Here’s a detailed description of Arabescato Garfagnana Marble, a prestigious natural stone quarried in Carrara, Provincia di Lucca, Toscana, Italy:

1. General Description

Arabescato Garfagnana Marble is a highly sought-after Italian marble, characterized by a white background with dramatic dark gray to black veining that creates striking and elegant patterns. It is often used for luxurious interior and exterior applications due to its unique veining, durability, and timeless beauty.

2. Texture & Pattern

Background Color: Pure to milky white.Veining: Dark gray to black, forming bold, fluid patterns with a characteristic "arabesque" design.

Grain: Fine to medium crystalline structure, giving the marble a luminous quality.

Surface Feel: Smooth and polished in high-gloss finishes, textured in honed or brushed finishes.

3. Technical Properties

Physical Properties

• Massa Unit Volume: 2724 Kg/m³
• Water Absorption: 0.40%
• Compression Breaking Load (Simple): 132 MPa
• Compression Breaking Load after Freezing: 108 MPa
• Tangent Elastic Modulus: 76,000 MPa
• Indirect Tensile Strength by Bending: 20.7 MPa
• Abrasion Resistance Coefficient (Compared to Granite St. Fedelino): 0.69
• Impact Resistance (Minimum Fall Height): 41 cm
• Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion: 7.1 x 10^-5 °C^-1

Chemical Composition (% by Weight)

CaCO₃ (Calcium Carbonate): ~95-98%

SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide): ~0.5-2%

Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide): ~0.1-0.5%

Fe₂O₃ (Iron Oxide): ~0.1-0.3%

MgO (Magnesium Oxide): ~0.2-1%

Mineral Composition (% by Weight)

Calcite: ~95-98%

Dolomite: ~0.5-3%

Quartz & Feldspar: ~0.5-2%

Mica & Other Minerals: ~0.1-0.5%

4. Recommended Uses

Due to its durability and aesthetic appeal, Arabescato Garfagnana Marble is widely used in:

Interior Applications:

• Flooring
• Wall cladding
• Kitchen countertops
• Bathroom vanities
• Fireplaces
• Staircases

Exterior Applications:

• Facades
• Columns
• Outdoor flooring (with proper finishing)

Decorative Elements:

• Sculptures
• Custom furniture
• Tabletops

5. Surface Finish Options

Arabescato Garfagnana Marble is available in various finishes, depending on the application:

• Polished: High gloss, enhances color and veining.
• Honed: Matte finish, smooth but without reflection.
• Brushed/Antiqued: Slightly textured for a rustic look.
• Leathered: Soft, textured feel, ideal for countertops.
• Sandblasted: Rough surface, used for exterior flooring.
• Bush Hammered: Heavy texture for slip resistance.
• Flamed: Rough, heat-treated surface for outdoor use.

6. Available Cutting Sizes (cm)

Slabs:Standard Thickness: 2 cm, 3 cm

Slab Dimensions: Typically 250-320 cm x 140-200 cm

Tiles:30x30 cm,30x60 cm,60x60 cm,60x120 cm

Custom sizes available upon request

7. Maintenance & Care

Sealing: Recommended for countertops and high-traffic areas to prevent staining.

Cleaning: Use pH-neutral cleaners; avoid acidic or abrasive substances.

Polishing: For polished finishes, periodic re-polishing may be required.

Outdoor Use: Protect from extreme weather conditions; sealing is recommended.

8. Packaging & Shipping

Slabs: Wooden bundle packaging with foam protection.

Tiles: Wooden crates with plastic wrapping.

Shipping: Available via containerized sea freight or air freight for urgent orders.

Payment Terms: Typically T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) 30% advance, 70% before shipment or L/C (Letter of Credit) at sight.

Conclusion

Arabescato Garfagnana Marble is an excellent choice for high-end applications due to its striking veining, durability, and luxurious appearance. With multiple finishing options and applications, it remains one of the most iconic Italian marbles.

Petrographic definition: Marble
Massa Unit Volume: 2724 Kg/m3
Water absorption: 0.40%
Compression breaking load Simple: 132 MPa
Compression breaking load after freezing: 108 MPa
Tangent elastic modulus: 76,000 MPa
Indirect Tensile Strength by bending: 20,7 MPa
Coefficient corresponding Abrasion (referred to Granite St. Fedelino): 0.69
Impact resistance: minimum fall height: 41 cm
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion: 7.1 x 10-5 0C-1
Source: Guida “Marmi italiani” - F.lli Vallardi Editori - I.C.E. 1982