CTX BasicAgglo® New Micro Sivec

The aggregate. “Sivec” denotes the white, dolomitic-calcitic marble from the Pelagonian zone south-west of Prilep in North Macedonia (Pletvar, Sivec and Belovodica quarries). Since antiquity it has been regarded as one of the purest white marbles in Europe: very fine-grained, of above-average brightness and with a sugary grain fabric. Precisely this optical purity carries over into the agglomerate: the micro chippings (around 0.7–2 mm) make the polished slab look almost monochrome from a distance, while close up a subtly velvety mosaic of dots appears. The light grey to brownish tints of individual chips come from the finely crystalline carbonate layers of the Sivec deposit, not from pigments.

“New Micro”. Within the CTX BasicAgglo family, “Micro” designates the chip size class (micro = ≤ 2 mm, as against macro = 7–25 mm and standard ≈ 3–7 mm). The prefix “New” refers to a revised generation of the mix formula with adjusted resin colour and pigment balance; visually the slab turns out somewhat lighter and more neutral than the older standard version Micro Sivec. Geometry, slab format and fabrication profile remain the same.

Format and fabrication. Civet normally supplies the agglomerate slabs in large formats of around 305 × 144 cm or 320 × 160 cm in 2 and 3 cm thicknesses; individual lines are also available thinner for wall applications. The slabs can be cut, profiled, drilled and calibrated with diamond tooling like a dense marble engineered stone. Because of the polyester binder the following applies: heat resistance is considerably lower than with pure natural stone – never set down hot pans or hairdryers directly, and avoid sustained temperatures above roughly 80–90 °C, because the binder softens and bleaching as well as warping can occur. Prolonged direct UV exposure can yellow the resin, which is why the material is clearly intended for interior applications.

ROSSITTIS range. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. From these we fabricate, on request, window sills (also in one piece up to ~3 m), interior stair treads and risers, wall and column claddings, vanity units, skirtings, benches, interior fireplace surrounds and bespoke furniture tops. Because of its high repeat accuracy the material is particularly suited to series projects in which many components have to be delivered identical in colour and structure – hotels, office foyers, clinics, multi-family developments.

Comparison. Set against genuine Sivec marble, the agglomerate looks more technical and more uniform. The natural stone stays brighter and livelier and shows the characteristic luminous carbonate shimmer – in return the agglomerate offers considerably higher flexural strength, lower water absorption across the slab as a whole (the resin bond closes the micropores) and a predictable slab appearance without any obligation to run or bookmatch. Compared with Caesarstone engineered quartz or porcelain, the agglomerate slab is mineralogically warmer and closer to marble in appearance, but because of its polyester content more sensitive to UV, high temperatures and strongly acidic cleaners.

An honest assessment. New Micro Sivec is no substitute for solid Sivec marble in prestige foyers or classical marble work. Its strengths lie in its calm, controlled brightness, in the large format, in dimensional stability and in easy maintenance in interior fit-out. For clients to whom a clean, almost textile-fine white floor or wall effect matters more than individual natural veining, the material is often the more economical solution.