Diorite Verde Melograno

Diorite Verde Melograno is an exceptional Iranian hard stone — petrographically a garnet-bearing amphibolite (not a classic diorite, despite the trade name) with a dark green groundmass of amphibole minerals and characteristic brown-reddish garnet flecks that give the slab surface a unique 'pomegranate' appearance (Italian 'Melograno' = pomegranate). Internationally also carried as Verde Melograno Granite, Antique Green, Diorite Green and Black Musk; used for external façades, statement wall claddings, bar counters, designer kitchen worktops, floor areas, stairs and prestige structural applications with a dramatically dark green material effect.

Despite the trade name “Diorite”, Diorite Verde Melograno is NOT a classic diorite, but petrographically a garnet-bearing amphibolite — a metamorphic rock completely transformed from an originally igneous protolith (diorite or gabbro) by high-grade metamorphosis. The green tone comes from amphibole minerals, the reddish brown flecks from embedded garnets and iron oxide mineralisations. In the trade the stone is traditionally listed as “granite” or “diorite”; at ROSSITTIS we classify Diorite Verde Melograno within the granite family in line with trade practice, following the widely used trade convention.

Gabbro Iran

Available as: Slabs

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About Diorite Verde Melograno

Diorite Verde Melograno presents an exceptionally characterful Iranian hard stone with a dramatic dark ground tone and uniquely coloured accents. The groundmass is a deep dark green to grey-green matrix with a dominant proportion of amphibole minerals (related to hornblende), which is responsible for the characteristic green tone. Characteristic are the brown-reddish flecks and speckles typical of Verde Melograno — these come from embedded garnets and at the same time from iron oxide mineralisation, which give the slab surface a unique pomegranate appearance. The term 'Melograno' is Italian for 'pomegranate' and describes the characteristic material effect aptly — the brown-reddish dots recall pomegranate seeds in their green skin. Alongside this there is a characteristic white stippling (from pale plagioclase or quartz) which, combined with darker veins, creates a subtle movement without clearly separating the colour zones from one another. The mineral structure is predominantly isotropic. On a polished surface the stone develops a rich dark depth — the green groundmass intensifies, the brown-reddish garnet accents glow warmly and the whole stone appears like captured oriental jewellery.

Geologically, despite the trade name 'Diorite', Diorite Verde Melograno is NOT a classic diorite (a plutonic igneous rock) but petrographically a garnet-bearing amphibolite — a metamorphic rock completely transformed from an originally igneous protolith (diorite or gabbro) by high-grade metamorphism. The amphiboles and garnets formed during this metamorphism and define the present-day mineralogy. The quarries lie in Iran, a country with a long tradition of natural stone extraction. In the trade the stone is traditionally carried as 'granite' or 'diorite' — neither designation is entirely correct petrographically, but both are widespread in the trade. At ROSSITTIS we classify Diorite Verde Melograno in the granite family in the customary commercial way, following the widely used trade convention. Several synonyms circulate in international trade: Verde Melograno Granite (the main Italian designation — the most widespread), Antique Green, Diorite Green, Black Musk and occasionally Iranian Green Diorite.

Technically, Diorite Verde Melograno shows values typical of an amphibolitic hard stone: high compressive strength, low water absorption (typically below 0.4 % for amphibolites), Mohs hardness 6–7, good frost and acid resistance. Detailed technical data sheets with measured values for compressive strength, flexural strength or water absorption are not consistently available for the specific Verde Melograno grade; for large-area external applications we recommend requesting a project-specific data sheet from the importer. Based on market experience the stone is 'hard-wearing' and weather-resistant — qualified for demanding external applications including external façades, stairs and floor areas.

At ROSSITTIS we carry Diorite Verde Melograno as a raw slab in 20 mm and 30 mm thickness (standard thicknesses for interior wall, floor and external applications) and for project-specific cutting. The finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page.

Compared with other green hard stones, Diorite Verde Melograno is an exceptionally exclusive choice with a unique pomegranate look: Verde Forest / Verde Maritaca (Brazilian serpentinite) is considerably lighter with white calcite veins; Verde Imperial (Indian granite) has a different mineral profile; Verde Bahia is similar but with a different tone; Verde Guatemala (marble) is acid-sensitive. Within the green hard stone family, Diorite Verde Melograno is one of the most expressive choices, with characteristically warm reddish-bronze garnet accents in the dark green groundmass. For architectural projects with a dramatic dark green material effect and unique warm accents — designer bar counters in premium restaurants and hotels, statement kitchen islands, prestige wall claddings with an unusual material character, external façades with a dramatic appearance and exclusive interior surfaces with the character of oriental jewellery — Diorite Verde Melograno is a tradition-rich and expressive choice in the upper premium segment of Iranian hard stones.

In stock

Current availability from our warehouse.

79 slabs in stock · plus 8 blocks

Thicknesses: 2 & 3 cm · Finishes: Polished, Satin-honed, P.E.C. · Available as: Slabs

Updated daily from our live stock.

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Suitability by application

Finishes

Diorite Verde Melograno is available in a range of finishes. The finish affects appearance, feel and the care it needs.

Polished

Polishing is the most classic finish in the hard stone segment — a mirror-smooth, high-gloss surface with the highest possible colour intensity and maximum depth effect in the mineral structure. As an acid-resistant silicate stone, polished granite is easy to care for and the first choice for kitchen worktops, wall claddings and prestigious exposed surfaces.

Satin-honed

The satin surface is created by brushing, which selectively removes softer minerals and gives the surface a slight depth. A matte appearance with subtle light reflection and a warm feel to the touch. Easy to maintain, insensitive to scratches and suited to everyday use — a popular alternative to a polish in modern kitchens and living spaces.

P.E.C.

A special finish in the hard stone segment — a particular polishing process with high light reflection and pronounced colour depth. Easy to care for and design-led, in practice available only for selected material grades. For projects with a requirement for high gloss and deep colour intensity.

Care & fabrication

As an Iranian garnet amphibolite, Diorite Verde Melograno is a robust hard stone with low water absorption, full acid resistance and solid mechanical strength. Wine, lemon juice, vinegar, cola, bathroom cleaners or descalers leave no etch marks as they would on marble or limestone — the stone is considerably easier to care for and well suited to intensive everyday use.

For interior applications we recommend a silane- or polysiloxane-based sealer at first installation. On polished surfaces, depending on use, refreshing it every 5–8 years is sufficient; on heavily used kitchen worktops or external applications, check every 2–3 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 in principle unproblematic, but should nevertheless not be used, because they can attack the sealer. The finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page.

For kitchen worktops, Diorite Verde Melograno is outstandingly suitable: cut- and scratch-resistant (Mohs hardness 6–7), insensitive to heat (hot pots and pans can be set down directly for short periods, though prolonged heat exposure above 200 °C should still be avoided), acid-resistant and with good stain repellency thanks to its low water absorption. The expressive green material effect with its warm garnet accents gives designer kitchens an exceptional visual character.

For external applications, Diorite Verde Melograno is well suited — the stone is weather-resistant and is recommended for external façades, floor areas, stairs and wall claddings. The finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page. In areas with frequent salt contact we recommend an additional refresh of the sealer every 3 years.

Frequently asked questions

What is Diorite Verde Melograno geologically?

Despite the trade name 'Diorite', Diorite Verde Melograno is NOT a classic diorite (a plutonic igneous rock) but petrographically a garnet-bearing amphibolite — a metamorphic rock completely transformed from an originally igneous protolith (diorite or gabbro) by high-grade metamorphism. The amphiboles are responsible for the green tone, the garnets for the reddish-brown flecks. The quarries lie in Iran.

What does 'Melograno' mean?

'Melograno' is Italian for 'pomegranate' and describes the characteristic material effect aptly — the brown-reddish dots (from embedded garnets and iron oxide mineralisation) recall the red pomegranate seeds in their green skin. This unusual look, with warm reddish accents in the dark green groundmass, is the material's main hallmark and the reason for the brand name.

What synonyms are there?

In international trade, Diorite Verde Melograno also goes by the designations Verde Melograno Granite (the main Italian designation — the most widespread), Antique Green, Diorite Green, Black Musk and occasionally Iranian Green Diorite.

What technical values does Diorite Verde Melograno have?

Values typical of an amphibolitic hard stone: high compressive strength, low water absorption (typically below 0.4 % for amphibolites), Mohs hardness 6–7, good frost and acid resistance. Detailed laboratory values are not consistently documented; for demanding large-scale projects or external applications we recommend requesting a project-specific data sheet from the importer. Based on market experience the stone is 'hard-wearing' and weather-resistant.

What are the warm reddish accents?

The characteristic warm reddish to brown-reddish dots and speckles in Diorite Verde Melograno come from two mineral sources: 1) embedded garnets, which crystallised during the metamorphism, and 2) iron oxide mineralisation distributed through the amphibole matrix. These garnet and iron oxide accents give the stone its characteristic pomegranate look.

Is Diorite Verde Melograno suitable for a kitchen worktop?

Outstandingly suitable. With a Mohs hardness of 6–7, low water absorption and full acid resistance the stone is cut-, scratch- and heat-resistant and absorbs no acids from wine, lemon or vinegar. The expressive green material effect with its warm garnet accents gives designer kitchens an exceptional visual character.

Which finishes are available for Diorite Verde Melograno?

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

Is Diorite Verde Melograno suitable for external applications?

Yes, well suited. Based on market experience the stone is weather-resistant and is recommended for external façades, floor areas, stairs and wall claddings. For external façades we recommend satin or textured finishes, because these offer full weather stability while at the same time ensuring slip resistance. For pool areas and outdoor terraces the polished finish is unsuitable because of the risk of slipping.

What does Diorite Verde Melograno cost?

The price depends on the batch, thickness, surface finish and fabrication — with natural stone there is no serious flat rate per square metre. Business customers see prices once their B2B account is activated; private customers receive a complete quote through a fabricator near them.