Quarries: Khorasan Province, Mashhad region, northeastern Iran. Locally extracted and processed, then exported under trade names like Azur Quartzite or sometimes Turquoise Granite due to its vivid gemstone-like color.

Appearance Color: Rich, vibrant blue-green tones, reminiscent of natural turquoise gemstones.

Veining & Pattern: Accented by white and cream veins, sometimes interspersed with lighter blue swirls or subtle quartz crystallizations, giving a dramatic, flowing aesthetic.

Texture: Fine- to medium-grained crystalline structure. When polished, it exhibits a glassy, reflective luster; honed surfaces show a smooth, matte elegance.

Technical Characteristics

Mechanical Properties

• Mohs Hardness : ~7 (high scratch resistance)
• Compressive Strength : ~150–220 MPa (dry) 
• Flexural Strength : ~12–17 MPa
• Water Absorption : ~0.2–0.4% by weight (low)
• Density / Specific Gravity : ~2.65–2.7 g/cm³

Chemical & Mineral Composition (% by weight)

• SiO₂ (Quartz) : ~93–97%
• Al₂O₃ : ~1–2%
• Fe₂O₃ : ~0.8–1.5%
• CaO : ~0.5–1%
• MgO, Na₂O, K₂O : trace to ~0.5%
• Others (mica, feldspar, trace chlorite, tourmaline) : <1–2%

Mineralogy: Dominantly quartz interlocked with minor feldspar and occasional mica or accessory minerals. This dense interlocking gives it a granite-like toughness, despite technically being a quartzite.

Typical Sizes & Surface Finishes

Cutting Sizes

Slabs: 2 cm and 3 cm thick

Typical dimensions: ~280×160 cm to ~320×200 cm (depends on block quality)

Tiles & Cut-to-size: 30×30 cm, 60×60 cm, 60×120 cm, 80×80 cm, or custom panels

Finishes

Polished: High-gloss, brings out the vivid blue-green and crystal reflections.

Honed: Smooth, matte surface, softens color intensity.

Leathered / Satin: Lightly textured, reduces glare, tactile feel.

Brushed / Flamed: For exterior paving or anti-slip surfaces.

Usage & Applications

Interior:

• Luxury countertops, vanity tops, kitchen islands
• Wall cladding, feature walls, fireplaces
• Bathroom panels & shower walls

Exterior:

• Facades, columns, landscaping features
• Pool coping & surrounds (due to low water absorption)
• Other: Tabletops, bespoke furniture, stair treads & risers

Maintenance

Sealing: Though quartzite is generally non-porous, sealing is recommended annually to protect against stains (especially oils & wine).

Cleaning: Use pH-neutral stone cleaners. Avoid acidic or harsh cleaners that might dull the polish over time.

Durability: Excellent scratch & heat resistance; better than marble and many granites. Still recommend trivets for very hot pots.

Highlights

• Turquoise gemstone look: stunning focal point for luxury interiors.
• Hardness ~7 Mohs: more durable than many granites & marbles.
• Low absorption: suitable for kitchens, baths, and exteriors.
• Versatile finishes & sizes: easily customized for both modern & classic designs.

Azur Quartzite (Turquoise Granite) from Mashhad, Iran, is prized for its striking blue-green coloration with white veining, offering a unique, high-end alternative to both marble and traditional granites. It combines the best of beauty (like onyx or turquoise) with exceptional durability, making it ideal for upscale residential & commercial applications.