Aquarela Quartzite
Product Overview Aquarela Quartzite is a geological masterpiece that blurs the line between natural stone and fine art. Quarried in Brazil, this exotic quartzite is characterized by its fluid, painterly movement of colors—ranging from rich violet and burgundy to soft greens and greys.
The most striking feature of Aquarela is its crystalline quartz inclusions. Large sections of the slab are composed of pure, semi-translucent quartz crystals. Under natural light, they add depth and sparkle; when backlit with LEDs, they glow with a warm, fiery intensity, transforming the stone into a dynamic light installation.
We are a direct stone manufacturer in China. We import premium Aquarela blocks directly from Brazil and process them in our facility. Our expertise allows us to maximize the translucent potential of this stone through precise cutting and polishing.
Stone Characteristics
- Stone Type: Exotic Natural Quartzite
- Origin: Brazil (Processed in China)
- Texture: Fluid, Swirling, Crystalline
- Translucency: Partial (Crystal veins are highly translucent)
- Hardness: Very High (7 on Mohs Scale)
Technical Specifications (Data based on standard ASTM/EN testing)
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2.65 – 2.70 | g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption | 0.10 – 0.20 | % |
| Compressive Strength | 180 – 200 | MPa |
| Flexural Strength | 18 – 22 | MPa |
| Porosity | Low | – |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 | Scale |
| Acid Resistance | High | – |
Color & Pattern Description Aquarela offers a complex, multi-dimensional palette:
- Base Tones: A swirling mix of Purple, Bordeaux Red, and Slate Grey.
- Highlights: Streaks of Olive Green and Golden Brown.
- Crystal Veins: Distinct bands of clear or milky white quartz crystals run through the slab. These areas are translucent.
- Movement: The pattern flows organically like a river or a watercolor painting (“Aquarela” means watercolor in Portuguese).
Key Advantages
- Backlit Capability: The crystal veins create a unique “lava lamp” effect when illuminated from behind.
- Extreme Durability: Despite its delicate look, it is a hard quartzite that resists scratching and etching.
- Artistic Impact: Every slab is unique, serving as a natural mural for feature walls.
- Versatility: Suitable for kitchen countertops (hard) and decorative walls (beautiful).
Recommended Applications Luxury Interior
- Backlit Feature Walls: Install LED panels behind the slab to highlight the crystal veins.
- Kitchen Islands: A durable yet stunning centerpiece. Waterfall edges are recommended to show the flow of the pattern.
- Fireplace Surrounds: The warm colors (red/purple) complement the fire perfectly.
- Bar Tops: Illuminated bar counters for hotels and clubs.
Furniture & Decor
- Dining Tables: Custom stone tables with integrated lighting.
- Console Tops: Artistic statement pieces for entryways.
Available Finishes
- Polished: The best choice to enhance the translucency of the crystals and the saturation of the colors.
- Leathered: Adds a tactile texture that follows the movement of the veins, though it reduces the backlit effect slightly.
- Honed: A matte finish for a softer, more understated look.
Standard Sizes & Customization
- Slabs: Jumbo slabs (approx. 3000 x 1800 mm).
- Thickness: 18 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm.
- Cut-to-size: We offer precision cutting for complex geometric designs.
- Backlight Prep: We can thin the stone or mount it on glass for enhanced light transmission.
Processing & Fabrication Options
- Book-Matching: Highly recommended. The swirling patterns create incredible symmetrical images (like a Rorschach test) when mirrored.
- Mitered Edges: Used to create the look of a solid block.
- Lamination: For large backlit panels, we reinforce the stone to ensure safety.
Installation Notes
- Lighting: Use 3000K (Warm White) LEDs to enhance the golden/red tones of the crystals.
- Adhesive: Use clear epoxy for the crystal sections to avoid visible glue lines.
- Layout: A dry-lay is mandatory to align the complex veins across seams.
- Sealing: Recommended upon installation to protect the micropores in the crystal sections.
Maintenance Guide
- Clean with warm water and mild soap.
- Avoid abrasive scouring pads.
- It is heat resistant, but trivets are recommended.
- Re-seal annually to maintain stain resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Aquarela Quartzite fragile because of the crystals? The crystal sections are pure quartz, which is hard but can be brittle. However, during processing, we reinforce the slabs with high-quality resin and mesh, making the final product extremely structurally sound for installation.
Q2: Can I use it for a kitchen countertop? Yes. Unlike onyx (which is soft), Aquarela is a true quartzite. It is harder than granite and resistant to lemon juice and vinegar, making it an excellent choice for kitchens.
Q3: Does the whole slab light up? No. Only the crystalline quartz veins are translucent. The purple and grey sections are generally opaque. This creates a dramatic contrast between light and dark when backlit.
Q4: What cabinet colors work best?
- Dark Grey/Black: Creates a moody, dramatic look.
- Cream/Beige: Highlights the warm tones in the stone.
- Natural Wood: Complements the organic, earthy feel.
Q5: Is book-matching available? Yes. We specifically select blocks that allow for book-matching because the fluid pattern looks spectacular when mirrored.
Q6: What is the lead time? We stock raw blocks. Slab production takes 10-14 days. Custom backlit projects may take longer depending on complexity.
Q7: Can I use it outdoors? Yes, it is UV resistant. However, backlighting is difficult to achieve effectively outdoors due to sunlight interference.
Q8: How do you ship it? We use extra-strong fumigated wooden bundles. Slabs are packed face-to-face with plastic sheets to prevent scratching.
Q9: Is it expensive? It is a Premium Exotic stone. The price reflects its rarity and the complexity of its quarrying and processing.
Q10: Can you provide the LED system? We focus on the stone fabrication. We can recommend LED specs, but we advise working with a local electrician for installation.
Q11: Does it stain? Quartzite has low porosity, but the crystal areas can absorb oil. Sealing is essential and effective.
Q12: Is waterjet cutting possible? Yes, but it requires slow cutting speeds to prevent the crystals from chipping. Our factory is experienced in this.
Why Choose Caron Stone Caron Stone is your expert partner for exotic backlit stones. We understand the unique properties of Aquarela Quartzite and use specialized techniques to cut and polish it without damaging the delicate crystals. From raw slabs to fully illuminated feature walls, we deliver perfection from our China factory to the world.
