Morocco Sahara Brown Marble is a distinctive and elegant natural stone quarried in Biougra, near Agadir in southern Morocco (Sud Maroc). It is known for its rich deep brown base, contrasted with light rusty brown veining, subtle white features, and earthy gray shades, making it a favored choice for luxurious interior and architectural applications.

Description

• Name: Sahara Brown Marble
• Origin: Biougra, Agadir region, Morocco
• Type: Metamorphic Marble
• Color Range: Deep brown background with rusty brown, soft white features, and gray undertones
• Grain: Fine to medium grain
• Pattern: Flowing veining, streaks, and cloudy textures in an earthy brown palette with occasional linear or wavy formations

Technical Properties

• Water Absorption: 0.24 – 0.35%
• Density: ~ 2,690 – 2,720 kg/m³
• Compressive Strength: ~ 102 – 128 MPa
• Flexural Strength: ~ 12 – 17 MPa
• Abrasion Resistance: Moderate
• Hardness (Mohs): Approx. 3 – 4
• Porosity: Low to Medium

Chemical Composition (% by weight)

(Average values – may vary slightly based on quarry layer)

• CaCO₃ (Calcium Carbonate): 92 – 95%
• MgCO₃ (Magnesium Carbonate): 1 – 2%
• SiO₂ (Silica): 1 – 2.5%
• Fe₂O₃ (Iron Oxide): 0.8 – 1.2%
• Al₂O₃ (Alumina): 0.3 – 0.5%
• Other Trace Elements: <1%

Mineral Composition

• Calcite (dominant)
• Dolomite Quartz (minor)
• Iron Oxides & Clay minerals – give the brown/rust tones

Applications

Sahara Brown Marble is widely used in:

• Interior flooring and wall cladding
• Bathroom and vanity tops
• Staircases
• Kitchen countertops (with sealing)
• Tabletops, fireplace surrounds
• Decorative panels and columns
• Luxury hotel and villa lobbies

Maintenance

• Sealing: Recommended especially in wet or food-preparation areas
• Cleaning: Use pH-neutral stone cleaner only; avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners
• Polishing: Can be repolished to restore original luster
• Scratch Resistance: Moderate – use protective measures on working surfaces

Available Cutting Sizes (cm)

Slabs:

• 2 cm & 3 cm thickness (most common)
• Jumbo size available: ~270 x 160 cm or larger

Tiles:

• 30x30 cm
• 30x60 cm
• 60x60 cm
• 60x120 cm
• Custom sizes on demand

Surface Finishes Available

• Polished – High gloss to bring out contrast and veins
• Honed – Smooth matte, elegant for modern interiors
• Brushed / Antiqued – Aged texture with soft surface feel
• Sandblasted – For slip resistance in outdoor use
• Leathered – Slight texture with a soft touch, elegant look
• Tumbled – For rustic-style tiles or mosaics

Quarry Status

Quarry Location: Active marble quarries are located near Biougra in the Souss-Massa region, about 30 km southeast of Agadir.

Current Quarry Status: Active and operational, with steady block production and increasing export interest, especially from Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Export Destinations & Demand Sahara Brown Marble has gained popularity in:

• Spain, France, and Italy (interiors)
• UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (luxury fit-outs)
• USA and Canada (countertops & tiles)