Marble

Namibia White

Namibia White is a Precambrian dolomitic marble from the Karibib district in central Namibia (about 15 km west of the town of Karibib) — a Neoproterozoic marble of the Swakop Group (Damara Sequence) with a fine-grained isotropic structure, a pearly white to ivory groundmass and subtle light grey or creamy yellow vein bands. Internationally also traded as Rhino White, White Rhino, Karibib White and Sugar White Marble; used for classic interior wall claddings, bathrooms, spa areas, floor areas, vanity tops and prestige living spaces with a pure white African character.

Marble Namibia 2.675 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs · 2 of 63 reserved

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Other trade names: Bianco Rhino, Karibib Marble, Karibib White Marble, Mystery White, RHINO WHITE, RO-02-245, White Rhino

About Namibia White

Namibia White shows an exceptionally pure, pearly white marble character with a characteristically homogeneous crystalline structure. The groundmass is an exceptionally uniform fine-grained white to ivory calcite-dolomite matrix with the typical 'sugar white' character — hence the trade designation 'Sugar White Marble'. Characteristic are the subtle light grey vein bands that run through the slab in irregular branching patterns, and occasional creamy yellow accents. The mineral structure is isotropic (without direction) with a fine-grained, almost powdery character. On a polished surface the stone develops a classically elegant depth of gloss with a pearly white purity. The crystalline structure makes the stone suitable for sculptural applications, much like Macedonian Bianco Sivec.

Geologically, Namibia White is a Neoproterozoic dolomitic marble from the Swakop Group of the Damara Sequence in central Namibia. The quarries lie about 15 km west of the town of Karibib, a region that is among the most significant African marble provinces. Petrographically a dolomite-bearing marble with a high hardness thanks to its dolomite content — dolomitic marbles tend to be somewhat harder than pure calcite marbles. IMPORTANT: scientific investigations have found tremolitic minerals (a form of asbestos) in some Namibian marbles — when ordering we recommend obtaining a project-specific asbestos clearance confirmation from the importer, particularly for schools, hospitals and applications with a high safety requirement. This information matters for an honest choice of material. The DNSA dimension stone reference documents Namibia White and notes that the stone is quarried but 'hardly used in Germany'. Several synonyms are in circulation in international trade: Rhino White (the English trade name — very widespread), White Rhino, Karibib White, Sugar White Marble, Namibian White Marble and Karibib Marble.

Technically Namibia White shows solid values for a dolomitic marble: bulk density 2,600–2,750 kg/m³ (very high — typical for dolomitic marbles), compressive strength 120–180 MPa, flexural strength 12–16 MPa, water absorption 0.1–0.3 % (very low), Mohs hardness 3.5–4.5 (somewhat harder than pure calcite marbles because of the dolomite content). Important properties of dolomitic marbles: like calcite marbles they are acid-sensitive, but somewhat less reactive and with somewhat higher mechanical strength. The stability of a polish outdoors is limited — the ideal field of use is indoors.

At ROSSITTIS we stock Namibia White as a raw slab in 20 mm and 30 mm thickness (standard gauges for interior wall and floor applications) and for project-specific cutting to size.

Compared with classic white marbles, Namibia White is an African premium choice: Bianco Carrara CD (Italian, calcitic) is less dense and has a cooler grey-white character; Bianco Sivec (Macedonian, dolomitic) is related in its dolomitic character and high purity; Estremoz Branco (Portuguese, calcitic) is warm and creamy; Thassos (Greek, dolomitic) is the most exclusive pure white version. Within the dolomitic white marbles, Namibia White positions itself as the African version with a characteristically pearly white character. For architectural projects with a pure white material character — prestige interior wall claddings, exclusive bathrooms, spa areas, living spaces with a minimalist, elegant atmosphere and design applications with the highest demands on purity — Namibia White is a traditional and expressive choice within the international white marble range. Important for planning: before safety-relevant applications (schools, hospitals, food processing), obtain a project-specific asbestos/tremolite clearance confirmation from the importer.

In stock

Current availability from our warehouse.

63 slabs in stock — 61 available now, 2 reserved · plus 8 blocks

Thicknesses: 2 & 3 cm · Finishes: Polished · Available as: Slabs

Updated daily from our live stock.

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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 2.675 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 150,0 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 14,0 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 0,20 %

Suitability by application

Suitable with limitations

Küche & Arbeitsplatten △ Limited
Bodenbelag △ Limited

Finishes

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

Polished

Polishing is the most classic finish for marble and limestone — a glossy surface with the highest possible colour intensity and a pronounced depth to the veining. Depending on the mineral composition, the effect can be matte-gloss in places. Acid-sensitive — wine, lemon and vinegar leave etch marks after prolonged contact.

Care & fabrication

As a Namibian dolomitic marble, Namibia White is acid-sensitive. With a Mohs hardness of 3.5–4.5 (somewhat harder than pure calcite marbles because of the dolomite content, but still not fully cut- and scratch-resistant), low water absorption (0.1–0.3 %) and pronounced acid reactivity, the stone calls for deliberate care and consistent impregnation. These points should be deliberately taken into account when choosing the material — Namibia White is a deliberately chosen design material with a claim to purity, not a maintenance-free all-rounder.

For interior applications we recommend a careful silane- or polysiloxane-based impregnation at first installation. With its low water absorption, Namibia White is practically non-absorbent — the impregnation serves as additional insurance against acid etch marks. On polished interior surfaces we recommend a refresh every 1–2 years, and in heavily used areas a check every 6–12 months.

Day-to-day care is done with a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner and a soft cloth or microfibre mop. Clear warm water is usually enough. Acidic cleaners (vinegar, citric acid, sanitary cleaners, descalers) are STRICTLY to be avoided — they attack the marble immediately and leave dull etch marks. Cola, wine, tomato sauce and citrus fruits can also leave etch marks on untreated surfaces — if spilled, blot them immediately with a dry cloth.

For kitchen worktops Namibia White is suitable only with reservations — it is not fully acid-resistant and not fully cut- and scratch-resistant. Heat resistance is given, but hot pans should not be set down directly (use trivets). For intensively used professional kitchens we recommend alternative hard stones. For an elegant designer kitchen with a minimalist claim to purity and careful maintenance, however, Namibia White can be very coherent.

For bathrooms and wellness areas Namibia White is a very fitting choice — the pure white material effect brings a particular, purely elegant spa atmosphere. Where there is direct exposure to water, careful impregnation is mandatory and acidic sanitary cleaners are strictly to be avoided.

For exterior applications Namibia White, like all marbles, is only recommended with reservations — the stability of a polish outdoors is not lasting. UV exposure and weathering lead to a loss of gloss. The ideal field of use is indoors.

Important safety notes: scientific studies have found tremolitic minerals (a form of asbestos) in some Namibian marbles. Before applications with a heightened safety requirement (schools, hospitals, food processing) we recommend obtaining a project-specific asbestos clearance confirmation from the importer. During fabrication, stonemasons should apply the usual safety measures for natural stone work (respiratory protection, dust extraction).

Frequently asked questions

What is Namibia White geologically?

Namibia White is a Neoproterozoic dolomitic marble from the Swakop Group of the Damara Sequence in central Namibia. The quarries lie about 15 km west of the town of Karibib, a region that is among the most significant African marble provinces. Petrographically a dolomite-bearing marble with a higher hardness thanks to its dolomite content.

Which synonyms are there?

In international trade, Namibia White also runs under the designations Rhino White (the English trade name — very widespread), White Rhino, Karibib White, Sugar White Marble, Namibian White Marble and Karibib Marble. All designations refer to the same Namibian marble from the Karibib quarry area.

Which technical values does Namibia White have?

Solid values for a dolomitic marble: bulk density 2,600–2,750 kg/m³ (very high), compressive strength 120–180 MPa, flexural strength 12–16 MPa, water absorption 0.1–0.3 % (very low), Mohs hardness 3.5–4.5. The high dolomite concentration explains the unusually high density and the somewhat higher mechanical strength compared with pure calcite marbles.

What is the difference between Namibia White and Bianco Sivec?

Both are dolomitic marbles with a pure white character, but they differ in origin and character. Bianco Sivec (Macedonian, from Prilep) has a 90 % dolomite content and has been regarded since antiquity as a premium sculptor's marble. Namibia White (Namibian, from Karibib) is likewise dolomitic with a similarly high purity. Both are suited to similar applications; Sivec has a somewhat longer track record in the market and a heritage standing, Namibia White is more attractive in price. Important: with Namibian marbles a project-specific asbestos clearance check is advisable (see the note below).

Are there safety concerns with Namibia White?

Scientific investigations have found tremolitic minerals (a form of asbestos) in some Namibian marbles. Before safety-relevant applications (schools, hospitals, food processing) we recommend obtaining a project-specific asbestos clearance confirmation from the importer. In standard applications such as wall claddings or floor areas the material is unproblematic when correctly installed — the tremolite minerals are bound in the marble matrix and are only released during fabrication. During fabrication the usual natural stone safety measures (respiratory protection, dust extraction) should be applied.

Is Namibia White suitable for a kitchen worktop?

Suitable with reservations, and with restrictions. At Mohs hardness 3.5–4.5, Namibia White as a dolomitic marble is considerably more delicate than granite or quartzite — it is not fully cut- and scratch-resistant and it is acid-sensitive. Wine, lemon juice or vinegar leave etch marks immediately. For intensively used professional kitchens we recommend alternative hard stones.

Is Namibia White suitable for bathrooms?

Very well suited — the pure white material effect brings a particular spa atmosphere. Where there is direct exposure to water, careful impregnation is mandatory and acidic sanitary cleaners are strictly to be avoided. A more matt finish would make water marks less visible.

Which surface finishes are available for Namibia White?

Standard supply is as a polished slab — the surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block on this page.

What does Namibia White 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.