Blanco Alconera Marble is a distinctive type of marble quarried in Alconera, Badajoz, Spain. It's renowned for its elegant appearance and excellent mechanical properties, making it highly desirable for ornamental and architectural uses. Below is a detailed description of its characteristics, physical and mechanical properties, chemical composition, and various applications and surface finishes.

Physical and Mechanical Properties

• Water Absorption: 0.10% Indicates low porosity, enhancing its resistance to staining and water damage.

• Density: 2730 kg/m³ A dense stone, indicative of its durability and substantial weight.

• Flexural Strength: 15.2 MPa Demonstrates the stone’s ability to withstand bending forces, suitable for structural applications.

• Compressive Strength: 140.0 MPa High strength allowing it to endure significant weight and pressure, ideal for flooring and load-bearing installations.

• Hardness:While not specified in exact figures, Blanco Alconera Marble typically exhibits adequate hardness to resist scratching and abrasion.

• Porosity: Low, Ensures durability and longevity, minimizing the space for water and other elements to penetrate.

• Slip Resistance:Generally considered good, especially with specific finishes that enhance grip, such as honed or brushed surfaces.

Chemical and Mineral Composition

• Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃): Predominantly high, as is characteristic of most marbles.
• Other Minerals: May include traces of quartz, clay, micas, and feldspar contributing to its variegated veining.
• Iron Oxides and Organic Matter: Responsible for various vein colors.

Usage

• Interior Applications:Flooring, wall cladding, countertops, staircases, and fireplaces.

• Exterior Applications:Facades, pavements, and columns, thanks to its frost resistance.

• Ornamental Uses:Sculptures, monuments, and decorative pieces.

Maintenance

• Regular cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner to maintain its luster.
• Sealers recommended for protecting surface from stains and water infiltration.
• Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners which can damage the surface over time.

Cutting Sizes

• Available in standardized tiles and slabs which can be cut to various sizes. Common tiles sizes include 30x30 cm, 60x60 cm, and slabs often in varying thickness from 2 cm to 3 cm.

Surface Finish Options

• Polished: For a high-gloss, reflective finish highlighting the marble's natural beauty and colors.
• Honed: Matte finish with a smooth feel, providing a more understated and elegant look.
• Brushed/Antiqued: Adds texture, increasing slip resistance especially for flooring.
• Sandblasted or Bush-hammered: For a rougher texture, enhancing anti-slip properties in exterior settings.

Blanco Alconera Marble is thus a versatile and sophisticated material, appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and robust physical attributes, making it suitable for a variety of both traditional and contemporary design projects.

* Limy re-crystallized of Cambrian age and of thin grain. Good mining. Medium to big blocks.

• Petrographic description:Limy re-crystallized
• Opened porosity : 0,1 %
• Apparent density : 2730 Kg/m³
• Resistance to the graze : 24,5 mm
• Resistance to the compression : 140 MPa
• Resistance to the concentrated load deflection: 15,2 MPa
• Microhardness knoop : 1676 MPa
• Resistance to shock : 25 cm
• Water absorption for capillarity : 0,1 g/m” · s0,5
• Resistance to ice : 0 % variation flexion after cycles
• Resistance to the crystallization of salts : 0,1 % Mass variation
• Break charge : 2550 N