As a Brazilian dumortierite-bearing quartzite, Azul Imperial is an exceptional material with specific care requirements. With a Mohs hardness of around 7, water absorption of 0.43 % (slightly elevated for a quartzite), full acid resistance and very high compressive and flexural strength, the stone is technically outstanding for internal applications — but the care notes should be deliberately observed, because the pale blue tone and the somewhat higher water absorption react more sensitively to pigment ingress than very dense dark hard stones.
For internal applications we recommend a VERY careful silane- or polysiloxane-based sealer at first installation, preferably applied in two coats for sufficient penetration depth. Sealing is particularly important on Azul Imperial, because the pale blue groundmass can take up discolouration from strongly pigmented substances (red wine, tomato sauce, coffee, turmeric) more visibly than very dense dark quartzites. On polished surfaces we recommend renewal every 1–2 years; on heavily used kitchen worktops or bar counters, check annually — a considerably more frequent renewal than for most other quartzites.
Daily care is carried out with a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner and a soft cloth or microfibre mop. Clear warm water is usually sufficient. Acidic cleaners are unproblematic in principle (acid resistance as a silicate rock), but should nonetheless not be used, because they can attack the sealer. The finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.
Important: when strongly pigmented substances are spilled (red wine, tomato sauce, coffee, ink, turmeric), ALWAYS react quickly — even with careful sealing, these substances can cause slight discolouration on the pale groundmass if left in contact for longer. Honest expectations are sensible: Azul Imperial is a designer statement stone, not a maintenance-free all-rounder.
For kitchen worktops, Azul Imperial is well suited with careful maintenance: cut- and scratch-resistant (Mohs hardness 7), insensitive to heat (hot pots and pans can be set down directly for short periods, but prolonged heat exposure above 200 °C should still be avoided), acid-resistant and with high flexural strength for long slab overhangs. The expressive wave-band structure conceals small signs of use remarkably well. For intensively used professional kitchens we recommend alternative denser hard stones such as Mahogany India (water absorption 0.03 %); for a designer kitchen with a dramatic pastel blue material staging and deliberate care, however, Azul Imperial is an exceptional choice.
For external applications, Azul Imperial is suitable in principle given its DIN-confirmed frost resistance (10 % loss after frost) — before large-area external applications, however, we recommend a project-specific check of the data sheet with the importer and a particularly careful sealing strategy. Polished external surfaces can show loss of gloss after years in positions with heavy UV loading — and with dumortierite-bearing stones, minimal colour changes can occur under very long UV exposure over decades. For pool areas we always recommend satin-honed or textured surfaces for slip resistance. In areas with frequent salt contact (de-icing salt, pool chlorine) we recommend an additional refresh of the sealer every 6 months, because of the somewhat higher water absorption.
