features dramatic darker veins, streaks, and shell fossil segments. This stone is not a true metamorphic marble but a sedimentary fossiliferous limestone, which gives it a unique, organic texture and pattern. It is prized for its warm, classic aesthetic and historical authenticity, often used in restoration projects and traditional architecture.
Visual & Physical Characteristics
- Base Color: Warm golden beige
- Secondary Colors: Dry rose, light brown, ochre
- Pattern & Features: Dark brown to gray veins and streaks; abundant shell fossil segments (rudists, bivalves) visible as elliptical or circular inclusions; nodular, brecciated appearance.
- Texture: Medium to coarse crystalline; visibly fossiliferous with a matte, natural feel. Less uniform and more organic than true marble.
- Light Interaction: Low to moderate reflectivity; honed or natural finishes are most common, giving a soft, matte appearance.
- Overall Mood: Warm, rustic, historical, organic, and texturally rich.
Available Surface Finishes
- Honed/Natural Split: Most common. Provides a smooth, matte surface that reveals the stone's full color and fossil detail.
- Brushed/Tumbled: Enhances the stone's rustic, textured character and softens edges.
- Polished: Less common, as it can create a slippery surface and may not suit the stone's rustic nature, but it will darken colors and enhance contrast.
- Bush-hammered: Creates a heavily textured, anti-slip surface for outdoor paving.
Technical Specifications (Typical for Fossiliferous Limestone)
- Water Absorption UNI EN 13755: 1.5 – 3.5% (High - characteristic of limestone)
- Density UNI EN 1936: 2.45 – 2.60 g/cm³
- Compressive Strength UNI EN 1926: 70 – 90 MPa
- Flexural Strength UNI EN 12372: 7 – 10 MPa
- Abrasion Resistance UNI EN 14157: Low to Moderate (18-25 mm)
- Hardness (Mohs Scale) Mineral Test: 3 – 4
- Frost Resistance UNI EN 12371: Fair to Good when properly selected and installed. More porous than marble but can be used outdoors in appropriate climates.
Chemical Composition
- CaCO₃ (Calcite): 92-97%
- MgCO₃ (Dolomite): 1-4%
- SiO₂ (Quartz/Clay): 2-5%
- Fe₂O₃/Al₂O₃: 0.5-2% (Source of brown, rose, and darker tones)
Mineral Composition-Petrographic Analysis
- Calcite: Primary mineral (matrix and fossil shells).
- Fossil Fragments: Rudist shells, bivalves (visible as segments).
- Iron Oxides/Clay Minerals: Provide darker veining and color variations.
- Quartz: Accessory mineral.
Primary Applications
- Historical Restoration & Renovation: Iconic for restoring Venetian villas, historic buildings, and churches in the Veneto region.
- Traditional Flooring & Paving: Interior and exterior flooring in rustic, classic, or country-style settings.
- Wall Cladding & Facades: Interior feature walls and exterior ventilated facades (with proper engineering).
- Landscaping & Outdoor Paving: Garden paths, courtyards, pool copings (with appropriate non-slip finish).
- Decorative Elements: Window sills, stair treads, fireplace surrounds, columns.
- Sculpture & Carving: Due to its workability.
Maintenance Guidelines
- Sealing: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, especially for exterior use, flooring, and areas prone to staining. Use a penetrating, breathable stone sealer suitable for limestone. Reapplication is necessary every 1-2 years for exterior applications.
- Cleaning: Use pH-neutral stone cleaners. Avoid acidic cleaners (vinegar, citrus) which will etch the calcite surface.
- Protection: While durable in its traditional applications, it is softer and more porous than granite. Use protective pads under furniture and clean spills promptly.
- Outdoor Care: Ensure proper slope for drainage to prevent water pooling and freeze-thaw damage. The presence of clay minerals can make it more susceptible to weathering in harsh climates. Professional installation is key.
Key Distinction:
Limestone vs. Marble Geology: Marmo Rubbio is a sedimentary rock (limestone) formed from the accumulation of shells and calcium carbonate on an ancient sea floor, not a metamorphic rock (marble) recrystallized under heat and pressure.
Implications: It is generally more porous, less dense, and has lower mechanical strength than true marble. However, it offers unmatched warmth, texture, and historical character.
Commercial Term: The name "Marmo" is a traditional commercial and architectural term in Italy, often used for any polished decorative stone, not a strict geological classification.
Note: When specifying Marmo Rubbio, it is crucial for architects and clients to understand its limestone properties—particularly its porosity and need for robust sealing—to ensure its performance and longevity match the project requirements.


















