Quarried in Eichenbühl, Bavaria, Germany, Eichenbühler Mainsandstein is a traditional fine-grained, hard sandstone that has been used in German architecture for centuries, especially in heritage buildings and monuments.

Appearance & Texture

• Color: Dark brick red to reddish-brown
• Grain: Very fine-grained, compact texture
• Pattern: Mostly uniform with minimal veining; occasional mineral banding or color shading due to iron oxide concentration
• Surface Feel: Slightly gritty in natural cleft; smooth in honed finishes

Physical Properties

(tested and documented)

• Bulk Density .... 2270 kg/m³ (2.27 g/cm³)
• Water Absorption .... 5.9% by weight
• Porosity .... Medium (~14–18%)
• Compressive Strength .... 97 MPa
• Flexural Strength .... 9.3 MPa
• Abrasion Resistance .... Moderate (ASTM C241 ~30–35 mm)
• Mohs Hardness .... ~6–7 (relatively hard for sandstone)

Slip Resistance (R Rating):

• Natural/cleft: R12
• Honed: R9
• Brushed: R10
• Sandblasted: R11

Chemical Composition (% by weight)

• Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂) .... 85–90% (Quartz-rich)
• Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) .... 4–6%
• Iron Oxides (Fe₂O₃) .... 1.5–3% (responsible for red coloration)
• Calcium Oxide (CaO) .... <0.5%
• Magnesium Oxide (MgO) .... <0.3%
• Potassium/Sodium Oxides (K₂O, Na₂O) .... Trace

Mineralogical Composition

• Quartz: ~85–90%
• Feldspar (K-Feldspar, Plagioclase): ~5–7%
• Mica (Muscovite, Biotite): ~1–2%
• Iron-bearing minerals (Hematite, Limonite): ~2–3%
• Clay minerals: ~1–2% (e.g., kaolinite, illite)

Surface Finish Options

• Natural Split (Cleft): Traditional, rustic, high slip resistance
• Honed: Smooth, matte surface; ideal for interiors
• Brushed: Slightly textured, soft underfoot feel
• Sandblasted: Textured with good slip resistance
• Bush-hammered: Rough, anti-slip exterior finish
• Chiseled or Pointed: Historic restoration finish

Standard Cutting Sizes (cm)

Tiles: 30 × 30, 40 × 40, 30 × 60, 40 × 60, 60 × 60, 60 × 90, 60 × 120

Slabs:

• Thickness: 3 cm, 5 cm, 8 cm, and 10 cm
• Custom sizes for wall panels, paving, sills, and lintels
• Cut-to-size: Architectural pieces (arches, columns, copings, facade blocks)

Recommended Applications

• Exterior: Facades, paving, stairs, garden elements, fountains, landscaping
• Interior: Flooring, wall cladding, fireplace surrounds
• Restoration: Historic buildings, churches, castles
• Sculpture & Monuments: Good carvability due to fine grain

Maintenance Guidelines

• Routine Cleaning: Water and soft brushes; avoid high-pressure jets
• No Acidic Cleaners: Can damage the iron content and cause staining
• Sealant Use: Optional but can help reduce water absorption in exposed or wet areas
• Repointing: Use breathable lime-based mortars for joints in heritage work

Durability Notes

This stone is frost-resistant and ages beautifully, withstanding German weather for centuries. Ideal for both new builds and renovation of historic architecture due to its strength and traditional aesthetic.