Grey - Quartzite
Quarry Location: Hinterrhein, Graubünden
Water Absorption: 0.3 %
Density: 2648 kg/m³
Flexural Strength: 19.9 - 20.4 MPa
Compressive Strength: 168 - 170 MPa
Recommended Usage: Kitchen and bathroom countertops, monuments, building stone, ornamental stone, stairs, interior, exterior wall and floor applications, mosaic, waterjet pattern, wall panels, table tops, window sills, balustrades, columns, wall and pool copings, pool pavers, sculptures, fireplaces, cobbles, pavers, curbstone
Finishing Surface: Polished,Flamed,Bush Hammered,Tumbled,Brushed,Honed,Split,Machine Cut,Natural Surface,Sandblasted,Acid Washing,Combed,Leathered,Water Jet,Filled,Chiseled,Pickling
Additional Names: Rhein Grau Quarzit, Rhein Silver Quarzite, Rheinquarzit Grigioni, Bernhardin Quarzit, Hinterrhein Platten Quarzit, Hinterrhein Stein, Hinterrhein Quarzit, Hinterrheiner Quarzit, Hinterrhein Quarzit, Rheinquarzit, Rheinischer Quarzit, San Bernardino Silber Quarzite, San Bernardino Quarzite, Rhein Gray Quarzite,Rhein Quartzite
Rhein Quartzite is a diverse greenish-gray gneiss characterized by moderate to strong foliation, fine to medium grain, mica-rich layers, and occasionally intersected by white veins and eyes. It is mined at the northern foot of the San Bernardino Pass. The old Brunst quarry, situated approximately 3 km west of Hinterrhein, was recently reactivated for mining operations. Rhein Quartzite originates from the same geological formation as Valser Quartzite and San Bernardino.
Its luminosity is attributed to the high quartz content, while the slightly greenish hue is due to the presence of the mica mineral phengite. Despite its substantial quartz content (approximately 75%), Rhein Quartzite is classified as a gneiss from a petrographic standpoint. According to the established definition, a rock is designated as quartzite only if it comprises more than 90% quartz. This variety of quartzite is quarried in Hinterrhein, Graubünden, Switzerland.
Physical / mechanical characteristics:(Average values)
Apparent density: 2650 Kg/mc
Open porosity (by volume): 0,8%
Water absorption (by mass): 0,3%
Flexural strength in natural conditions: 20,4 MPa
Flexural strength after frost test: 19,9 MPa
Compression strength in natural conditions: 170 MPa
Compression strength after frost test: 168 MPa
Abrasion resistance - groove length: 15,5 mm
Slip resistance value - sand blasted (dry): 69 (SRV)
Slip resistance value - sand blasted (wet): 66 (SRV-USRV)
Breaking load at dowel-hole: 2620 N
Breaking load at dowel-hole, maximum fracture distance: 48 mm
Petrographic definition: quartzitic paragneiss
(POLITECNICO DI TORINO)