Granite

Steel Grey

Steel Grey is one of the best-known and most widely used dark grey granites in the world — a Precambrian quartz monzonite from the Gurujepalli and Chilakaluripeta quarries in the Ongole region of the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It has a classic coarse-grained structure with a dark grey to steel-grey groundmass and characteristic pearlescent shimmering plagioclase mineral points. Also traded internationally as Steel Grey Granite, Indian Steel Grey and occasionally New Steel Grey; used for external facades, paving, terrace slabs, floor areas, stairs, kitchen worktops, bar counters, skirtings and prestige building applications with a timelessly elegant dark grey character.

Granite India Säurebeständig 2.650 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs, Skirting, Paving slabs, Tiles and flooring slabs, Crust slabs · 66 of 821 reserved

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About Steel Grey

Steel Grey shows an exceptionally even, calmly elegant slab character with a classic dark steel-grey tone. The groundmass consists of predominantly dark grey to anthracite-grey areas in which striking lighter plagioclase mineral crystals are embedded, producing a subtle pearlescent shimmering effect — the slender plagioclase tablets show a discreet schiller-like reflection under changing light, which gives the stone its characteristically lively steel-grey character. Alongside these are black biotite and hornblende mineral points and pale silver-grey quartz crystals that refine the salt-and-pepper pattern. The mineral structure is isotropic (without direction), which means there is no veining, no bedding and no preferred orientation. With a polished finish the stone develops a rich depth with a mirror gloss — the plagioclase reflections create iridescent effects depending on the light, giving the slab surface a subtle liveliness. The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page.

Geologically, Steel Grey is a Precambrian quartz monzonite or coarse-grained granitic plutonic rock from the south Indian granite complex. The quarries lie in the Gurujepalli and Chilakaluripeta districts in the Ongole region of the state of Andhra Pradesh in southern India — one of the world's most significant granite provinces, supplying millions of tonnes of hard rock annually to the global construction and dimension stone market. Several synonyms circulate in international trade: Steel Grey Granite (the principal English name), Indian Steel Grey, New Steel Grey, Iron Grey and occasionally Andhra Steel Grey (after the state). The name 'Steel Grey' refers to the characteristic steel-metallic effect of the groundmass, produced by the plagioclase reflections.

Technically, Steel Grey shows solid values for an Indian building granite: bulk density 2,650 kg/m³, compressive strength approximately 117 MPa, flexural strength approximately 15 MPa, water absorption only 0.15 % (very low), Mohs hardness 6–7. Full acid resistance is confirmed for this silicate rock — wine, lemon juice, vinegar or bathroom cleaners leave no etch marks as they would on marble or limestone. Frost resistance is generally regarded as good on account of the low water absorption; we recommend requesting a specific batch-related DIN/EN frost resistance test before demanding external facade projects. Steel Grey is therefore fully capable in everyday use for the most demanding internal and external applications.

ROSSITTIS carries Steel Grey in an exceptionally comprehensive range: as a raw slab in thicknesses from 10 to 60 mm (from standard tile formats through wall and floor slabs to solid applications such as steps or bar counters), as crust slabs (natural-edge selections), as tiles for floor and wall applications, as treads and risers for stairs, as window sills, skirtings, terrace slabs and for project-specific cutting. With over 800 slabs available, the exceptionally broad choice within the range shows the importance of Steel Grey in the ROSSITTIS programme.

The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page. This exceptionally wide choice of finishes is characteristic of Steel Grey and makes the stone available for almost any application and desired character.

Compared with other dark Indian granites, Steel Grey is the balanced standard choice with its characteristic plagioclase shimmer: Vizag Blue (also from Andhra Pradesh) is markedly bluer with a more pronounced schiller effect; Black Galaxy (same state, Prakasam district) shows dramatic golden bronze mica points; Lavender Blue is lighter with lavender-grey tones; Madurai Multicolor is multicoloured. Against European or South African dark grey granite classics such as Impala (South African, without a plagioclase shimmer), Bohus (Swedish, coarser-grained) or Padang Dark (Chinese, similar to India but usually more economical), Steel Grey brings the most balanced combination of discreet liveliness and dependable block-to-block consistency, with the characteristic Indian hard rock tradition. For architectural projects with a timelessly elegant dark grey character — external facades on office buildings, public squares and paving, hotel entrance areas, railway stations, bank buildings, memorials and general building applications with high exposure to weathering — Steel Grey is a dependable, technically outstanding and economically attractive choice. The stone is one of the 'workhorses' of the international dimension stone industry — proven for decades, with excellent block-to-block consistency and global availability thanks to the high output capacity of the Indian quarries.

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 2.650 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 117,0 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 15,0 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 0,15 %

Säurebeständig Ja

Suitability by application

Finishes

Steel Grey 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.

Poliert RS satiniert

Beidseitig einsetzbare Platte: polierte Sichtseite mit höchstmöglicher Farbintensität und Spiegelglanz, Rückseite satiniert (gebürstet) mit matter, taktil warmer Anmutung. Eine flexible Konstruktion für Anwendungen, in denen Glanz- und Mattseiten je nach Einbauumgebung gewünscht sind.

River finish RS poliert

Beidseitig einsetzbare Platte: Sichtseite mit River-Finish-Oberfläche (wasserdruck-aufgeraut und farbvertiefend behandelt) für Außenbereiche, Rückseite poliert (spiegelglatt mit höchster Farbintensität) für Innenanwendungen. Ein flexibles Material für Projekte mit unterschiedlichen Anforderungen an Innen- und Außenseite.

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.

Lapatura® caress reptil

Das Material wird gebürstet und anschließend poliert — es entsteht ein charakteristischer Nass-Effekt mit ausgeprägter Tiefenwirkung und sanft-haptischer Anmutung. Pflegeleicht und im Alltag robust; eine designorientierte Veredelung für anspruchsvolle Küchenarbeitsplatten und Statement-Wandverkleidungen.

Care & fabrication

As an Indian granite, Steel Grey is an exceptionally robust hard rock with low water absorption (0.15 %), 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 markedly easier to look after and is ideally suited to intensive everyday use.

For internal applications we recommend sealing on a silane or polysiloxane basis at first installation. On polished surfaces, refreshing the sealer every 8–10 years is sufficient; on heavily used kitchen worktops or external applications, check it every 3–5 years.

Routine care is with a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner and a soft cloth or microfibre mop. Clear warm water is usually sufficient. Acidic cleaners are not in themselves a problem (acid resistance as a silicate rock), but should nevertheless be avoided because they can attack the sealer. The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page.

For kitchen worktops, Steel Grey is outstandingly suited: cut- and scratch-resistant (Mohs hardness 6–7), insensitive to heat (hot pots and pans can be set down directly for short periods, though prolonged heat exposure above 200 °C should still be avoided), acid-resistant and with excellent stain repellency. The discreet plagioclase shimmer gives designer kitchens with dark work surfaces a subtle liveliness. The dark grey ground tone does, however, show crumbs, flour and food residues more clearly than pale selections — an aesthetic question, not a material one.

For external applications, Steel Grey is well suited — the low water absorption and the strength typical of Indian granite make the stone a standard choice for demanding external facades, paving, pool areas and applications exposed to frost and de-icing salt. The finishes currently available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down this page.

For pool surrounds, external terraces and fountain surrounds, a slip-resistant textured finish is mandatory — smooth external surfaces present a high risk of slipping when wet. In areas with frequent salt contact we recommend refreshing the sealer every 3 years. For large-area external facades with high frost exposure we recommend requesting a project-specific data sheet from the importer, since specific DIN/EN frost resistance values for Steel Grey can vary from batch to batch.

Frequently asked questions

What is Steel Grey geologically?

Steel Grey is a Precambrian quartz monzonite or coarse-grained granitic plutonic rock from the south Indian granite complex. The quarries lie in the Gurujepalli and Chilakaluripeta districts in the Ongole region of the state of Andhra Pradesh in southern India. Its characteristic feature is the subtle plagioclase shimmer under changing light, which gives the stone its 'Steel' character.

What synonyms are there?

In international trade, Steel Grey also runs under the designations Steel Grey Granite (the principal English name), Indian Steel Grey, New Steel Grey, Iron Grey and occasionally Andhra Steel Grey (after the state). All of these designations refer to the same Indian granite from the Gurujepalli/Chilakaluripeta quarries in Andhra Pradesh.

What technical values does Steel Grey have?

Solid values: bulk density 2,650 kg/m³, compressive strength approximately 117 MPa, flexural strength approximately 15 MPa, water absorption 0.15 % (very low), Mohs hardness 6–7. Full acid resistance as a silicate rock. Frost resistance is generally regarded as good on account of the low water absorption; a specific batch-related DIN/EN test is advisable before demanding external facade projects.

What is the characteristic shimmer effect?

Steel Grey shows a subtle pearlescent shimmering effect produced by the embedded plagioclase mineral crystals. The slender plagioclase tablets reflect the light in different directions — under changing light a discreet iridescent effect arises that gives the stone its characteristic 'Steel' quality. This schiller effect is subtler than in labradorite or Vizag Blue, but it gives Steel Grey a lively slab appearance despite the even ground tone.

Is Steel Grey suitable for a kitchen worktop?

Outstandingly suited — it is regarded as one of the most popular granites for kitchen worktops worldwide. With a Mohs hardness of 6–7, low water absorption (0.15 %), good compressive strength (117 MPa) and full acid resistance, the stone is cut-, scratch- and heat-resistant and absorbs no acids from wine, lemon or vinegar. The discreet plagioclase shimmer gives designer kitchens with dark work surfaces a subtle liveliness that other uniform dark granites do not offer.

What finishes are available in Steel Grey?

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

Is Steel Grey suitable for external facades?

Yes, well suited. The low water absorption (0.15 %) and the strength typical of Indian granite qualify the stone for demanding external facades, paving, pool areas and applications exposed to frost and de-icing salt. For external applications we recommend flamed plus brushed, honed or the special Lapatura® finish — these surfaces offer weathering stability and slip resistance at the same time. For large-area external facades with high frost exposure we recommend a batch-specific check of the data sheet.

Where does Steel Grey come from?

Steel Grey comes from the Gurujepalli and Chilakaluripeta quarries in the Ongole region of the state of Andhra Pradesh in southern India. Andhra Pradesh is one of the world's most significant granite provinces — the same state also supplies other well-known granites such as Vizag Blue, Black Galaxy (Prakasam district) and Lavender Blue.