Rosso Francia Isabelle Marble Overview

Description:
Rosso Francia Isabelle Marble is a luxurious and vibrant natural stone, renowned for its striking appearance characterized by orange-red tones interwoven with bold white veining. This marble is quarried in the scenic region of St. Nazaire de Ladarez, near Beziers, within the Herault department in Languedoc-Roussillon, Massif Central, France. Its aesthetic appeal makes it a favorite for enhancing both traditional and contemporary architectural designs.

Physical and Mechanical Properties

• Color: Predominantly orange-red with distinct white veining.
• Water Absorption: 0.13%
• Density: 2688 kg/m³
• Compressive Strength: 156.2 N/mm²
• Flexural Strength: Typically ranges from 8-12 N/mm² (Note: while exact values may vary, this is a common range for such marbles)
• Hardness: Ranges between 3-4 on the Mohs scale
• Porosity: Generally low porosity due to its dense nature
• Slip Resistance: Moderately resistant; improves with certain finishes (e.g., honed or sandblasted)

Chemical and Mineral Composition (Approximate % by weight)

• Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃): 90-95%
• Silica (SiO₂): 1-3%
• Iron Oxide (Fe₂O₃): 0.5-1.5% (responsible for the red hues)
• Alumina (Al₂O₃): Trace amounts
• Other minerals: May occur in trace amounts, contributing to unique veining and color variations.

Usage

• Interior Applications:
• Flooring
• Wall cladding
• Bathroom vanities
• Fireplaces
• Countertops
• Exterior Applications:
• Facades
• Outdoor sculptures and landscape elements
• Decorative Elements:
• Art installations
• Furniture insets

Maintenance

• Routine Care:
• Regular dusting and cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner
• Immediate cleanup of spills to prevent staining
• Periodic sealing to maintain surface quality and prevent absorption
• Polishing: Necessary occasionally to restore shine, especially in high-traffic areas.

Cutting Sizes

• Typically available in slabs of varying thickness, commonly:
• Tiles: 30x30 cm, 40x40 cm, 60x60 cm
• Slabs: Custom sizes based on project requirements
• Thickness: Usually between 1.5 cm and 3 cm

Available Surface Finishes

• Polished: Brings out the vibrant colors and veining, providing a glossy, reflective finish.
• Honed: Offers a smooth, matte finish with less reflection.
• Brushed/Antiqued: Creates a textured, aged look.
• Sandblasted: Enhances slip resistance, suitable for exterior or wet-area flooring.

Conclusion

Rosso Francia Isabelle Marble is an exquisite choice for creating elegant and sophisticated spaces, combining durability with breathtaking aesthetics. Its maintenance, versatile applications, and various finishes make it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial projects.