Marble

Bianco Sivec Extra

Bianco Sivec Extra is the selected premium grade of the North Macedonian Sivec marble from the quarries on the Sivec massif near Prilep — a Precambrian dolomitic marble (90 % dolomite, 8 % calcite, 2 % quartz) with exceptional purity and a fine-grained micro-structure (maximum grain size 1 mm). Already valued in antiquity as a premium sculptor's marble, today a brand property of Mermeren Kombinat A.D. Characteristic is the almost pure white groundmass with subtle grey flecks and fine veins. Also traded internationally as Sivec White Marble, Sivec Bianco Extra and White Macedonian Marble; used for sculpture, classic internal wall claddings, bathrooms, spa areas, vanity tops and prestige living spaces with the highest demands on purity.

Marble North Macedonia Frostbeständig 2.840 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs, Tiles and flooring slabs

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About Bianco Sivec Extra

Bianco Sivec Extra shows an exceptionally pure, almost purely white marble character that has been valued since antiquity as a premium material for sculptural work and prestige buildings. The groundmass is an exceptionally fine-grained (maximum grain size 1 mm) and micro-structurally very homogeneous white to ivory-coloured calcite-dolomite matrix with minimal silicate contamination. The designation 'Extra' denotes the selected premium grade with a particularly even white groundmass, minimal traces of veining and maximum purity — the highest-quality selection within the Sivec marble family. On close inspection, subtle fine grey flecks or delicate vein lines are discernible that give the otherwise white surface discreet, lively accents. On a polished surface the stone develops a classically elegant depth of gloss with a very clear, pure character — Sivec marble is regarded as one of the whitest available marbles in the Balkan region and is among the few marbles worldwide that can compete with the famous Greek Pentelic marble (the classic sculptural marble of antiquity).

Geologically, Bianco Sivec Extra is a Precambrian dolomitic marble from the quarries on the Sivec massif (Sivec Mountain) near the town of Prisad, close to Prilep in the Pelagonia region of southern North Macedonia. Petrographically it is a dolomitic marble with the exceptional mineral composition of 90 % dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), 8 % calcite (CaCO3) and only 2 % quartz. This high dolomite concentration distinguishes Sivec from typical calcitic marbles such as Bianco Carrara or Estremoz Branco — and explains its unusually high bulk density (DNSA: 2,840 kg/m³, comparable with high-density granite values). The fine-grained micro-structure with a maximum grain size of 1 mm and the high purity make the stone ideal for sculptural applications — already in antiquity, Sivec marble was used for high-grade sculpture and buildings. The quarrying area is the brand property of Mermeren Kombinat A.D., a leading Macedonian stone company. Several synonyms circulate in international trade: Sivec Marble (the principal English name), Sivec White Marble, Sivec Bianco Extra, White Macedonian Marble and Bianco Macedonia. The DNSA lists the material under entry 1094.

Technically, Bianco Sivec Extra shows solid values for a dolomitic marble: bulk density 2,840 kg/m³ (exceptionally high — comparable with high-density granites, markedly higher than a typical calcite marble at 2,700 kg/m³), compressive strength 141 MPa (DNSA) or 153 MPa (Mermeren Kombinat), flexural strength 9.6–17.75 MPa (the values show natural variability), water absorption 0.23–0.35 %, abrasion resistance 6.58 mm (after 1,000 m), Knoop micro-hardness 321.6 kg/mm², Mohs hardness 3.5–4.5 (somewhat harder than pure calcite marbles because of the high dolomite fraction). Important properties of dolomitic marbles: like calcite marbles they are acid-sensitive (wine, lemon juice, vinegar leave etch marks), but somewhat less reactive than pure calcite marbles and with somewhat higher mechanical strength. The stability of a polished surface outdoors is durable only to a limited extent — the ideal domain of use is indoors.

ROSSITTIS carries Bianco Sivec Extra as a raw slab in 10, 13, 20 and 30 mm thicknesses (standard thicknesses for internal wall and floor applications) and for project-specific cutting. Also available as tiles, stairs, vanity tops and sculpture blocks. The available standard finish is polished (a classic elegant depth of gloss with the full effect of its white purity).

Compared with classic white marbles, Bianco Sivec Extra is an exceptional choice in the upper premium segment: Bianco Carrara C/CD (Italian, calcitic) is less dense (2,700 kg/m³) and has a cooler grey-white character; Estremoz Branco/Extra (Portuguese, calcitic) is warm and creamy with subtler vein bands; Bianco Statuario (an Italian premium marble, chalky white) is the most exclusive Italian variant; Pentelic (the ancient Greek sculptural marble) is historically and archaeologically significant but today available only to a limited extent. Bianco Sivec Extra positions itself as the Macedonian premium variant with the highest dolomite purity and fine-grained suitability for sculpture. For architectural projects with the highest demands on purity — sculpture and work of the sculptor's craft, prestige internal wall claddings with a pure white character, exclusive bathrooms, hotel lobbies, vanity tops, living spaces with the highest design ambition and memorial applications — Bianco Sivec Extra is a tradition-rich and exceptionally exclusive choice. Its premium position is confirmed by the strong brand standing of Mermeren Kombinat and by its historic performance on the market since antiquity.

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 2.840 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 154,0 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 10,3 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 0,24 %

Frostbeständig Ja

Säurebeständig Nein

Suitability by application

Suitable with limitations

Küche & Arbeitsplatten △ Limited
Bodenbelag △ Limited

Finishes

Bianco Sivec Extra 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

As a North Macedonian dolomitic marble, Bianco Sivec Extra is acid-sensitive. With a Mohs hardness of 3.5–4.5 (somewhat harder than pure calcite marbles because of the high dolomite fraction, but still not fully cut- and scratch-resistant), low water absorption (0.23–0.35 %) and pronounced acid reactivity, the stone requires conscious care and consistent sealing. These points should be consciously factored into the choice of material — Bianco Sivec is a deliberately chosen design material with a heritage ambition, not a maintenance-free all-rounder.

For internal applications we recommend careful sealing on a silane or polysiloxane basis at first installation. With its low water absorption, Bianco Sivec is practically non-absorbent — the sealer serves as additional insurance against acid etch marks. On polished internal surfaces we recommend refreshing it every 1–2 years, and every 6–12 months in heavily used areas.

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 (vinegar, citric acid, bathroom cleaners, descalers) are to be STRICTLY avoided — they attack the marble immediately and leave matt etch marks that can only be removed by professional regrinding. Cola, wine, tomato sauce and citrus fruits can also leave etch marks on untreated surfaces — in the event of spills, dab immediately with a dry cloth (do not wipe).

For kitchen worktops, Bianco Sivec Extra is suitable with reservations — it is not fully acid-resistant and not fully cut- and scratch-resistant. 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. For an elegant designer kitchen with the highest demands on purity and careful maintenance, however, Bianco Sivec Extra with its characteristic pure white character can be exceptionally effective.

For bathrooms and wellness areas, Bianco Sivec Extra is an exceptional choice — the pure white material effect brings a particular purity-elegant spa atmosphere. Under direct water loading, careful sealing is mandatory and acidic bathroom cleaners are strictly to be avoided. The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page.

For sculpture and work of the sculptor's craft, Bianco Sivec Extra is one of the first choices — the exceptionally fine-grained micro-structure (maximum grain size 1 mm) permits highly precise detailed working. Sivec was already used for high-grade sculpture in antiquity, and the tradition continues today in sculptors' workshops.

For external applications, Bianco Sivec, like all marbles, is recommended only to a limited extent — the stability of a polished surface outdoors is not durable. UV exposure and weathering lead to a loss of gloss. The ideal domain of use is indoors.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bianco Sivec Extra geologically?

Bianco Sivec Extra is a Precambrian dolomitic marble from the quarries on the Sivec massif near Prilep in the Pelagonia region of southern North Macedonia. Petrographically it is a dolomitic marble with the exceptional mineral composition of 90 % dolomite, 8 % calcite and 2 % quartz. The fine-grained micro-structure with a maximum grain size of 1 mm makes the stone ideal for sculptural applications. The DNSA lists the material under entry 1094. Brand property: Mermeren Kombinat A.D.

What does 'Extra' mean?

'Extra' denotes the selected premium grade with a particularly even white groundmass, minimal traces of veining and maximum purity — the highest-quality selection within the Sivec marble family. Unlike the standard grade (with somewhat more veining), the Extra variant is reserved for the highest aesthetic demands in sculptural or prestige applications.

What synonyms are there?

In international trade, Bianco Sivec Extra also runs under the designations Sivec Marble (the principal English name), Sivec White Marble, Sivec Bianco Extra, White Macedonian Marble and Bianco Macedonia. All of these designations refer to the same North Macedonian dolomitic marble from the quarries on the Sivec massif.

What technical values does Bianco Sivec Extra have?

Solid values for a dolomitic marble: bulk density 2,840 kg/m³ (exceptionally high — comparable with high-density granites), compressive strength 141–153 MPa, flexural strength 9.6–17.75 MPa, water absorption 0.23–0.35 %, abrasion resistance 6.58 mm (after 1,000 m), Knoop micro-hardness 321.6 kg/mm², Mohs hardness 3.5–4.5. The high dolomite concentration (90 %) explains the unusually high density and the somewhat higher mechanical strength compared with pure calcite marbles.

What is the difference between Sivec and Carrara?

Bianco Sivec is a dolomitic marble (90 % dolomite); Bianco Carrara is a calcitic marble (predominantly calcite). Sivec is markedly denser (2,840 kg/m³ against 2,700 kg/m³ for Carrara), purer white and finer-grained. Carrara has a cooler grey-white character with characteristic grey vein bands; Sivec is more uniformly pure white with subtler traces of veining. Both are acid-sensitive, but Sivec is mineralogically somewhat more robust (a higher Mohs hardness of 3.5–4.5 against 3–4 for Carrara).

Is Bianco Sivec Extra suitable for sculpture?

Outstandingly suited — and this is one of its traditional principal applications. The exceptionally fine-grained micro-structure (maximum grain size 1 mm) and the high purity permit highly precise detailed working — a principal criterion for sculptural applications. Sivec was already used for high-grade sculpture and buildings in antiquity (see archaeological studies). Today, sculptors and stonemasons continue the Sivec tradition.

Is Bianco Sivec Extra suitable for bathrooms?

Very well suited — the pure white material effect brings a particular purity-elegant spa atmosphere. Under direct water loading (shower walls, bath surrounds, vanity tops), careful sealing is mandatory and acidic bathroom cleaners are strictly to be avoided. A matt, textured finish would show water marks less visibly — in stock we currently carry the material in the polished variant.

What finishes are available in Bianco Sivec Extra?

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