Rosa Castello Granite

Rosa Castello Granite is a beautiful natural stone quarried in Sardegna, Italy. It is celebrated for its medium-grained crystalline texture and interlocking matrix of quartz, feldspar, and mica minerals. This stone is recognized for its warm palette that ranges from soft pink to rosy beige, enriched with cream and beige mineral grains punctuated by subtle darker specks, creating an elegant and balanced appearance.

Physical and Mechanical Properties:

• Water Absorption: 0.28% (indicating low porosity and high resistance to water penetration)

• Density: 2675 kg/m³ (reflecting its robustness and durability)

• Flexural Strength: 10.9 MPa (reflects its ability to resist bending)

• Compressive Strength: 140 - 163 MPa (indicates its capacity to withstand substantial loads)

• Hardness: Typically falls around 6-7 on the Mohs scale (implying strong resistance to scratching and abrasion)

• Porosity: Low porosity due to its crystalline structure, providing higher stain resistance.

• Slip Resistance: Depends on surface finish; polished finish might be less slip-resistant compared to honed or flamed finishes, making the latter better for flooring in wet areas.

Chemical and Mineral Compositions (by Weight):

Major Minerals:

• Quartz: 25-30%

• Feldspar: 60-65%

• Mica (including biotite): 5-7%

Chemical Components:

• Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂): 65-70%

• Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃): 14-18%

• Potassium Oxide (K₂O), Sodium Oxide (Na₂O): 7-13%

• Minor traces of iron, magnesium, and calcium oxides

Usage:

• Interior Applications: Kitchen countertops, vanities, fireplaces, and bathrooms due to its elegant appearance and durability.

• Exterior Applications: Facades, cladding, and outdoor kitchens owing to its resistance to weathering.

• Flooring and Staircases: Its slip resistance is suitable for staircases and high-traffic areas when honed or otherwise treated for roughness.

Maintenance:

• Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water is recommended to maintain its luster.
• Periodic sealing can enhance its longevity and resistance to stains, especially on countertops.
• Avoid acidic cleaners that might etch the surface over time.

Available Common Surface Finish Options:

• Polished: Best for countertops and indoor applications due to its high sheen and reflective quality.

• Honed: Good for areas like bathrooms and kitchens where a matte finish reduces glare and increases slip resistance.

• Flamed: Ideal for exterior applications or areas requiring enhanced slip resistance.

• Brushed: Offers a textured surface with a softened appearance, suitable for both interior and exterior uses.

Rosa Castello Granite's blend of durability, aesthetic appeal, and diverse application potentials make it a favored choice for architects and homeowners looking to infuse natural elegance into various spaces.

Test Result:

• Petrographic definition: Granite
• Massa Unit Volume: 2675 kg/m³
• Water absorption: 0.28%
• Compression breaking load (simple): 163 MPa
• Compression breaking load after freezing: 140 MPa
• Tangent elastic modulus: 60,000 MPa
• Secant modulus: N/A
• Indirect tensile strength by bending: 10.9 MPa
• Coefficient corresponding to abrasion (referred to Granite St. Fedelino): 1.09
• Impact resistance (minimum fall height): 43 cm
• Coefficient of thermal linear expansion: 14.2 × 10⁻⁵ °C⁻¹
• Knoop microhardness: 5133 MPa

 * Source: Politecnico di Torino