Anden Phyllit Matrix

Anden Phyllit Matrix is a Precambrian Brazilian mica schist from the Itinga/Itaobim quarrying area in Minas Gerais — a metamorphic schist with a fine-grained, directionally foliated structure and a characteristically dramatic swirling dark grey and silver material effect with subtle silver mica reflections. Also traded internationally as Matrix, Anden-Phyllit, Silver Shadow, Black Graphite and Black Grafite; used for statement wall claddings, floor areas, stairs, designer bar counters, book-matched schemes and prestige internal surfaces with a dramatically flowing material effect.

Anden Phyllit Matrix ist petrographisch ein Glimmerschiefer (Mica Schist) — ein metamorpher Schiefer-Typ mit dominierendem Muskovit/Sericit-Glimmer und Quarz, zwischen klassischem Tonschiefer und Glimmerschiefer angesiedelt. Bei ROSSITTIS klassifizieren wir Anden Phyllit Matrix in der Schiefer-Familie (commercial_type: slate). Der DNSA-Hinweis 'nur matte Politur möglich' ist charakteristisch für Phyllit-Schiefer und materialbedingt — Hochglanz-Politur ist nicht möglich.

Glimmerschiefer Brazil Säurebeständig 2.771 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs, Skirting, Tiles and flooring slabs · 1 of 59 reserved

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About Anden Phyllit Matrix

Anden Phyllit Matrix shows an exceptionally dramatic Brazilian mica schist character with a flowing, swirling material effect. The groundmass is a deep dark grey to almost black matrix with characteristic silver shimmer reflections coming from embedded muscovite and sericite mica. Across the slab run characteristic undulating, swirling band structures — the directional foliation typical of phyllitic schists, created by tectonic compression during metamorphism. The structure of movement recalls churned clouds or flowing currents — a dramatic geological stylistic element. The designations 'Anden Phyllit', 'Silver Shadow' and 'Black Graphite' refer to the different visual aspects of the material: 'Anden' suggests the Andean, mountain-like schist look, 'Silver Shadow' the silver mica reflections, 'Black Graphite' the almost graphite-anthracite dark groundmass. The trade name 'Matrix' (Italian/English) refers to the fine, matrix-like structure of the schist. On a satin-honed surface the stone develops a velvety matt character with a clearly legible swirling band structure and subtle silver reflections. Important: a high-gloss polish is not possible with phyllitic schists — the schistose cleavage of the material prevents a mirror polish. The DNSA confirms: only a matt polish is possible.

Geologically, Anden Phyllit Matrix is a Precambrian mica schist from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The quarries lie in the Itinga and Itaobim region, one of the significant Brazilian schist provinces. Petrographically it is a metamorphic mica schist dominated by muscovite/sericite mica and quartz — a phyllite-like rock between classic slate (a low degree of metamorphism) and mica schist (a higher degree of metamorphism). The trade designation 'Phyllit' refers to the characteristic silky lustrous surface of the mica schist type. The ROSSITTIS selection is listed under the German distributor code 'Matrix' (possibly from Roda Lehr GmbH). Several synonyms circulate in international trade: Matrix (the German trade name), Anden-Phyllit (the German designation), Silver Shadow (the English trade name — referring to the silver mica reflections), Black Graphite (the English trade name — referring to the graphite-dark groundmass), Black Grafite (the Portuguese spelling variant) and occasionally Brazilian Black Schist.

Technically, Anden Phyllit Matrix shows solid values for a mica schist: bulk density 2,771 kg/m³ (very high), compressive strength 133 MPa, flexural strength an exceptional 20.46 MPa (well above typical granite values — characteristic of a well-foliated phyllitic schist), water absorption 0.26 % (low), porosity 0.71 %, Mohs hardness 4–5 (somewhat softer than granite, but typical of mica schist). Acid resistance and probable frost resistance are confirmed for this silicate rock — wine, lemon juice, vinegar or bathroom cleaners leave no etch marks as they would on marble or limestone.

ROSSITTIS carries Anden Phyllit Matrix as a raw slab in 10, 12, 20, 30 and 40 mm thicknesses (from thin wall tiles through standard thicknesses to solid applications for stairs or paving), as tiles for floor and wall applications, as skirting and for project-specific cutting. The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page.

Compared with other Brazilian dark schists and migmatites, Anden Phyllit Matrix is an expressive choice with a dramatically swirling band structure: Tempest Black (a Brazilian migmatite with red garnets) has a similarly dark appearance but a different mineralogy; Negresco (a Brazilian slate-quartzite) has a calmer band structure; Bambui Multicolor Slate (a Brazilian slate) is multicoloured. Within the family of dark Brazilian mica schists, Anden Phyllit Matrix is the most expressive variant, with its characteristically flowing, swirling material effect. For architectural projects with a dramatically dark, flowing material effect — designer wall claddings, statement bar counters with a phyllitic character, book-matched schemes with symmetrical swirling large-scale motifs, prestige floor areas and exclusive internal surfaces with unmistakable visual movement — Anden Phyllit Matrix is an exceptional and expressive choice in the upper premium segment of Brazilian mica schists.

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 2.771 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 133,0 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 20,5 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 0,26 %

Säurebeständig Ja

Finishes

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

Satiniert

Die Oberfläche wird gebürstet — weichere Minerale werden gezielt entfernt, es entsteht eine subtile Tiefe mit mattem Erscheinungsbild. Eine zurückhaltende Veredelung, die die schieferspezifische Schichtung in eleganter Mattigkeit zeigt. Pflegeleichter als die polierte Variante und alltagstauglich.

Care & fabrication

As a Brazilian mica schist, Anden Phyllit Matrix is a robust natural stone with low water absorption (0.26 %), acid resistance as a silicate rock and an exceptionally high flexural strength (20.46 MPa). Wine, lemon juice, vinegar, cola, bathroom cleaners or descalers leave no etch marks as they would on marble or limestone.

For internal applications we recommend sealing on a silane or polysiloxane basis at first installation. On the heterogeneous phyllite-mica structure a sealer makes sense, because pigments can otherwise settle more visibly. On satin-honed surfaces, refreshing it every 5–8 years is sufficient; on heavily used floor areas, check it every 3–5 years.

Routine care is with a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner and a soft cloth or microfibre mop. Clear warm water is usually sufficient. Acidic cleaners are not in themselves a problem, but should nevertheless be avoided because they can attack the sealer. The satin-honed surface shows wiping marks less visibly than high-gloss surfaces — an advantage for heavily used applications.

Important for phyllitic schists: the Mohs hardness (4–5) means that phyllitic schist is more sensitive to mechanical impact and sharp tools than granite (Mohs hardness 6–7). For intensively used applications you should choose a sufficient material thickness.

For kitchen worktops, Anden Phyllit Matrix is suitable with reservations — it is not fully cut- and scratch-resistant like granite. Heat resistance is given, but hot pots should not be set down directly (use trivets). For intensively used professional kitchens we recommend alternative hard rocks such as Mahogany India or Steel Grey. For a designer kitchen with a dramatically dark material staging, however, Anden Phyllit Matrix can be highly expressive with careful maintenance.

For external applications we recommend a project-specific check of the data sheet for frost resistance before ordering, because the DNSA is not consistently documented for Anden Phyllit Matrix. If approved for external use, the satin-honed surface is sensible for slip resistance.

Frequently asked questions

What is Anden Phyllit Matrix geologically?

Anden Phyllit Matrix is a Precambrian mica schist from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. The quarries lie in the Itinga and Itaobim region. Petrographically it is a metamorphic mica schist dominated by muscovite/sericite mica and quartz — a phyllite-like rock between classic slate and mica schist. The trade designation 'Phyllit' refers to the characteristic silky lustrous surface.

What synonyms are there?

In international trade, Anden Phyllit Matrix also runs under the designations Matrix (the German trade name), Anden-Phyllit (the German designation), Silver Shadow (the English trade name — silver mica reflections), Black Graphite (the English trade name — graphite-dark groundmass), Black Grafite (the Portuguese spelling variant) and occasionally Brazilian Black Schist.

What technical values does Anden Phyllit Matrix have?

Solid values for a mica schist: bulk density 2,771 kg/m³ (very high), compressive strength 133 MPa, flexural strength an exceptional 20.46 MPa (well above typical granite values — characteristic of a well-foliated phyllitic schist), water absorption 0.26 % (low), porosity 0.71 %, Mohs hardness 4–5. Acid resistance is confirmed for this silicate rock.

Why is there only a satin-honed surface and no polish?

With phyllitic schists a high-gloss polish (mirror polish) is NOT possible — the schistose cleavage of the material and the fine mica flakes prevent a genuine mirror polish. The DNSA expressly confirms: only a matt polish is possible. The satin-honed surface is the optimum finish for phyllitic schist and develops the full depth of the swirling band structure with subtle silver reflections.

What are the silver reflections?

The characteristic silver shimmer reflections in Anden Phyllit Matrix come from embedded muscovite and sericite mica (pale mica minerals). Under changing light the fine mica flakes produce subtle silver reflections — hence the international trade designation 'Silver Shadow'. These silver reflections visually accentuate the swirling band structure and give the stone its characteristic visual depth.

Is Anden Phyllit Matrix suitable for book-matched installation?

Outstandingly suited — book-matching is one of the typical ways of staging this material. When two slabs are mirrored, the swirling, flowing band structure produces symmetrical, almost surreal large-scale motifs that work like frozen currents. A very fitting staging for prestige wall claddings, bar counters or designer statement surfaces in hotel lobbies, high-end restaurants and spas.

Is Anden Phyllit Matrix suitable for a kitchen worktop?

Suitable with reservations, and with limitations. At Mohs hardness 4–5, Anden Phyllit Matrix as a mica schist is more sensitive than granite or quartzite — it is not fully cut- and scratch-resistant. Heat resistance is given, but hot pots should not be set down directly. For intensively used professional kitchens we recommend alternative hard rocks. For a designer kitchen with a dramatically dark material staging and careful maintenance, however, Anden Phyllit Matrix can be highly expressive.

What finishes are available in Anden Phyllit Matrix?

The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block on this page.