Patagonia Extra

Geology and occurrence. Petrographically, Patagonia Extra is a quartzitic breccia – a metamorphic composite rock made of angular clasts of various pre-existing quartzitic and metasedimentary rocks, cemented into a uniform slab by quartz-bearing binders. In the international stone trade the selection is listed as “quartzite” – this is a commercial classification, justified by the high quartz content (predominantly quartz with subordinate mica and feldspar fractions) and the acid-resistant mineral profile. The deposits lie in the Precambrian shield of south-eastern Brazil, above all in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo – the stone is shipped through the ports of Vitória and Salvador. Geologically, the Patagonia breccias are around 600 – 1,000 million years old and formed in the course of tectonic fracturing processes in which existing quartzitic rocks were broken up and re-cemented by quartz-rich fluids.

Appearance. The base tone of the Extra selection is a slightly warm egg white to cream white, run through with large angular clasts in various light grey and cream grey tones as well as fine to powerful stylolite lines between the clast-texture areas. Depending on the batch, the slab may additionally show subtle to powerful golden-yellow veins and black to anthracite accent lines – these vary considerably between batches, which is why with Patagonia we always recommend selecting the specific slab on site. The movement of the clasts is characteristically irregular and angular rather than strictly linear – it recalls a broken ice floe or a geological breccia seen in cross-section. From a medium distance the surface appears dramatically structured with an animated light-toned image; close up you discover the geological complexity of the clast texture and the fine stylolite lines. The angular clast texture can be composed into impressive V, X or quad patterns by mirroring adjacent slab sections in bookmatch – the selection is one of the strongest quartzite selections for bookmatch worldwide.

Technical properties. Typical values for Brazilian quartzites: bulk density 2,650 – 2,750 kg/m³, compressive strength 200 – 300 MPa, flexural strength 15 – 25 MPa, water absorption 0.1 – 0.3 %, Mohs hardness around 7. Patagonia Extra therefore lies in the most robust range of the natural stone family and is structurally and mechanically suitable for all demanding applications. Frost- and de-icing-salt-resistant, fully UV-stable and – as a silicate rock dominated by quartz – almost completely acid-resistant (quartz does not react to acids such as vinegar, wine or lemon). Heat-resistant: hot pans can be set down directly for short periods. The Mohs hardness of 7 makes the stone considerably more scratch-resistant than marble (Mohs 3) and granite (Mohs 6) – only diamond tools can work quartzite.

The ROSSITTIS range. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. From the slabs we fabricate statement kitchen worktops, islands, bar counters, dining tables, buffet and furniture tops, prestigious wall claddings with bookmatch mirroring, washbasin tops, bathroom fit-outs (with proper waterproofing), window sills and special accent elements. The selection is used backlit particularly often – the partly translucent areas of the white clasts give an onyx-like depth effect when lit with LEDs from behind.

Comparison. Within the Patagonia family, the Extra selection is the visually strongest choice, with particular suitability for bookmatch. The standard Patagonia selection is somewhat more varied visually, with a less consistent clast texture. Related breccia quartzites with a similarly dramatic clast character are Cristallo Quarzite (translucent, clear egg-white glass), Mont Blanc (more uniformly white), Calacatta Quartzite and White Macaubas (more linear in the veining). Compared with genuine marbles such as Calacatta Vagli (Italian), Patagonia Extra is more acid-resistant and more scratch-resistant (quartz instead of calcite), but less classically traditional. Compared with onyx and its translucent effect, Patagonia remains more robust and acid-resistant. Within the “white premium quartzites” the selection positions itself as the most dramatic and the most angular, most animated choice.

An honest assessment. Patagonia Extra is the ideal choice for any application calling for a dramatic, statement-driven light natural stone effect with full technical durability. The selection works particularly strongly as a central kitchen island with bookmatch (one of the most iconic application images), as a backlit statement wall cladding, as a dining table or bar counter top and as a bathroom washbasin top in luxurious master bath concepts. Anyone looking for a calm, uniform natural stone effect should turn to classic hard rocks such as Bianco Sardo, Kashmir White or to migmatites such as Juparana Bianco; anyone wanting a more controllable appearance with the same dramatic marble character should switch to porcelain with bookmatch, such as Optimum Surfaces Zenith or Laminam Calacatta; anyone who prefers the classic Italian Statuario marble should accept the higher maintenance effort and the acid sensitivity of the marble material.