Bianco Sivec A1-A2

Geology. Sivec is a Precambrian to Palaeozoic metamorphosed limestone, transformed by strong regional metamorphism into a finely crystalline, dolomitic-calcitic marble. The grain fabric is fine-grained (about 0.1–0.4 mm) and “granoblastic” — that is, evenly crystalline without preferred direction. Its mineralogy comprises predominantly calcite with a non-trivial dolomite fraction, plus very small quantities of muscovite, pyrite and occasionally tremolite. Compared with a pure calcite marble, the Mohs hardness is slightly raised by the dolomite fraction and the acid sensitivity minimally reduced.

The A1, A2 and subsequent qualities. In the Sivec trade, the quarried quality is classified by brightness and homogeneity: A1 is the palest, least distracting selection with an almost pure white ground tone, without visible veins and without shadows from mineral inclusions. A2 is very white, with only minimal pale grey shading or the finest clouds. The subsequent selections B (more speckled, more beige tones) and C (with clearly visible veins) are more economical, but visually less calm. The A1-A2 mixed selection documented here therefore sits in the premium segment of the entire marble family.

Appearance. The ground tone is a clear, cool pure white with only a minimal cream note — comparable with Bianco Statuario from Carrara, but somewhat more neutral and less warm. The sugar-grain structure typical of Sivec produces a fine, glittering effect under incident light that gives polished Sivec surfaces their characteristic depth. Vein formation is minimal in A1/A2 — usually visible only as very subtle pale grey veils that give the slab depth without appearing as marble veins. Compared with Bianco Carrara, Sivec reads as markedly whiter and more homogeneous; against Lasa marble from South Tyrol, somewhat cooler and more technical; against Pentelico from Greece, finer-grained and purer.

Technical values. Bianco Sivec A1-A2 reaches a bulk density of around 2,840 kg/m³, water absorption of about 0.35 %, a compressive strength of roughly 141 MPa and a flexural strength of approximately 9.6 MPa. The Mohs hardness lies in the range of 3–4 (a calcite/dolomite mixture). The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page.

The ROSSITTIS range. The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page. From these we fabricate prestige wall claddings (including bathroom walls and columns), internal floors in large or tile formats, stairs with treads and risers, window sills (including special lengths in one piece up to about 3 m), vanity tops, skirtings, covered fountain surrounds and carefully planned kitchen components (islands, bar counters, wall accents). On large wall or floor areas the calm pure whiteness comes into its own with particular force; combined with brass, bronze, black steel, oak or warm wall colours, a classically purist premium image emerges.

Comparison. Within the European white marble spectrum, Sivec A1-A2 sits in the top segment alongside Bianco Statuario (Carrara, very rare and expensive), Bianco Lasa (South Tyrol, mineralogically warmer) and Pentelico (Greece, somewhat coarser-grained). Anyone seeking maximum pure whiteness and calm elegance will find an outstanding choice in Sivec A1-A2. Against engineered quartz (Caesarstone Snow, CTX BasicQuarz Frost White) and porcelain (Laminam Bianco Assoluto), the genuine marble remains livelier and more mineral, but it is care-intensive in kitchen use (acid-sensitive) and only conditionally capable over the long term outdoors (preserving the polish).

A frank assessment. Bianco Sivec A1-A2 is a premium choice for clients and architects seeking maximum pure whiteness, classically purist elegance and mineral depth in a natural material. It is not a robust kitchen quartzite and not a carefree floor stone — as a calcite marble it reacts to acids with etch marks, the polish has to be maintained in the bathroom, and outdoors it must be accepted that it will change. Anyone who accepts this material character and is looking for an exceptionally pure white natural stone has one of the best European premium white marbles to hand in Sivec A1-A2.