2010-01-29
Breccia is an Italian word for fragments of countertop , and from old German, "break-fracture".
Breccias consist of angular china granite fragments related to the rocks from which they were derived, Culture Stone or Marble, and cemented together in a very fine to medium-grained matrix. This cementing matrix is generally composed of silica, calcite, iron oxides and clay minerals.
GROUP
Sedimentary
COMMON
ROCK-FORMING MINERAL GROUP
Calcareous
COMPOSITION
Depends on the rock mass from which it was derived.
HARDNESS
Soft to Medium MOHS' SCALE 3 - 4
POROSITY %
Generally breccias have a higher porosity ratio than their original rock formation.
ABSORPTION %
Same as above.
WEATHERING
CHARACTERISTICS
Breccias have a moisture sensitive history.
TENDENCIES
Absorbs oils and other liquids...Depending on whether the rock mass was of calcium carbonate composition or of dolomite, acid sensitivity will vary.
COLORS
Variable, depending on the rock mass from which it was derived.
FINISHES
Polished
NOTATIONS
Due to the moisture sensitivity of breccias it is highly recommended that this class of stones not be used in wet areas and exterior installations. Moisture barrier membranes should also be incorporated in the installation process. Treating breccias with a water repellent is highly recommended.
Breccias are the result of various geological activates. Some have been formed within the earth due to movement along faults causing fracturing and shattering and over time these rock masses become reconsolidated. Deep in the earth marble formations are fractured during seismic activities and over time cemented together again by mineral solutions. They are also the result of the consolidation of landslides.
Commercially Breccias have been classified as a "Marble", because these stones can be polished.
