Limestone

Listed in our range under Marble.

Perlato Sicilia

Perlato Sicilia is a warm creamy-beige Sicilian bioclastic limestone from the marble district of Custonaci-Erice in the province of Trapani – traded internationally as “marble”, petrographically a Tertiary platform limestone with a rich fossil content. The slab shows an ivory to cream ground tone with irregularly distributed brown shell and coral fragments, whitish pearly calcite inclusions (the “pearls” that give it its name) and fine honey-coloured stylolitic veins. At ROSSITTIS we fabricate Perlato Sicilia into classic interior floors, stairs, wall claddings, window sills, bathroom fit-outs and Mediterranean architectural accent elements with a warm natural stone character.

Petrographically a Tertiary biogenic limestone (a platform carbonate from the Oligocene/Miocene) – not a metamorphic marble in the stricter geological sense. The selection is listed in the international stone trade as “marble” and comes from the Custonaci-Erice marble district (province of Trapani, north-western Sicily). Mineralogically, calcite dominates – it is therefore fully acid-sensitive and can be polished, with a high fossil content (shell and coral fragments) and characteristic whitish, pearly calcite inclusions.

Limestone Italy 2.690 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs

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About Perlato Sicilia

Background. Perlato Sicilia (also “Perlato di Sicilia” or “Perlatino Fiorito”) is one of the oldest and best-known Sicilian building stones and belongs to the classic family of pale Italian platform limestones. The grade has been used in Mediterranean architecture for centuries – for floor coverings, wall claddings, fountain surrounds, columns and façade elements of classic Renaissance and Baroque architecture throughout southern Italy. Today the Custonaci-Erice district is among the most significant marble quarrying regions in Italy.

Geology and occurrence. Petrographically, Perlato Sicilia is a Tertiary bioclastic limestone – a sedimentary carbonate rock that was deposited around 30 – 40 million years ago (Oligocene to Miocene) in a warm, shallow tropical shelf sea. The high fossil content – visible shell, coral, gastropod and foraminifera fragments – points to a reef or near-reef lagoon environment. In the course of diagenesis the fossil shells were partly replaced by secondary calcite, which explains the typical whitish pearly inclusions (the “pearls” that give it its name). The deposit lies in the Custonaci-Erice marble district in the province of Trapani, on the north-west coast of Sicily.

Trade designation. In the international stone trade, Perlato Sicilia is traded as “marble” – a commercial classification that covers all readily polishable, pale carbonate rocks. Petrographically, however, the grade is a limestone and not a marble in the narrower sense (that is, not a metamorphically recrystallised carbonate rock like Carrara marble). For practical use this distinction is relevant, because limestones are mineralogically identical to marbles (both consist predominantly of calcite) and therefore have the same care profile: acid-sensitive, polishable, but limited in time outdoors with a high-gloss surface.

Appearance. The ground tone is a warm, creamy-beige ivory through to a pale honey beige with subtle natural variation. Distributed irregularly across the ground are the characteristic components of this grade: brown and reddish-brown shell and coral fragments of varying size (1 – 15 mm), whitish pearly calcite inclusions (the “pearls”, often 5 – 30 mm across) and fine to medium-width honey-coloured to ochre-brown stylolitic veins that structure the picture of the rock with soft lines. This makes the grade look markedly livelier and more Mediterranean than calm, homogeneous beige marbles such as Crema Marfil or Botticino, without tipping over into the rustic territory of travertines.

Technical properties (DNSA values). Bulk density 2,690 kg/m³, compressive strength 200 MPa (209 MPa after frost exposure), flexural strength 13.9 MPa, water absorption 0.25 %, thermal linear expansion 0.43 mm/m/100 K, modulus of elasticity 70.5 GPa. This places the grade in the more stable range of the Italian limestones and makes it fully load-bearing in structural terms for floor and wall applications. Mohs hardness around 3 (typical of calcite rocks). The lower hardness compared with hard rocks such as granite or gabbro means less scratch resistance – that must be taken into account on floor areas in heavily used entrance zones with grains of sand carried in. Acid sensitivity: complete (calcitic) – vinegar, wine, lemon, tomato, cola and cleaning vinegar leave etch marks on the material surface immediately.

ROSSITTIS range. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. From the slabs we produce interior floors in large format or tile format, stairs with treads and risers, wall claddings, bathroom fit-outs (vanity units, wall and floor tiles, showers with proper waterproofing), window sills, skirtings, bar counters, buffet and furniture tops, and exterior wall and exterior floor applications.

Comparison. Within the Italian beige marble family, Perlato Sicilia positions itself as the most fossil-rich, most warmly Mediterranean grade. Crema Marfil (Spain, Pinoso) looks calmer and more homogeneous with a more even beige colouring; Botticino Classico (Lombardy) is paler and with finer veining; Bianco Perlino (Piedmont) shows similar “pearl” structures, but with a cooler ground tone. For a particularly calm perlato effect, Perlato Royal is available within the same family as a reduced, more evenly patterned relative. Within the Sicilian Custonaci family, related grades are Perlato Royal Coreno, Perlatino, Trapani Beige and Avorio Sicilia.

An honest assessment. Perlato Sicilia is the classic choice for any application in which a warm Mediterranean natural stone character with visible fossil content is wanted. The grade works particularly strongly as an interior floor in classically elegant living spaces, in hotel lobbies, in bathroom fit-outs and as wall cladding. Anyone looking for a calm, homogeneous beige marble should reach for Crema Marfil or Botticino Classico; anyone who wants an acid-resistant stone for heavily used kitchen worktops or exterior surfaces with a durable polish should reach for a hard rock such as Crema Bahia (quartzite) or a granite.

In stock

Current availability from our warehouse.

38 slabs in stock · plus 4 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 2.690 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 200,0 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 13,9 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 0,25 %

Säurebeständig Nein

Suitability by application

Finishes

Perlato Sicilia 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

Cleaning. Day to day, warm water, a soft cloth or a clean mop and a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner are enough. Suitable are mild all-purpose cleaners with no acid content and mild washing-up foam. Take up spilled liquids promptly – the material is acid-sensitive, and every drop of vinegar, wine, lemon, tomato or cola can leave an etch mark on the material surface.

Do not use. Acidic cleaners of any kind – limescale removers (vinegar, citric acid, formic acid), sanitary cleaners with an acid content, WC cleaners, wheel cleaners, oven sprays. Diluted acids too etch calcite rocks immediately and leave matt spots that can only be remedied by professional re-polishing. Aggressive scouring sponges or abrasive pastes are likewise taboo, because they scour the polish matt.

Impregnation. Recommended for all applications with water contact or a risk of soiling – bathroom, kitchen, entrance area, exterior surfaces. An impregnation with a stone protector on a silane/siloxane basis protects against grease, oil and water stains, but cannot remove the acid sensitivity. The impregnation should be refreshed regularly (every 2 – 5 years depending on loading).

Kitchen and bathroom. Usable in the bathroom as wall and floor tile, vanity unit and shower – with proper waterproofing and impregnation. Attention: anti-limescale sprays and bathroom cleaners with an acid content must be avoided without fail, because they etch the calcite surface matt immediately. In the kitchen as a worktop only recommendable with reservations – wine, vinegar, lemon, tomato juice and cola leave immediately visible etch marks on the material surface. Anyone who wants the Mediterranean look of this grade in the kitchen should choose the satin (honed) or leathered version with a premium impregnation – the etch marks then remain markedly less visible. For an acid-resistant kitchen worktop with a similar look we recommend switching to a quartzite or a porcelain with a perlato-like character. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.

Floor and stairs. Classic application. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. For stairs with exterior water contact, a slip-resistant textured finish is to be chosen.

Outdoors. Suitable with reservations. With a matter surface finish and careful laying with good drainage, Perlato Sicilia can also be used outdoors. A polished exterior application loses its gloss within a few years in a Central European climate through precipitation and freeze-thaw cycles – that is inherent in the material and should be taken into account when choosing the finish. Frost resistance: listed as “unknown” by the DNSA – for exterior applications with direct exposure to the weather we recommend a trial laying through the first winter and, where appropriate, a protected application under a canopy or loggia.

Scratches and repair. In the case of matt spots, etch marks or light scratches on the polished surface, a specialised stonemasonry or joint-technology firm can locally re-polish the slab with diamond pastes. Deeper mechanical damage can in part be concealed with pigmented calcite-based repair mortars – results vary depending on the grade. In case of doubt we recommend an on-site appointment with our stone technology service.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of material is Perlato Sicilia?

Petrographically a Tertiary bioclastic limestone – a sedimentary carbonate rock that was deposited 30 – 40 million years ago in a warm tropical shelf sea. The grade comes from the Custonaci-Erice marble district in the province of Trapani, on the north-west coast of Sicily. In the international stone trade, Perlato Sicilia is traded as “marble” – that is a commercial classification for all polishable carbonate rocks, not a geological concept of marble.

What does the name “Perlato” refer to?

The name points to the characteristic whitish pearly calcite inclusions (“pearls”), which arose through secondary calcite replacement of fossil shells. These “pearls” are the naming and design-defining feature of all “Perlato” grades from the Custonaci-Erice district.

What exactly does Perlato Sicilia look like?

A warm, creamy-beige ivory to honey beige as the ground tone, run through by brown and reddish-brown shell and coral fragments (1 – 15 mm), whitish pearly calcite inclusions (5 – 30 mm) and fine honey-coloured to ochre-brown stylolitic veins. The grade looks more Mediterranean and livelier than calm, homogeneous beige marbles, without tipping over into the rustic territory of travertines.

What technical values does Perlato Sicilia have?

DNSA values: bulk density 2,690 kg/m³, compressive strength 200 MPa, flexural strength 13.9 MPa, water absorption 0.25 %, thermal linear expansion 0.43 mm/m/100 K, modulus of elasticity 70.5 GPa. This places the grade in the more stable range of the Italian limestones and makes it fully load-bearing for floor and wall applications. Mohs hardness around 3 (calcite). Acid-sensitive – calcitic mineralogy reacts to all acids.

Is Perlato Sicilia suitable for kitchen worktops?

With reservations. Wine, vinegar, lemon, tomato juice and cola leave immediately visible etch marks on the material surface. Anyone who wants the Mediterranean look of this grade in the kitchen should choose the satin (honed) or leathered version with a premium impregnation – the etch marks then remain markedly less visible. For an acid-resistant kitchen worktop with a similar look we recommend switching to a quartzite or a porcelain with a perlato-like character.

Is Perlato Sicilia suitable for exterior surfaces?

With reservations. With a honed/satin, flamed or bush-hammered finish and careful laying with good drainage, Perlato Sicilia can be used outdoors – but we recommend the application under a canopy or loggia. A polished exterior application loses its gloss within a few years in a Central European climate through precipitation and freeze-thaw cycles – that is inherent in the material and should be taken into account when choosing the finish.

Which cleaners may I use?

Permitted are warm water, all pH-neutral stone and all-purpose cleaners and mild washing-up foam. Taboo are all acidic cleaners – limescale removers, anti-limescale sprays with an acid content, WC cleaners, wheel cleaners, oven sprays. Diluted vinegar or lemon juice too leaves matt etch spots immediately, which can only be remedied by professional re-polishing.

Perlato Sicilia or Crema Marfil?

Perlato Sicilia (Sicilian bioclastic limestone) looks markedly more fossil-rich and more Mediterranean with visible shell, coral and pearl structures as well as honey-coloured veins. Crema Marfil (Spanish limestone from Pinoso/Alicante) is calmer and more homogeneous with a more even beige colouring and finer, less visible structures. Both are acid-sensitive calcite rocks with an identical care profile – the choice is a matter of style between a lively Mediterranean-fossil effect (Perlato) and a calm elegant effect (Crema Marfil).

What does Perlato Sicilia 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.