Granite

Negro Tulipa

Negro Tulipa is a classic mid- to dark grey Iberian granite with a dense mineral structure, a characteristically light white plagioclase groundmass and high-contrast dark grey, anthracite and black mineral dots. Documented in international trade as Negro Tulipa Granite with a clear technical profile; used for external façades, paving, floor areas, stairs, window sills, skirtings and structural applications with a high-contrast, elegant dark grey character.

Granite 2.770 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs, Skirting, Tiles and flooring slabs

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About Negro Tulipa

Negro Tulipa shows an exceptionally high-contrast, classically dense granite character with lively mineral definition. The groundmass consists predominantly of light whitish-creamy plagioclase crystals, in which high-contrast dark grey, anthracite and black pyroxene, hornblende and biotite mineral dots are embedded. The ratio of light to dark is around 35–45 % light groundmass to 55–65 % dark mineral dots — producing an overall mid-dark, clearly patterned impression with a particularly distinctly defined crystalline structure. Compared with uniform black granite selections, Negro Tulipa does not appear strictly black, but rather as a dark salt-and-pepper granite with a clear mineral identity. On a polished surface the stone develops a classic gloss with full depth — the individual crystals stand out plastically, the light plagioclase areas shimmer subtly and the dark mineral dots intensify into rich black and anthracite tones. The surface finishes available in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.

Geologically, Negro Tulipa is an igneous plutonic rock from the Iberian granite complex — the designation “Negro Tulipa” points to a Spanish or Portuguese origin (Negro = Spanish for “black”, Tulipa = “tulip”). The specific quarry location is to be confirmed with the importer on a project basis, because the publicly available data on the exact origin of this trade name is limited. In international trade the stone is listed under the name Negro Tulipa Granite, with technical values documented at Stone Expertise and in Iberian granite supplier catalogues. Its mineralogy and appearance point to a classic Iberian structural granite, possibly from Galicia (Spain) or northern Portugal — both regions known worldwide for the production of mid-dark, high-contrast granites.

Technically, Negro Tulipa shows solid values: bulk density 2,770 kg/m³ (very high — somewhat denser than a typical granite, indicating a high pyroxene or plagioclase content), flexural strength 17.5 MPa, water absorption only 0.19 % (low), abrasion resistance 2.72 mm, Mohs hardness 6–7. Full acid resistance as a silicate rock and good freeze-thaw behaviour confirmed. These values qualify Negro Tulipa for demanding interior and exterior applications including heavily frequented public floor areas, paving with high traffic loads and external façades exposed to frost and de-icing salt.

At ROSSITTIS we carry Negro Tulipa as a raw slab in 10, 20, 30 and 60 mm thickness (from standard tiles through wall and floor slabs to solid applications such as steps or paving), in tiles for floor and wall applications, as a tread and riser, window sill, skirting and for project-related cutting to size. The surface finishes available in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.

Compared with classic Iberian grey granites, Negro Tulipa is a considerably darker and more contrast-rich variant: Gris Targa/Tragal (northern Portugal, medium-light) is lighter and more neutral; Gris Mondariz (Galicia, light grey) shows finer mineral definition; Negro Galicia (Galician almost-black granite) is considerably darker and more even; Negro Esmeralda (Galician mid-dark grey) is similar in several respects. Against South African or Indian dark structural stones such as Impala, Steel Grey or Star Galaxy, Negro Tulipa brings the typical Iberian high-contrast salt-and-pepper character with clear mineral definition. For architectural projects with a high-contrast, elegant dark grey character — external façades on prestigious office buildings, heavily frequented public squares and paving, classic residential buildings with dark engineered stone accents, external stairs with a powerful material effect and structural applications with high weather exposure — Negro Tulipa is a reliable and expressive choice in the mid to upper segment of the Iberian structural granites. The stone is one of the “workhorses” for demanding traffic areas — proven, easy to fabricate and with a clear mineral identity.

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 2.770 kg/m³

Biegezugfestigkeit 17,5 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 0,19 %

Finishes

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

Poliert

Politur ist die klassischste Veredelung im Hartgesteinsegment — eine spiegelglatte, hochglänzende Oberfläche mit höchstmöglicher Farbintensität und maximaler Tiefenwirkung der Mineralstruktur. Als säurebeständiges Silikatgestein ist polierter Granit pflegeleicht und für Küchenarbeitsplatten, Wandverkleidungen und repräsentative Sichtflächen erste Wahl.

Satiniert

Die satinierte Oberfläche entsteht durch Bürsten, das weichere Minerale gezielt entfernt und der Fläche eine leichte Tiefe gibt. Mattes Erscheinungsbild mit subtiler Lichtreflexion und haptisch warmer Wirkung. Pflegeleicht, kratzunempfindlich und alltagstauglich — beliebte Alternative zur Politur in modernen Küchen und Wohnräumen.

Geschliffen C120

Mattes Erscheinungsbild durch groben Schliff mit Körnung C120 — die ebene Oberfläche zeigt eine zurückhaltendere Farbintensität als poliert und kann sichtbare Schleifspuren tragen. Im Vergleich zur Politur pflegeintensiver, aber stilistisch ruhiger; bevorzugte Wahl für moderne Innenarchitektur mit reduzierter Reflexion.

Geflammt + 1 x gebürstet

Die Oberfläche wird durch Hitze aufgeraut und einmal gebürstet, um scharfkantige Mineralreste zu glätten und loses Material zu entfernen. Etwas sanftere Haptik als rein geflammt, weiterhin rutschhemmend, Farbe weniger intensiv als poliert. Standardwahl für Außenbereiche, Terrassen und stark beanspruchte Bodenflächen.

Care & fabrication

As an Iberian granite, Negro Tulipa is a robust hard stone with low water absorption (0.19 %), 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 ideally suited to intensive everyday use.

For interior applications we recommend an impregnation on a silane or polysiloxane basis at first installation. On polished surfaces a refresh every 8–10 years is sufficient; on heavily used floor areas, stairs or exterior applications, check every 3–5 years. Impregnation protects against deep penetration by oil, fat and pigments — otherwise discolouration can show up on the heterogeneous, high-contrast mineral structure, particularly on the lighter plagioclase areas.

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 impregnation. The surface finishes available in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.

For floor areas Negro Tulipa is outstandingly suitable — the high bulk density (2,770 kg/m³), the good abrasion resistance (2.72 mm) and the low water absorption make the stone a reliable choice even for heavily frequented public floor areas, paving with high traffic loads and external surfaces exposed to frost and de-icing salt. The high-contrast mineral structure disguises signs of use and dirt astonishingly well — an important advantage in heavily used floor applications in public spaces, office buildings and shopping centres.

For kitchen worktops Negro Tulipa is solidly suitable: cut- and scratch-resistant, insensitive to heat (hot pots and pans may be set down directly for short periods, but avoid longer heat exposure above 200 °C), acid-resistant and with good stain repellency. The heterogeneous salt-and-pepper surface disguises small signs of use well. The surface finishes available in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.

For exterior applications Negro Tulipa is qualified: the good freeze-thaw behaviour and the low water absorption make the stone a standard choice for demanding external façades, paving, pool areas and applications exposed to frost and de-icing salt. The surface finishes available in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.

For pool surrounds, external terraces and fountain surrounds a slip-inhibiting textured surface is mandatory — on polished external surfaces there is a high risk of slipping when wet. In areas with frequent salt contact we recommend an additional impregnation refresh every 2–3 years.

Frequently asked questions

What is Negro Tulipa geologically?

Negro Tulipa is an igneous plutonic rock (granite) from the Iberian Peninsula. The specific quarry location is to be confirmed with the importer on a project basis, because the publicly available data on the exact origin of this trade name is limited. Its mineralogy and appearance point to a classic Iberian structural granite, possibly from Galicia (Spain) or northern Portugal — both regions known worldwide for the production of mid-dark, high-contrast granites.

What technical values does Negro Tulipa have?

Solid values: bulk density 2,770 kg/m³ (very high — somewhat denser than a typical granite), flexural strength 17.5 MPa, water absorption 0.19 % (low), abrasion resistance 2.72 mm, Mohs hardness 6–7. Full acid resistance as a silicate rock and good freeze-thaw behaviour confirmed. These values fully qualify the stone for demanding interior and exterior applications including heavily frequented public floor areas.

What does the name “Negro Tulipa” mean?

The name “Negro Tulipa” comes from Spanish — “Negro” means “black” and “Tulipa” means “tulip”. The designation possibly refers to the high-contrast mineral structure of the stone, whose geometric character could recall flower patterns. Despite the name “Negro”, the stone is not a black selection in the strict sense, but a dark, high-contrast grey granite with light plagioclase accents.

Is Negro Tulipa suitable for heavily frequented floor areas?

Outstandingly suitable — indeed particularly recommended for heavily frequented public floor areas. The high bulk density (2,770 kg/m³), the good abrasion resistance (2.72 mm), the low water absorption (0.19 %) and the high-contrast mineral structure (which disguises signs of use and dirt astonishingly well) make the stone a reliable choice for city-centre paving, squares, entrance areas, office buildings, shopping centres and railway stations.

Is Negro Tulipa suitable for the kitchen worktop?

Yes, well suited. With a Mohs hardness of 6–7, low water absorption (0.19 %), solid flexural strength (17.5 MPa) and full acid resistance, the stone is resistant to cutting, scratching and heat and absorbs no acids from wine, lemon or vinegar. The heterogeneous salt-and-pepper surface disguises small signs of use well. For a calm, reliable kitchen worktop with a high-contrast, elegant character, Negro Tulipa is a very fitting choice.

Which surface finishes are available for Negro Tulipa?

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

Negro Tulipa or Impala — what is the difference?

Both are dark structural stones, but they differ in character and appearance. Impala (a South African norite from the Bushveld Complex) is more even and more uniformly dark grey to almost black with subtle fine mineral dots — the calm, uniform variant. Negro Tulipa (an Iberian granite) is more contrast-rich, with clearly defined light plagioclase crystals and dark grey mineral dots — the salt-and-pepper variant with a clear mineral identity. For calm, uniformly black surfaces Impala is stronger; for high-contrast, lively dark grey applications Negro Tulipa is more expressive.

How do I clean and care for Negro Tulipa?

As an Iberian granite, Negro Tulipa is very easy to care for: daily care with a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner and a microfibre cloth is sufficient. We recommend impregnation at first installation; for interior applications a refresh interval of 8–10 years depending on use, and for heavily used floor areas or exterior applications a check every 3–5 years. Acidic cleaners are in principle unproblematic, but should nevertheless not be used. On polished surfaces, dry cleaning with a polishing microfibre cloth after damp mopping is advisable.