Ocean Galaxy Marble is a captivating marble with a pristine white background featuring a unique and eye-catching pattern of occasional black speckles. Quarried from the Sichuan province of China, it is a premium stone that exudes elegance and modern luxury. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the characteristics and details of Ocean Galaxy Marble:

Texture and Pattern

Background: A clean, bright white base that serves as a perfect canvas for the dramatic pattern.

Pattern: The marble features striking black speckles scattered throughout the surface, mimicking the appearance of distant stars or galaxies—hence the name "Ocean Galaxy." This juxtaposition of light and dark creates a dynamic, contemporary aesthetic.

Consistency: The distribution of black speckles is relatively uniform but can vary slightly from slab to slab, making each piece unique.

Physical Properties

Specific Gravity: 2.65 - 2.75 g/cm³ (moderate density)

Compressive Strength: 130-160 MPa (suitable for high-impact areas and heavy-duty applications)

Water Absorption: Approximately 0.10-0.20% by weight (low water absorption, making it resistant to staining)

Mohs Hardness: 3-4 (similar to other marbles, relatively soft compared to granite, but highly suitable for interior applications)

Density: 2.6-2.7 g/cm³ (moderate density that ensures durability without being overly heavy)

Chemical and Mineral Composition

Silica (SiO?): 55-60%

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO?): 35-40%

Magnesium Oxide (MgO): 0.5-1.0%

Aluminum Oxide (Al?O?): 1.0-1.5%

Iron Oxide (Fe?O?): 0.3-0.5% (trace elements contributing to the speckling pattern)

Sodium Oxide (Na?O): 0.1-0.2%

Potassium Oxide (K?O): 0.2-0.3%

Surface Finish Options

Polished: High-gloss finish that enhances the natural beauty of the marble's white background and black speckles, offering a luxurious and reflective surface.

Honed: A smooth, matte finish that gives the stone a more understated, modern look, ideal for interiors with a subtle design.

Leathered: A textured finish that provides a matte, soft sheen with a slight texture, making it suitable for both modern and rustic applications.

Brushed: A surface that has been subtly textured to provide an aged or weathered appearance, adding depth and visual interest.

Satin: A low-gloss, silky smooth surface that’s more muted than a polished finish but still retains a gentle shine, offering a balance between gloss and matte.

Cutting Sizes

Common slab sizes range from 240 cm to 300 cm in length and 120 cm to 160 cm in width.

Tiles are typically cut in standard dimensions, such as 60x60 cm, 30x60 cm, or 120x60 cm, but custom sizes are available upon request for specific projects.

Special custom cuts can be done for large projects such as flooring or countertops.

Usage

Interior Applications:

Ocean Galaxy Marble is primarily used in high-end residential and commercial projects, including:

Countertops: Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and other luxury spaces.

Flooring: Adds a contemporary and striking look to any room.

Wall Cladding: Can be used in feature walls or entire bathroom or living room walls for a bold statement.

Backsplashes: Works beautifully as a focal point in kitchens and bathrooms.

Vanities and Tabletops: Ideal for custom vanity units and luxury tabletops.

Exterior Applications:

While marble is typically used indoors, it can also be used in less exposed exterior applications, like cladding or decorative facades in sheltered areas.

Maintenance

Cleaning: Ocean Galaxy Marble is relatively easy to clean. Use mild, non-abrasive cleaners and a soft cloth. Avoid using acidic cleaners (e.g., vinegar, citrus-based) as they can damage the surface.

Sealing: Due to its natural porosity, it is recommended to seal the marble to prevent staining, particularly in kitchens or high-traffic areas. A good quality sealant will protect the surface and help maintain its beauty.

Scratch Resistance: This marble is soft compared to granite, so it is prone to scratching. Use cutting boards, trivets, and coasters to protect the surface.

Polishing: If the polished finish starts to lose its luster, re-polishing can restore its glossy look. However, the honed or leathered finishes are more forgiving in terms of wear and tear.

Shipping Method

Transport: Typically shipped via sea freight in containers. Marble is a heavy and fragile material, so it requires secure and protective packaging during transport.

Packaging: The slabs are carefully packed in sturdy wooden crates with protective padding to prevent movement or breakage during transport. Special corner protection is added to prevent chipping.

Lead Time: Shipping from China typically takes 3-6 weeks, depending on the destination and logistics.

Payment Details

Payment Terms: Commonly 30% advance upon order confirmation and 70% upon shipment or against the Bill of Lading.

Payment Methods: Payments are often made via wire transfer, L/C (Letter of Credit), or T/T (Telegraphic Transfer).

Currency: Payments are usually conducted in USD or EUR, but other currencies may be negotiated.

Packing

Ocean Galaxy Marble slabs are usually packed with wooden crates, and each slab is individually wrapped with protective foam or felt to prevent surface damage.

Optional packing: For more delicate shipments or luxury projects, custom packaging can be requested, such as additional cushioning materials or reinforced crate designs.

Ocean Galaxy Marble is a stunning, sophisticated option for any interior, offering elegance and a timeless, modern appeal. Its unique pattern of black speckles against a white background makes it a striking choice for premium design projects, whether it be for countertops, flooring, or feature walls.