Granite

Blanco Cristal Extra

Blanco Cristal Extra is the selected premium grade of the classic white Spanish leucogranite from the quarry district of Cadalso de los Vidrios in the province of Madrid (Sierra de Guadarrama / Iberian Central System) — a Carboniferous fine-grained granite with a bright white plagioclase ground mass and contrasting distributed black biotite mineral flecks. Internationally an established heritage stone, built into the Sagrada Familia (Barcelona), the Vieux-Port in Marseille, Cork International Airport and many further iconic buildings. Internationally also carried as Blanco Cristal Granite, Cadalso Cristal and Spanish White Cristal; used for external facades, paving, terrace slabs, floor areas, stairs, pool surrounds, bar counters, window sills and prestigious building applications with a timelessly elegant pale character.

Granite Spain Frostbeständig Säurebeständig 2.610 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs, Skirting, Paving slabs, Tiles and flooring slabs

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About Blanco Cristal Extra

Blanco Cristal Extra shows a classic, evenly bright Iberian leucogranite character — 'leucogranite' denotes granites with a particularly high proportion of pale minerals (over 80 % pale minerals such as quartz and feldspars). The ground mass consists predominantly of pale whitish plagioclase and potassium feldspar crystals with a high quartz content, in which contrasting distributed black biotite and hornblende mineral flecks are embedded. The ratio of pale to dark lies at around 80–85 % pale ground mass to 15–20 % black mineral flecks — this produces an overall bright white impression with a clearly legible crystalline structure. Characteristic are the medium-sized, clearly delineated black biotite mineral flecks, which give the pale ground mass a lively salt-and-pepper character. Occasionally subtle grey quartz areas and a characteristic irregular fracture pattern appear. The mineral structure is isotropic (directionless). The designation 'Extra' denotes a selected premium grade with a particularly even pale ground mass and reduced mineral anomalies. The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page.

Geologically, Blanco Cristal Extra is a Carboniferous granite (around 300 million years old) from the Hercynian granite complex of the Iberian Peninsula — specifically from the Sierra de Guadarrama in the Iberian Central System. The quarries lie at Cadalso de los Vidrios west of Madrid, a region known for centuries for the production of high-grade Spanish granites. Petrographically a leucogranite (pale granite with a high plagioclase-quartz content) with a fine-grained mineral structure. Annual extraction capacity at Cadalso de los Vidrios currently lies at around 8,000 m³, of which 40 % is exported worldwide. Several synonyms circulate in international trade: Blanco Cristal Granite (English trade name), Cadalso Cristal, Spanish White Cristal, Branco Cristal (Portuguese spelling variant) and Cristal Extra. The 'Extra' qualifier denotes the selected premium grade with the highest visual consistency.

The heritage significance of Blanco Cristal is exceptional: the stone has been declared an official 'Global Heritage Stone' and is built into countless iconic buildings worldwide. Blanco Cristal is currently being used in the construction of the iconic Jesus Christ tower of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona — the tallest tower of this legendary basilica and thus one of the most significant building projects of the 21st century. Further prominent applications include the Vieux-Port in Marseille (France), Cork International Airport (Ireland) and the Puri EXIM Bank of Jakarta (Indonesia). This international reference list confirms the significance of Blanco Cristal as a premium material for the most demanding building projects.

Technically, Blanco Cristal Extra shows exceptionally strong values: bulk density 2,610 kg/m³, compressive strength 142.2 MPa (1,450 kg/cm²), flexural strength 14.2 MPa (145.2 kg/cm²), water absorption 0.26 % (very low), abrasion resistance 1.88 mm, impact resistance minimum drop height 65 cm, Mohs hardness 6–7. Full frost and acid resistance confirmed as a silicate rock — wine, lemon juice, vinegar or sanitary cleaners leave no etch marks as they would on marble or limestone. The external stability of the polish is durable (DNSA entry 3655: 'durable exterior polish'), which qualifies the stone for external facades with a retained gloss. In addition, excellent resistance to thermal shock and freeze-thaw cycles — properties that are decisive for demanding external applications.

At ROSSITTIS we carry Blanco Cristal Extra as a raw slab in 10, 15, 20, 30 and 40 mm thickness (from standard thicknesses to solid applications for stairs or paving), in tiles for floor and wall applications, as treads and risers, window sills, skirtings, terrace slabs and for project-specific cutting. The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page.

Compared with other Iberian white granites, Blanco Cristal Extra is a special heritage choice: Bianco Sardo (Italian, Sardinian) is coarser-grained with stronger mineral flecks; Branco Antas (Portuguese) has a similar character but a different quarry tradition; Mondariz Crema Julia (Spanish, Galician) is warmer with creamy tones. Within the Spanish white building granite family from Madrid, Blanco Cristal is one of the most proven and internationally best-known selections — its use in the Sagrada Familia and many further iconic buildings confirms its premium standing. For architectural projects with a timelessly elegant pale character — prestigious external facades on office buildings, paving in historic city centres, pool surrounds, external stairs with heavy traffic loads, classic residential buildings, building applications with a heritage claim and all applications with freeze-thaw and de-icing salt exposure — Blanco Cristal Extra is a planning-safe and expressive choice in the upper premium segment of the Iberian building granites.

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 2.610 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 145,0 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 14,5 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 0,26 %

Frostbeständig Ja

Säurebeständig Ja

Suitability by application

Finishes

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

Poliert

Politur ist die klassischste Veredelung im Hartgesteinsegment — eine spiegelglatte, hochglänzende Oberfläche mit höchstmöglicher Farbintensität und maximaler Tiefenwirkung der Mineralstruktur. Als säurebeständiges Silikatgestein ist polierter Granit pflegeleicht und für Küchenarbeitsplatten, Wandverkleidungen und repräsentative Sichtflächen erste Wahl.

Satiniert

Die satinierte Oberfläche entsteht durch Bürsten, das weichere Minerale gezielt entfernt und der Fläche eine leichte Tiefe gibt. Mattes Erscheinungsbild mit subtiler Lichtreflexion und haptisch warmer Wirkung. Pflegeleicht, kratzunempfindlich und alltagstauglich — beliebte Alternative zur Politur in modernen Küchen und Wohnräumen.

Geschliffen C120

Mattes Erscheinungsbild durch groben Schliff mit Körnung C120 — die ebene Oberfläche zeigt eine zurückhaltendere Farbintensität als poliert und kann sichtbare Schleifspuren tragen. Im Vergleich zur Politur pflegeintensiver, aber stilistisch ruhiger; bevorzugte Wahl für moderne Innenarchitektur mit reduzierter Reflexion.

Geflammt + 1 x gebürstet

Die Oberfläche wird durch Hitze aufgeraut und einmal gebürstet, um scharfkantige Mineralreste zu glätten und loses Material zu entfernen. Etwas sanftere Haptik als rein geflammt, weiterhin rutschhemmend, Farbe weniger intensiv als poliert. Standardwahl für Außenbereiche, Terrassen und stark beanspruchte Bodenflächen.

Care & fabrication

As a Spanish heritage granite, Blanco Cristal Extra is an exceptionally robust hard rock with low water absorption (0.26 %), full frost and acid resistance, excellent thermal shock resistance and very high mechanical strength. Wine, lemon juice, vinegar, cola, sanitary cleaners or descalers leave no etch marks as they would on marble or limestone — the stone is markedly easier to care for and ideally suited to intensive everyday use.

For internal applications we recommend sealing on a silane or polysiloxane basis at first installation. On the pale ground mass, sealing makes sense because pigments can otherwise settle more visibly than on dark hard rocks. On polished surfaces, refreshing every 8–10 years is sufficient; on heavily used kitchen worktops or external applications, check every 3–5 years.

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 fundamentally unproblematic, but should nevertheless not be used because they can attack the sealer. The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page.

For kitchen worktops Blanco Cristal Extra is soundly suited: cut- and scratch-resistant, insensitive to heat, acid-resistant and with good stain repellency. The pale salt-and-pepper surface does, however, show sauce, red wine or turmeric stains more strongly than dark granites — with intensive kitchen use you should react promptly.

For external applications Blanco Cristal Extra is particularly well qualified: the DIN/EN-confirmed values (compressive strength 142.2 MPa, water absorption 0.26 %, freeze-thaw resistance, thermal shock resistance) and above all the durable external polishability make the stone the first choice for demanding external facades with a retained gloss. Polished external facades keep their brilliance over the years. Its heritage track record on countless international buildings (Sagrada Familia, Vieux-Port Marseille, Cork International Airport) confirms its long-term weathering stability.

For pool surrounds, external terraces and fountain surrounds a slip-resistant textured finish is mandatory — on polished external surfaces there is a high risk of slipping when wet. In areas with frequent salt contact we recommend an additional refreshing of the sealer every 2–3 years.

Frequently asked questions

What is Blanco Cristal Extra geologically?

Blanco Cristal Extra is a Carboniferous leucogranite (around 300 million years old) from the Hercynian granite complex of the Iberian Peninsula — specifically from the Sierra de Guadarrama in the Iberian Central System. The quarries lie at Cadalso de los Vidrios west of Madrid. 'Leucogranite' denotes granites with a particularly high proportion of pale minerals (over 80 % pale minerals such as quartz and feldspars). The DNSA carries the material under entry 3655. The stone has been declared an official 'Global Heritage Stone'.

What synonyms are there?

In international trade, Blanco Cristal Extra also runs under the designations Blanco Cristal Granite (English trade name), Cadalso Cristal, Spanish White Cristal, Branco Cristal (Portuguese spelling variant) and Cristal Extra. The 'Extra' qualifier denotes the selected premium grade with the highest visual consistency. The standard grade 'Blanco Cristal' (without 'Extra') is the somewhat less strictly selected variant.

What technical values does Blanco Cristal Extra have?

Exceptionally strong values: bulk density 2,610 kg/m³, compressive strength 142.2 MPa, flexural strength 14.2 MPa, water absorption 0.26 % (very low), abrasion resistance 1.88 mm, impact resistance minimum drop height 65 cm, Mohs hardness 6–7. Full frost and acid resistance confirmed as a silicate rock. In addition, excellent resistance to thermal shock and freeze-thaw cycles. The DNSA confirms a durable exterior polish.

Where has Blanco Cristal been built into world-famous projects?

Blanco Cristal is an officially declared 'Global Heritage Stone' and is built into countless iconic buildings worldwide. Blanco Cristal is currently being used in the construction of the iconic Jesus Christ tower of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona — the tallest tower of this legendary basilica. Further prominent applications include the Vieux-Port in Marseille (France), Cork International Airport (Ireland) and the Puri EXIM Bank of Jakarta (Indonesia).

What does 'Extra' mean in Blanco Cristal Extra?

The 'Extra' qualifier denotes the selected premium grade of Blanco Cristal with a particularly even pale ground mass, reduced mineral anomalies and the highest visual consistency. It is the top selection within the Blanco Cristal family. The standard grade without 'Extra' is somewhat less strictly selected with occasionally more variable mineral flecks and is more attractive commercially. For the highest aesthetic demands on large-area projects, Extra is the first choice.

Is Blanco Cristal Extra suitable for a kitchen worktop?

Yes, well suited. With Mohs hardness 6–7, low water absorption (0.26 %), good compressive strength (142.2 MPa) and full acid resistance, the stone is cut-, scratch- and heat-resistant and absorbs no wine, lemon or vinegar acids. The pale salt-and-pepper surface does, however, show sauce, red wine or turmeric stains more strongly than dark granites — with intensive kitchen use you should react promptly and check the sealer every 3–5 years.

What finishes are available in Blanco Cristal Extra?

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

Is Blanco Cristal Extra suitable for external facades?

Outstandingly suited — and its international track record confirms this suitability many times over. The DIN/EN-confirmed values (compressive strength 142.2 MPa, water absorption 0.26 %, freeze-thaw resistance, thermal shock resistance) and above all the durable external polishability (DNSA: durable exterior polish) qualify the stone for the most demanding external facades with a retained gloss. Proven over decades on international buildings such as the Sagrada Familia, the Vieux-Port in Marseille and Cork International Airport.