Quartzite

Caribbean Blue

Caribbean Blue is a high-quality Swedish kyanite quartzite from the Hälsjöberg/Karebol mining district near Karlstad in the province of Värmland. The polished slab shows a cool blue-grey base tone with subtly shimmering light grey cloud and band structures, together with a characteristic pearlescent micro-schiller effect created by finely distributed mica and kyanite crystals. At ROSSITTIS we fabricate Caribbean Blue into heat- and acid-resistant kitchen worktops, islands, bar counters, vanity tops, stairs, interior and exterior floors, window sills and façade elements with a cool, elegant Nordic character.

Quartzite Sweden 2.650 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs, Tiles and flooring slabs

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About Caribbean Blue

Background. Caribbean Blue is one of the classic Swedish hard stones from the Swedish mining tradition. The deposits lie in the Hälsjöberg and Karebol mining district in the province of Värmland (central Sweden), near the provincial capital Karlstad. The stone has been quarried for decades and has established itself as a robust, distinctive dimension stone for demanding interior and exterior applications in Scandinavia and internationally. In the marble trade it is occasionally listed as “Caribbean Blue Quartzite”, “Hälsjöberg Quartzite” or “Karebol Quartzite”.

Geology. Petrographically, Caribbean Blue is a kyanite quartzite – a Precambrian metamorphosed quartz sandstone in which kyanite (also known as disthene) occurs as the characteristic metamorphic mineral. Kyanite is a blue aluminium silicate that forms at high metamorphic pressures and temperatures; it gives the stone its characteristic bluish tone. In addition, mica (muscovite, occasionally biotite) and sometimes smaller garnet inclusions are present. The quartz content dominates at around 80–90 % – which makes the stone extremely hard (Mohs hardness 7) and acid-resistant. The bulk density is around 2,650 kg/m³.

Appearance. The base tone is a cool, slightly steel-blue-grey mineral colour field with subtle lighter cloud and band structures. From a medium distance the surface appears uniformly blue-grey; up close you discover the characteristic schiller effect: fine mica and kyanite crystals reflect the light in different directions and create a pearlescent, almost iridescent lustre. This schiller effect is the hallmark of many Nordic and Scottish quartzites and makes Caribbean Blue lively and deep in changing light. The tonal value is clearly Nordic and cool, and differs markedly from warmer Brazilian blue quartzites or from the darker, anthracite-toned Azul Macaubas.

Technical values. Caribbean Blue is a technically very strong dimension stone. The bulk density is around 2,650 kg/m³, Mohs hardness 7 (quartz-dominated), compressive strength typically in the range of 200–300 MPa, flexural strength 18–25 MPa. Frost resistance is clearly given, and acid resistance is very high thanks to the high quartz content – the stone tolerates even concentrated household acids (wine, lemon, tomato, vinegar) without etch marks. The polish is durable outdoors – an important advantage over marbles and limestones.

The ROSSITTIS range. The surface finishes available in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. From these we fabricate kitchen worktops (standard and island), vanity tops, wall cladding, bar counters, reception desks, interior stairs with treads and risers, window sills, skirtings, external floor coverings, pool surrounds and façade elements. The cool blue tone with its schiller effect comes into its own most strongly as an island or bar counter element; combined with stainless steel, blackened steel, oak, light wall colours or brass, a classic Nordic or modern Scandinavian premium look emerges.

Comparison. Within the blue-grey quartzite spectrum, Caribbean Blue is one of the best-known Scandinavian selections alongside larvikite (the Norwegian plagioclase schiller stone, somewhat darker), Azul Macaubas (a Brazilian quartzite, distinctly bluer and more dramatically veined) and Azul Imperial. Caribbean Blue sits in the steel-blue-grey range with calmer movement. Compared with engineered quartz (the Caesarstone lines) and porcelain (Laminam), the natural stone remains livelier and more mineral in character; compared with marble it offers full acid and heat resistance.

An honest assessment. Caribbean Blue is a choice for clients and architects looking for a cool, elegant Nordic hard stone with a distinctive blue-grey colouring. The characteristic schiller effect produced by kyanite and mica crystals gives the stone a depth that no industrial material can reproduce. With its high acid resistance, frost resistance and suitability for outdoor use, Caribbean Blue is also one of the most versatile European premium quartzites – very well suited to demanding kitchen worktops as well as to stairs, façades and external floor coverings.

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 2.650 kg/m³

Finishes

Caribbean Blue is available in a range of finishes. The finish affects appearance, feel and the care it needs.

Poliert

Politur ist die klassischste Veredelung für Quarzit — eine glänzende Oberfläche mit höchstmöglicher Farbintensität und ausgeprägter Tiefenwirkung. Je nach mineralischer Zusammensetzung kann die Wirkung stellenweise mattglänzend sein. Als Silikatgestein vollständig säurebeständig und kratzhart — ideal für Küchenarbeitsplatten und Sichtflächen.

Care & fabrication

Cleaning. In everyday use, warm water, a soft cloth or a clean mop and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH stone cleaner are sufficient. Soapy quartzite/granite care products and mild all-purpose cleaners are suitable. Quartzite is markedly more acid-resistant than marble – concentrated household acids (wine, lemon, vinegar, tomato) leave no etch marks, because the main quartz components (~80–90 %) are inert to acids.

Do not use. Take care only with very aggressive industrial cleaners (hydrofluoric acid, specialist concrete and rust removers). Avoid harsh scouring (steel wool). In normal use the stone tolerates a great deal.

Sealing. A sealer on a silane-polysiloxane basis is recommended on interior worktops and heavily used surfaces. It reduces the absorption of water and grease, prevents pigments from penetrating the fine micropores and makes routine cleaning easier. Apply the first sealer directly after installation and refresh it every three to five years.

Kitchen. Caribbean Blue is outstandingly suitable as a kitchen worktop – the high acid resistance, scratch resistance (Mohs 7) and thermal resilience cope excellently with everyday use. Hot pots are tolerated in principle, but trivets remain advisable as standard practice. Chopping boards make sense – not for the sake of the quartzite (which is harder than any knife), but to protect the knives.

Bathroom. Very well suited to bathrooms. Anti-limescale sprays and sanitary cleaners are unproblematic in normal use. On the bluish-grey slab, limescale rings are visible as lighter shadows – wiping the shower area dry daily is advisable.

Floors and stairs. A classic application. The surface finishes available in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. Dirt-trapping mats at the entrance reduce the amount of abrasive particles carried in.

Outdoors. Fully suitable. Frost-resistant, acid-resistant against rain and normal environmental exposure, and the polish is durable outdoors. The surface finishes available in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.

Repair. Deeper damage can be filled by a stonemason with a coloured polyester-resin quartzite filler and matched precisely in colour. Refreshing the polish is possible on large-scale damage.

Frequently asked questions

What is Caribbean Blue geologically?

Petrographically a kyanite quartzite – a Precambrian metamorphosed quartz sandstone in which kyanite (disthene) occurs as the characteristic metamorphic mineral. Kyanite is a blue aluminium silicate that forms at high metamorphic pressures and temperatures and gives the slab its characteristic bluish tone. Quartz content ~80–90 %, plus mica (muscovite) and occasional garnet.

Where does Caribbean Blue come from?

From Sweden, specifically from the Hälsjöberg and Karebol mining district near Karlstad in the province of Värmland (central Sweden). In the marble trade it is also listed under the names Hälsjöberg Quartzite or Karebol Quartzite.

What is the characteristic schiller effect?

Up close, Caribbean Blue shows a pearlescent, almost iridescent lustre – fine mica and kyanite crystals reflect the light in different directions. This schiller effect is typical of many Nordic and Scottish quartzites and makes the stone lively and deep in changing light.

What technical values does Caribbean Blue have?

Bulk density around 2,650 kg/m³, Mohs hardness 7 (quartz-dominated), compressive strength typically 200–300 MPa, flexural strength 18–25 MPa. Frost resistance is given, acid resistance is very high (quartz-dominated), and the polish is durable outdoors.

Is Caribbean Blue suitable for kitchen worktops?

Yes – outstandingly so. Acid-resistant against wine, lemon, tomato and vinegar, very scratch-resistant (Mohs 7) and highly resilient thermally. This is one of the best natural stone choices for demanding kitchen worktops.

Is Caribbean Blue suitable for outdoor use?

Yes – this is one of its core domains. Frost resistance is given and the polish lasts outdoors; for external areas with slip-resistance requirements, a matt, textured surface finish makes more sense than a polished one. Classic exterior applications are floor coverings, pool surrounds, stairs, façade panels and plinth details.

Which cleaners may I use on Caribbean Blue?

Warm water, neutral to slightly alkaline stone care products and mild all-purpose cleaners are permitted. Quartzite is markedly more acid-resistant than marble; brief exposure to acids (wine, lemon, vinegar) is also unproblematic. Only hydrofluoric acid and very aggressive industrial cleaners are off limits.

Caribbean Blue or Azul Macaubas?

Both are blue quartzites. Caribbean Blue (Sweden) shows a cool, steel-blue base tone with a calm, shimmering schiller effect; Azul Macaubas (Brazil) is distinctly stronger in its blue-turquoise and more dramatically veined. Caribbean Blue is the subtler of the two, Azul Macaubas the more spectacular in its play of veins.