Gold Macaubas

Geologically it is a quartzite — a metamorphic rock formed from original quartz-bearing sandstones under high pressure and temperature. During metamorphosis the original quartz sand grains fused with one another under pressure and temperature and were transformed into a dense, crystalline quartzite composite — the result is one of the hardest and chemically most resistant dimension stones of all. Mineralogically, Gold Macaubas is an exceptionally pure quartzite with a high quartz content (typically over 90 % quartz), which gives it its characteristic technical robustness and acid-insensitive property. The warm golden-beige tonality results from iron-oxide-bearing mineral components that were present in moderate concentration in the original sandstone sediments and were carried over into the quartzite by the metamorphic transformation. The flowing, lively veining arises from differently concentrated iron oxide mineralisations during the original sedimentation and the later metamorphic history.

Visually, Gold Macaubas is defined by an exceptionally elegant, almost watercolour-like material signature. Over a warm golden-beige to honey-beige ground tone, flowing soft veins spread in subtle warm tan, cream-white and occasionally copper-brown tones, drawing across the slab image like successive gentle waves of water. The structuring is organic, calm and atmospheric — unlike the dramatically painterly statement quartzites (e.g. Cristallo Macaubas, Pano d'Ouro), Gold Macaubas appears refined and restrained with a warm, inviting elegance. Slab variation is moderate — the overall character in each delivery is dependable, while individual slabs show different vein movements and colour nuances. With bookmatch installation — mirror-image laying of adjacent slabs — particularly elegant symmetrical large-scale patterns emerge from the flowing, organic veining.

Technically, Gold Macaubas is, like all true quartzites, one of the most robust dimension stones of all: high compressive strength (typically between 200 and 250 MPa for quartzites), low water absorption (typically below 0.3 %), high hardness (Mohs hardness 7 for pure quartz), complete frost and acid resistance. Standardised data sheets with quantitative measured values are only available to a limited extent for this specific variety; the general properties of Brazilian quartzites are, however, well documented. Quartzites are insensitive to lemon juice, vinegar, wine, cola and all household acids — a central advantage over marbles and limestones. Heat resistance is outstanding; hot pans can be set down directly on quartzite worktops. This combination of properties qualifies Gold Macaubas without reservation for intensively used kitchen worktops and heavily walked floor areas.

In interior fit-out, Gold Macaubas is a premium statement material for the highest design demands where a warm, golden material effect is wanted. Classic applications are kitchen worktops in designer kitchens, wall claddings in hotel lobbies and entrance areas, bar counters and counter fronts, bathroom feature walls, table and console tops as statement furniture, fireplace surrounds and floor areas in prestige rooms. The warm golden-beige tonality harmonises particularly with timber fittings in walnut, oak or mahogany tones, with brass, bronze and gold accents, with muted warm earth tones and with restrained black. Gold Macaubas is at its strongest in restrained, luxurious design concepts and is one of the most refined choices for designer kitchens seeking to combine warm elegance with technical robustness — a combination that few other dimension stones offer in this form. Outdoors, thanks to the frost and acid resistance typical of quartzite, Gold Macaubas can be used without reservation for façade claddings, plinth slabs, stairs and pool surrounds — the warm golden tonality is particularly impressive under southern light and harmonises with warm render and timber façades.