Spectrolite Granite From Finland

Spectrolite Granite From Finland

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Synonyms: Finlandia Blau Spektrolit, Finlandia Blue, Finnischer Labrador, Labradorfels, Spectrolit, Spectrolith, Spectrolite, Spektroliitti, Spektrolite, Spektrolith, Spektrolyt, Spektrolyth

Origin: Finland, Nuijama, Ylaemaa

Quarrying began in 1982
Amount of Quarries: 3

Mechanical Properties
Density: 2780 kg/m3
Water absorption: 0,16 wt %
Compressive strength: 215 MPa
Flexural strength: 12,8 MPa
Hardness: 6,0 Mohs

Mineral Composition
Plagioclase: 81%
Quartz: 4%
Pyroxene: 10%
Other: 5%

Variation in colour: Average
Weather Resistance: Good
Abrasion Resistance: Good

This stone internationally may be nominated as a granite however in the area of application of the European Standard (EN) this stone must be nominated as anorthosite.

Spectrolite, a black anorthosite gabbro from Ylämaa. Spectrolite is a coarse-grained, non-foliated deep grey or black anorthosite gabbro with individual, sparkling spectrolite crystals, ranging from 5 to 50 mm in size. All interior and outdoor uses, especially table tops and interior decoration. Spectrolite crystals are also used in jewellery.

Anorthosite: A phaneritic, intrusive igneous rock characterized by a predominance of plagioclase feldspar (90-100%), and a minimal mafic component (0-10%). Pyroxene, ilmenite, magnetite, and olivine are the mafic minerals most commonly present.

Local Geology: Savonkivi's the leading gem spectrolite producer in Finland and this dark spectrolite is not beeing quarried elsewhere in the world. Our office is situated in Kuopio, but the spectrolite quarry itself is located in Ylämaa in Eastern Finland.

Comment: Rough blocks are classifyed to two categories: premium quality blocks and so called mass blocks. The premium quality blocks are numbered. We provide sales dimensions, weight measures, volume and weight information in our available block lists. The so called mass blocks are not shaped and might have some colour and/or crack defects. Mass blocks could be chosen by customers themselves at the quarry. Our products are spectrolite rough blocks of which 95 % are exported abroad. The main export countries are Italy, Germany, USA and China.

Spectrolite Quarry (photo courtesy of Savon Kivi Oy)