Granite

New Imperial Red

New Imperial Red (also “New Ruby Red”, “New Rubin” or “Novo Rubino”) is one of the world's best-known Indian red granites – a Precambrian plutonic deep-seated rock from the Ilkal quarry district north-west of Bellary in the province of Karnataka, southern India. The slab shows a powerful crimson to brick-red base tone with dominant red potassium feldspar grains, contrasting black biotite mica speckles, anthracite-coloured mineral points and occasional transparent quartz grains – the classic “pepper-and-salt” granite grain picture in the red spectrum. At ROSSITTIS we fabricate New Imperial Red into long-lasting kitchen worktops, stairs, internal and external floors, wall claddings, window sills, pool surrounds, external floor coverings and façade elements with a warm Mediterranean red dimension-stone effect.

Petrographically a Precambrian plutonic deep-seated rock (a true granite) from the family of the acidic plutonites. Geological age: over 2 billion years (Palaeoproterozoic). The mineral content comprises potassium feldspar (red to brick red through haematite inclusions, the dominant colour component), plagioclase feldspar, quartz, biotite and ore minerals (magnetite, ilmenite). The deposit is located in the Ilkal quarry district, north-west of the town of Bellary in the province of Karnataka (southern India) – one of the most significant Indian granite producing regions. DNSA entry: #4076 (main name “NEW RUBY RED”, further trade names “NEW RUBIN” and “NOVO RUBINO”). SC entry: s567. Note: not to be confused with Universal Red Granite (s19543) or Fire Red Granite (s16433).

Granite India 2.625 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs, Skirting, Tiles and flooring slabs

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About New Imperial Red

Background. New Imperial Red is one of the most iconic and most traded red granite variants worldwide. The variant has been marketed internationally since the 1980s and is among the classic premium reds of the global natural stone family. In the DNSA (German Natural Stone Archive) the stone is listed as entry #4076 with the main name “NEW RUBY RED”, with the further trade names “NEW RUBIN” and “NOVO RUBINO”. In the SC data sheet s567 the variant is documented with a complete technical data basis. Stylistically related are other Indian red granites such as Imperial Red, Rosso Multicolor (with golden accents), Lakha Red and Asian Red, as well as European red granites such as Rosso Vanga (Sweden), Bohus Red and Rosso Balmoral (Finland).

Geology and occurrence. Petrographically, New Imperial Red is a Precambrian plutonic deep-seated rock from the family of the acidic plutonites (granite in the narrower sense) – a light intrusive rock that formed through the slow solidification of pyrogenetic magmas deep in the Earth's crust. Geological age: over 2 billion years (Palaeoproterozoic). The mineral content is composed predominantly of potassium feldspar (red to brick red through haematite inclusions, approx. 35 – 45 % – the dominant colour component), plagioclase feldspar (whitish, approx. 20 – 25 %), quartz (transparent and glassy, approx. 20 – 30 %), biotite (black mica, approx. 5 – 10 %) and ore minerals (magnetite, ilmenite, approx. 1 – 3 %). The characteristic brick-red colouring of the potassium feldspar arises through finely distributed haematite inclusions (iron oxide pigments) in the mineral fabric. The grain size lies in the medium-to-coarse range (4 – 8 mm). The deposit is located in the Ilkal quarry district, north-west of the town of Bellary in the province of Karnataka (southern India) – one of the most significant Indian granite producing regions.

Appearance. The base tone is a powerful crimson to brick-red dimension-stone red tone with clear colour saturation – markedly more intense and richer than warmer, more brownish sorts such as Rosso Toscana or Vermelho Capão Bonito. Across the surface are distributed the characteristic components of this variant: dominant red potassium feldspar grains (4 – 8 mm) as the colour carrier, contrasting black biotite mica speckles, dark anthracite-coloured mineral points (ore minerals such as magnetite) and occasional transparent quartz grains with a slight glassiness. From a medium distance the slab shows an evenly powerful red granite picture with a classic salt-and-pepper character; from close up one discovers the fine crystalline mineral structure.

Technical properties (DNSA #4076 / SC s567). Bulk density 2,625 kg/m³, compressive strength 217.3 MPa (very high), flexural strength 23 MPa (exceptionally high for a granite), water absorption 0.12 % (very low), Mohs hardness around 6 – 7. This places the stone in the most stable range of the granite family and makes it suitable structurally and mechanically for the highest loads. Frost- and de-icing-salt-resistant (the low water absorption speaks for good frost resistance), fully UV-stable and – as a silicate rock – almost completely acid-proof (quartz, feldspar and mica do not react to acids such as vinegar, wine or lemon). Heat-resistant: hot pots can be set down directly for a short time.

ROSSITTIS range. The finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. From the slabs we fabricate kitchen worktops, bar counters, islands, vanity tops, wall claddings, floor tiles cut to size, treads and risers, window sills, skirtings, external floor coverings, pool surrounds, terrace slabs and façade elements. One particular application is historic renovation – the brick-red dimension-stone appearance suits classic Mediterranean, southern French and Spanish buildings.

Comparison. Within the family of red granites, New Imperial Red positions itself as the powerfully intense crimson premium choice. Related Indian red granite variants are Imperial Red (somewhat less intense), Rosso Multicolor (with golden accents and movement), Lakha Red, Asian Red and Indian Red. Compared with Brazilian red granites such as Vermelho Capão Bonito, New Imperial Red is powerfully crimson rather than warm bordeaux red; compared with Rosso Toscana, New Imperial Red is more intensely red rather than warm brick red. Within the European red granites, Rosso Vanga (Swedish, a darker wine red), Bohus Red and Multicolor Rot are stylistically related. Compared with red marbles such as Rosso Verona or Rosso Levanto, New Imperial Red is acid-proof, more scratch-resistant and fully suitable for kitchens – the red marbles appear classically more traditional with more dramatic veining, but are acid-sensitive.

Frank assessment. New Imperial Red is the ideal choice for any application calling for a powerfully intense red granite effect with full technical capability. The finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. Anyone looking for a warm brownish shade should switch to Rosso Toscana or Vermelho Capão Bonito; anyone wanting dramatic golden veining should reach for Rosso Multicolor or Magma Gold; anyone who prefers authentic Italian red marble with dramatic veining should reach for Rosso Verona or Rosso Levanto and accept the greater willingness to care for it.

In stock

Current availability from our warehouse.

25 slabs in stock · plus 9 blocks

Thicknesses: 1 & 4 cm · Finishes: Polished · Available as: Slabs, Skirting, Tiles and flooring 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 2.625 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 217,3 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 23,0 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 0,12 %

Suitability by application

Finishes

New Imperial Red 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.

Care & fabrication

Cleaning. In everyday use, warm water, a soft cloth or a clean mop and a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner are sufficient. Suitable are mild all-purpose cleaners, mild washing-up liquid foam and all commercially available sanitary and kitchen cleaners. Take up spilt liquids promptly – the material is acid-proof and non-porous, but on the polished surface dried drops with dark pigment (coffee, red wine) remain behind as visible films.

Do not use. Strongly acidic special cleaners (HF-containing wheel cleaners, industrial glass cleaners), aggressive scouring sponges or abrasive pastes. Even though granite is chemically resistant, scratching cleaning products can scour the polished surface matt.

Sealing. Recommended, but not obligatory. New Imperial Red has a water absorption of 0.12 % and is dense in itself. A premium sealer with silane/siloxane-based stone protection makes handling grease, oil, wine and coffee easier on kitchen and bathroom surfaces – pigment take-up is reduced and cleaning simplified.

Kitchen and bathroom. In kitchen and bathroom use decidedly robust in technical terms: hot pots can be set down directly on the untreated slab for a short time – on sealed surfaces we nevertheless recommend a trivet, because very high temperatures can locally break down the sealer. Acids such as vinegar, wine, lemon and tomato leave no marks, and anti-limescale sprays and all commercially available sanitary cleaners are approved.

Floor and stairs. Outstandingly suited as an internal and external floor. The finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.

Outdoors and frost. Fully suitable. The stone is frost- and de-icing-salt-resistant, UV-stable and can be used as a rear-ventilated façade panel, external wall cladding, pool surround, external floor covering and terrace slab – red granites are among the classic Mediterranean façade stones with a centuries-old track record. Under direct UV exposure outdoors, the brick-red tonal value retains its colour stability in the long term (unlike polyester engineered quartz, which can yellow).

Scratches and repair. At Mohs 6 – 7, granite is very scratch-resistant. Deeper damage or matt patches on polished slabs can be worked up locally by repolishing with diamond pastes – this work belongs in the hands of a specialised stonemasonry or jointing firm.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of material is New Imperial Red?

Petrographically a Precambrian plutonic deep-seated rock (a true granite) from the family of the acidic plutonites – a light intrusive igneous rock formed through the slow solidification of pyrogenetic magmas deep in the Earth's crust. Geological age: over 2 billion years (Palaeoproterozoic). Mineral content: potassium feldspar (red through haematite, the dominant colour component), plagioclase, quartz, biotite, ore minerals. The deposit is located in the Ilkal quarry district, north-west of the town of Bellary in the province of Karnataka (southern India). DNSA entry: #4076 (NEW RUBY RED).

Which trade names are used for this variant?

The variant is offered under several trade names: “New Imperial Red”, “New Ruby Red” (the DNSA main name), “New Rubin” and “Novo Rubino”. All denote the same Indian deposit from the Ilkal quarry district in Karnataka. Note: not to be confused with Universal Red Granite (a different stone) or Fire Red Granite.

What technical values does New Imperial Red have?

DNSA values (#4076) and SC (s567): bulk density 2,625 kg/m³, compressive strength 217.3 MPa (very high), flexural strength 23 MPa (exceptionally high for a granite), water absorption 0.12 % (very low), Mohs hardness around 6 – 7. This places the stone in the most stable range of the granite family. Frost- and de-icing-salt-resistant, UV-stable, acid-proof, heat-resistant.

What exactly does New Imperial Red look like?

A powerful crimson to brick-red dimension-stone red tone as the base tone, with dominant red potassium feldspar grains (4 – 8 mm), contrasting black biotite mica speckles, dark anthracite-coloured mineral points (ore minerals) and occasional transparent quartz grains. The classic “pepper-and-salt” granite grain picture in the red spectrum with a markedly more powerful colour saturation than warmer, more brownish sorts.

Is New Imperial Red suitable for a kitchen?

Yes, very much so. As a granite, the variant is fully acid-proof (wine, vinegar, lemon and tomato leave no etch marks) and, at Mohs 6 – 7, very scratch-resistant. Optimally suited to heavily used kitchen worktops and islands. A premium sealer is advisable, but not obligatory.

Is New Imperial Red suitable for external surfaces, façades and pool surrounds?

Yes, fully. The variant is frost- and de-icing-salt-resistant, UV-stable and acid-proof and can be used as a rear-ventilated façade panel, external wall cladding, pool surround, external floor covering, terrace slab and stair – red granites are among the classic Mediterranean façade stones with a centuries-old track record. For slip-inhibiting external applications we recommend a matt, textured surface finish.

New Imperial Red or Rosso Toscana?

Both are red granites, but with a different tonality and provenance. New Imperial Red (India, Karnataka) is a powerful crimson with clear colour saturation; Rosso Toscana (a trade name) is a warm brick red to fired-brick red with a softer appearance. Both are comparably capable technically – the choice is a question of style between a powerful crimson (New Imperial Red) and a warm Mediterranean brick red (Rosso Toscana).

Which cleaners may I use?

Permitted are warm water, all pH-neutral stone and all-purpose cleaners and mild washing-up liquid foam, as well as all commercially available sanitary and kitchen cleaners without highly concentrated acids. Out of the question are aggressive scouring sponges or abrasive pastes – these can scour the polished surface matt.

What does New Imperial Red 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.