Limestone

Listed in our range under Marble.

Ambrato

Ambrato is a classic southern Italian dolomite from the quarrying area of Canosa di Puglia in the province of Bari (Apulia) — listed in international stone trading as “Italian marble”, petrographically a Mesozoic dolomite (a magnesium carbonate rock). The slab shows a warm amber to honey-brown ground tone with a characteristically dense white calcite vein network in an irregular branching distribution — the name-giving “Ambrato” (Italian for amber) refers to the warm honey-coloured tonality. At ROSSITTIS we fabricate Ambrato into classic bathroom fit-outs, wall claddings with book-matched mirroring, internal floors, stairs, dining tables, window sills and warm Mediterranean accent elements with an elegant southern Italian natural stone character.

Petrographisch ein mesozoischer Dolomit – ein sedimentäres Karbonatgestein mit Calcium-Magnesium-Karbonat-Mineralogie (CaMg(CO₃)₂, im Gegensatz zu reinem Calcit-Marmor mit CaCO₃). Die Lagerstätte befindet sich im Steinbruchgebiet Canosa di Puglia in der Provinz Bari (Apulien, Süd-Italien). DNSA-Eintrag: #5743. SC-Eintrag: s2308. Im internationalen Steinhandel wird die Sortierung als „italienischer Marmor" geführt – das ist eine kommerzielle Klassifikation, petrographisch korrekt ist die Bezeichnung als Dolomit. Mineralogisch ist Dolomit mit Mohs 3,5 – 4 etwas härter als reiner Calcit (Mohs 3) und etwas säurefester, bleibt aber als Karbonatgestein nicht vollständig säurefest. Der Handelsname „Ambrato" (italienisch für bernstein-getönt) verweist auf die charakteristische warm honig- bis bernsteinfarbene Tonalität durch fein verteilte Eisen- und Mangan-Oxide.

Limestone Italy 2.800 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs

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About Ambrato

Background. Ambrato is one of the most established southern Italian dimension stones and belongs to the family of dolomitic platform carbonates from the region of Apulia (Puglia). The trade name “Ambrato” (Italian for amber) aptly refers to the warm honey-amber tonality of this selection. In the DNSA (German Natural Stone Archive) the stone is documented as entry #5743; SC entry s2308 with a complete technical database. The old DIN classifications INSK 78.9 / 6.1.77 document its historically long establishment as an Italian dimension stone. Stylistically related are other southern Italian warm-toned dimension stones such as the Emperador families (Turkish and Spanish), the Bardiglio selections (Italian) and some Iranian travertine variants.

Geology and occurrence. Petrographically, Ambrato is a Mesozoic dolomite — a sedimentary carbonate rock deposited around 100–200 million years ago in a warm tropical shelf sea and compacted by diagenesis into a dolomitic carbonate rock. The essential difference from pure calcite marbles is the mineralogical composition: dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate, CaMg(CO₃)₂) instead of pure calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO₃). This mineralogical differentiation has practical consequences: at Mohs 3.5–4, dolomite is somewhat harder than calcite (Mohs 3) and shows a somewhat reduced acid sensitivity — but as a carbonate rock it remains not fully acid-proof. The deposit lies in the quarrying area of Canosa di Puglia in the province of Bari (Apulia, southern Italy) — one of the most significant Apulian natural stone producing regions. The warm amber-honey tonality arises from finely distributed iron and manganese oxides.

Trade designation. In international stone trading, Ambrato is listed as “Italian marble” — a commercial classification that covers all readily polishable carbonate rocks. Petrographically, however, the selection is a dolomite (not a metamorphic marble in the narrower sense). This distinction is relevant for the application: dolomite is somewhat harder and more acid-proof than pure calcite marbles, with an identically polishable appearance.

Appearance. The ground tone is a warm amber to honey-brown dimension-stone beige with subtle red-brown undertones — the characteristic “ambrato” tonality that gave the selection its name. Across the surface runs the defining design feature: a dense white calcite vein network in an irregular, branching, tree-like distribution — the veins vary from hair-fine to powerfully broad and create a net-like, animated image over the warm honey-coloured ground tone. Occasional darker burgundy red-brown accent zones give the slab additional variation in depth. From a middle distance the surface reads as elegantly Mediterranean with a warm depth; close up one discovers the fine crystalline calcite structure and the geological complexity of the vein courses. Stylistically related to Emperador Light (warm beige-brown with white veining), but with a characteristically warmer amber tonality.

Technical properties (DNSA #5743 / SC s2308). Bulk density 2,800 kg/m³ (above average for marble/dolomite), compressive strength 169.8 MPa (very high), flexural strength 10.2 MPa, water absorption 0.2 %, Mohs hardness approximately 3.5–4 (dolomite). The stone therefore lies in the more stable range of the carbonate family and is statically load-bearing for floor and wall applications. Acid sensitivity: present, but somewhat reduced compared with pure calcite marbles — dolomite reacts to concentrated acids more slowly, but nevertheless does so over time. Frost resistance is not officially documented.

The ROSSITTIS range. From the slabs we fabricate bathroom fit-outs (vanity tops, wall and floor applications, showers with proper waterproofing), wall claddings with book-matched mirroring, internal floors in large or tile formats, stairs with treads and risers, dining tables, buffet and furniture tops, window sills and skirtings.

Comparison. Within the warm Italian dimension stone family, Ambrato positions itself as the warm amber-coloured Apulian choice with dense calcite veining. Related warm Italian selections are Pietra di Trani (paler, beige), Bardiglio Imperiale (greyer with warm tones) and Apulia Beige (the same producing area, calmer). Compared with Emperador Light (Turkey or Spain), Ambrato is markedly warmer in its amber tonality, with similarly dense white veining. Compared with Marrón Emperador, Ambrato is paler and warmer, more honey-like rather than chocolate-dark. Stylistically related are also travertine selections with a warm amber tonality (for example Travertino Rosso or Persian travertine).

A frank assessment. Ambrato is the ideal choice for any application calling for a warm amber-coloured Italian natural stone character with characteristic white veining. The selection performs particularly strongly as a bathroom fit-out (vanity tops, wall claddings with book-matching, floor applications with proper waterproofing), as wall cladding in Mediterranean-elegant schemes, as stairs in elegant entrance areas and as a furniture top. Anyone seeking a powerfully dark brown marble look with dramatic veining should turn to Marrón Emperador; anyone wanting an acid-proof warm amber-coloured stone for heavily used kitchen worktops should switch to a warm-toned quartzite or a porcelain.

Technical data

Guide values for the stone type, taken from manufacturer and test reports. Natural stone is a natural product — individual batches and slabs can differ. For critical applications, request slab-specific test data.

Rohdichte 2.800 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 169,8 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 10,2 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 0,20 %

Säurebeständig Nein

Suitability by application

Suitable with limitations

Bodenbelag △ Limited

Finishes

Ambrato is available in a range of finishes. The finish affects appearance, feel and the care it needs.

Poliert

Politur ist die klassischste Veredelung für Marmor und Kalkstein — eine glänzende Oberfläche mit höchstmöglicher Farbintensität und ausgeprägter Tiefenwirkung der Aderung. Je nach mineralischer Zusammensetzung kann die Wirkung stellenweise mattglänzend sein. Säureempfindlich — Wein, Zitrone und Essig hinterlassen Ätzspuren bei längerer Einwirkung.

Care & fabrication

Cleaning. In everyday use, warm water, a soft cloth or a clean mop and a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner are sufficient. Mild general-purpose cleaners without any acid content and mild washing-up foam are suitable. Wipe up spills promptly — the material is acid-sensitive (albeit somewhat less sensitive than pure calcite marbles), and drops of vinegar, wine, lemon, tomato or cola can leave etch marks on the polished surface.

Do not use. Acidic cleaners of any kind — descalers (vinegar, citric acid, formic acid), bathroom cleaners with an acid content, WC cleaners, alloy wheel cleaners, oven sprays. Even diluted acids etch carbonate rocks. Aggressive scouring pads or abrasive pastes are likewise out of the question.

Sealing. Recommended for all applications with a risk of water or soiling — bathroom, kitchen, entrance area. A premium sealer with silane/siloxane-based stone protection guards against grease, oil and water stains and reduces the visibility of drip marks. The sealer should be refreshed regularly (every 2–5 years depending on loading).

Bathroom. The classic application. Usable as wall and floor surfaces, vanity top and shower — with proper waterproofing to DIN 18534 and a premium sealer. Note: anti-limescale sprays and bathroom cleaners with an acid content are absolutely to be avoided, because they can matt-etch the carbonate surface.

Kitchen. Recommended only with reservations. Wine, vinegar, lemon, tomato juice and cola can leave etch marks on polished surfaces. Anyone wanting the warm amber-coloured appearance in the kitchen should choose a matter finish with a premium sealer — etch marks remain markedly less visible on such treatments.

Floors and stairs. The classic application. With its high compressive strength (169.8 MPa) and low water absorption (0.2 %), Ambrato is statically fully load-bearing for heavily used entrance areas and stairs.

Outdoors. Suitable with reservations. With a matter or slip-resistant textured finish and careful installation, Ambrato can be used outdoors — we recommend, however, application under a canopy or loggia. A polished external application loses its gloss in central European climates within a few years through precipitation and freeze-thaw cycles. Frost resistance is not officially documented.

Scratches and repair. In the case of matt patches, etch marks or light scratches on the polished surface, a specialist stonemason or joint-technology firm can locally repolish the slab with diamond pastes. Deeper mechanical damage can be partly concealed with tinted carbonate-based repair mortars.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of material is Ambrato?

Petrographically a Mesozoic dolomite — a sedimentary carbonate rock with a calcium magnesium carbonate mineralogy (instead of pure calcite as in marble), deposited 100–200 million years ago in a warm tropical shelf sea. The deposit lies in the quarrying area of Canosa di Puglia in the province of Bari (Apulia, southern Italy). In international stone trading the selection is listed as “Italian marble” — that is a commercial classification, not a geological marble term. DNSA entry: #5743.

What does the name “Ambrato” refer to?

“Ambrato” is Italian for “amber-toned” or “amber-coloured” and refers to the characteristic warm honey to amber tonality of this selection. The warm colouring arises from finely distributed iron and manganese oxides in the carbonate fabric.

What exactly does Ambrato look like?

A warm amber to honey-brown dimension-stone beige as the ground tone with subtle red-brown undertones, crossed by a characteristically dense white calcite vein network in an irregular, branching, tree-like distribution. Occasional darker burgundy red-brown accent zones give additional variation in depth.

What technical values does Ambrato have?

DNSA values (#5743) and SC (s2308): bulk density 2,800 kg/m³ (above average), compressive strength 169.8 MPa (very high), flexural strength 10.2 MPa, water absorption 0.2 %, Mohs hardness approximately 3.5–4 (dolomite). The stone therefore lies in the more stable range of the carbonate family. Acid-sensitive (somewhat reduced compared with pure calcite marbles). Frost resistance not officially documented.

What is the difference between dolomite and pure marble?

Dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonate, CaMg(CO₃)₂) is a mineralogical variant of carbonate rock as against pure calcite marble (CaCO₃). At Mohs 3.5–4, dolomite is somewhat harder than pure calcite (Mohs 3) and somewhat more acid-proof. As carbonate rocks, however, both are not fully acid-proof, and both have an identically polishable appearance.

Is Ambrato suitable for a kitchen?

With reservations. Wine, vinegar, lemon, tomato juice and cola can leave etch marks on polished surfaces, although the reaction is somewhat slower with dolomite than with pure calcite marble. Anyone wanting the warm amber-coloured appearance in the kitchen should choose a matter finish with a premium sealer.

Which cleaners may I use?

Warm water, all pH-neutral stone and general-purpose cleaners and mild washing-up foam are permitted. All acidic cleaners are out of the question — descalers, anti-limescale sprays with an acid content, WC cleaners, alloy wheel cleaners. Even diluted vinegar or lemon juice leaves matt etched patches over time.

Ambrato or Emperador Light?

Both are warm-toned polishable carbonate rocks with white veining. Ambrato (an Italian dolomite from Apulia) is markedly warmer and more amber-coloured with a golden honey tone; Emperador Light (Turkish or Spanish) is mid-brown with cooler beige undertones. Both have a similar care profile — the choice is a stylistic decision between a warm amber-coloured Italian effect (Ambrato) and a neutral Mediterranean brown effect (Emperador Light).