Tannoti Velvet Green (also Tannoti Green, Verde Tropicus, Verde Oasis, Oasis Green or Tropicus Green) is a Greek green stone from the quarry regions of the island of Tinos in the Aegean, with a dark green to olive-green ground tone and dramatic snakeskin-like white and light green veining. The trade name 'Tannoti' derives from the Phoenician word for 'snake' — an allusion to the snakeskin-like figuring. An exceptionally dense mineral structure (bulk density 2,945 kg/m³), very high flexural strength (30.8 MPa) and excellent acid resistance as a metamorphic silicate rock — used for prestige wall cladding, feature walls, bar counters, fireplace surrounds and refined interior fit-outs with a dramatic green statement appearance.
Petrographisch ein Chloritschiefer (metamorphes Silikatgestein) aus der hellenischen Subduktionszone, Insel Tinos. Im Steinhandel als Quarzit oder Grünschiefer geführt.
Tannoti Velvet Green comes from the Greek island of Tinos in the Cyclades archipelago in the southern Aegean — an island known since antiquity for its marble and green stone tradition and today among the most important Greek natural building stone suppliers. The specific quarries are operated by Stone Group International (Marmor Sg S.A.), a leading Greek natural building stone producer that brings Tannoti Velvet Green to the international market as a premium statement material. The trade name 'Tannoti' refers to the ancient Phoenician name for Tinos, which means 'snake' — a designation that points to the characteristically snakeskin-like veining of the stone and gives the material a cultural-historical depth interwoven with the Mediterranean stone tradition.
Geologically it is a chlorite schist — a crystalline metamorphic silicate rock formed by high pressure and temperature within the Hellenic subduction zone. The intense green colouring results from chlorite-, serpentine- and epidote-rich mineral components typical of metamorphic ophiolitic units. As a silicate rock, Tannoti Velvet Green is assigned in the trade to the quartzite group — the high material density of 2,945 kg/m³ and the remarkably high flexural strength of 30.82 MPa testify to the dense crystalline microstructure of the stone, which puts it technically in a leading position among decorative green stones.
Visually, Tannoti Velvet Green is defined by an exceptionally dramatic, almost painterly material signature. Across a dark green to olive-green ground tone spread pale, flowing, almost snakeskin-like curving calcite veins — sometimes in fine networks, sometimes as broader pale bands or lens-shaped widenings, sometimes as white clouded accent areas. Occasional rust-brown or ochre mineral points complete the colour palette and give the stone additional depth. The combination of a dark green ground and high-contrast bright white veining creates a decidedly dramatic, almost theatrical slab appearance. Slab variation is considerable and characteristic of the stone. In bookmatch installation — mirror-image installation of adjacent slabs — particularly impressive, almost surreal symmetrical large-scale patterns arise with a dramatic green material signature.
Technically, Tannoti Velvet Green is among the highest-quality Greek green stones, with documented values: bulk density 2,945 kg/m³ (exceptionally high for a carbonate stone), compressive strength 110.1 MPa, flexural strength 30.82 MPa (exceptionally high and close to granite), wear resistance 2.25 cm³/50 cm² (excellent, typical of granite), water absorption 0.21 % and documented frost resistance. These exceptional values qualify the stone for demanding interior and exterior applications including heavily used floors and stair applications. As a metamorphic silicate rock, Tannoti Velvet Green is acid-resistant — citric acid, vinegar and acidic cleaners leave no etch marks, which puts it clearly at an advantage over limestone and marble.
In interior fit-out, Tannoti Velvet Green is a statement material for the highest design demands. Classic applications are large-area wall cladding in hotel lobbies and prestige entrance areas, bar counters and counter fronts, fireplace surrounds with dramatic effect, feature walls in residential and commercial spaces, table and console tops as statement furniture, and freestanding wall panels in prestige rooms. The strong dark green tonality harmonises particularly with warm timber fittings in oak, walnut or mahogany, with brass, bronze and gold accents, with restrained black and with clear white — the stone is at its strongest in restrained, refined surroundings in which it is allowed to act as the visual focal point. The surface finishes currently held in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. Outdoors, thanks to its exceptionally high mechanical values and documented frost resistance, the stone is also well suited to façade cladding, plinth details and constructionally protected external applications.
In stock
Current availability from our warehouse.
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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
2.945 kg/m³
Druckfestigkeit
110,1 MPa
Biegezugfestigkeit
30,8 MPa
Wasseraufnahme
0,21 %
Frostbeständig
Ja
Finishes
Tannoti Velvet Green is available in a range of finishes. The finish affects appearance, feel and the care it needs.
Satiniert
Die Oberfläche wird gebürstet — weichere Minerale werden gezielt entfernt, es entsteht eine leichte Tiefe und mattes Erscheinungsbild. Geaderte Quarzite erhalten so eine besondere Charakteristik. Säurebeständig und kratzfest, pflegeleicht im Alltag — beliebte Alternative zur Politur in modernen Küchen und Wohnräumen.
Care & fabrication
As a metamorphic silicate rock (chlorite schist), Tannoti Velvet Green is technically exceptionally robust and easy to look after. Its water absorption of 0.21 % and excellent wear resistance make it one of the most robust decorative green stones of all. As a silicate rock the stone is acid-resistant — lemon juice, vinegar, wine or acidic cleaners leave no etch marks. For daily cleaning, warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner are sufficient. Strongly alkaline deep cleaners and abrasive pads are to be avoided. Professional sealing after installation is recommended — it reduces the take-up of grease and pigments and makes cleaning easier over the long term. With the satin-honed standard finish, sensitivity to maintenance is reduced further — the velvety matt surface disguises smaller marks of use and develops a characterful patina over time. On wall cladding, regular dusting and occasional wiping with a damp cloth are sufficient.
Frequently asked questions
What does the designation 'Tannoti' mean?
'Tannoti' derives from the ancient Phoenician name for the Greek island of Tinos and means 'snake'. The designation refers to the characteristically snakeskin-like, flowing veining of the stone, which recalls the figuring of snakeskin. It gives the material a cultural-historical depth interwoven with the Mediterranean stone tradition since the Bronze Age.
What does the addition 'Velvet Green' in the trade name mean?
'Velvet Green' is the marketing addition for the satin-honed (matt-ground) surface finish of Tannoti Green. The satin-honed surface creates an unmistakably velvety soft ('velvet') character that gives the dark green stone a warm, refined feel. Tannoti Green and Tannoti Velvet Green are therefore the same material — the addition 'Velvet' denotes the standard finish.
What do the parallel trade names such as Verde Tropicus, Verde Oasis or Tropicus Green mean?
Verde Tropicus, Verde Tropical, Verde Oasis, Oasis Green and Tropicus Green are synonymous or closely related trade names for the same or closely related Greek green stones from the Tinos region. The primary trade name 'Tannoti Velvet Green' is used by the main Greek producer Stone Group International (Marmor Sg S.A.) — the other designations arise through parallel marketing by other suppliers or through marketing searches for international trade names.
Is Tannoti Velvet Green suitable for external applications?
Yes. The exceptionally high technical values — compressive strength 110 MPa, flexural strength 30.8 MPa, water absorption of only 0.21 % and documented frost resistance — qualify Tannoti Velvet Green for demanding external applications including façade cladding, plinth details, stairs under a canopy and constructionally protected external surfaces. With proper sealing, the stone is weather-stable for decades in central European climate conditions. Sensitivity to acidic precipitation must be taken into account outdoors — over long periods a matt patina can develop.
Is Tannoti Velvet Green suitable for kitchen worktops?
Yes. As a metamorphic silicate rock, Tannoti Velvet Green is acid-resistant — lemon juice, vinegar, wine or cola leave no etch marks. Combined with the exceptionally low water absorption (0.21 %) and the excellent wear resistance (2.25 cm³/50 cm²), it is very well suited to kitchen worktops with demanding design effect. Sealing is nevertheless recommended in order to minimise the take-up of grease and pigments.
Which slab formats are usual for Tannoti Velvet Green?
Standard large formats from the Greek quarries typically lie between 280 × 160 cm and 320 × 200 cm at thicknesses of 2 cm and 3 cm. Through ROSSITTIS, thinner formats (1 cm and 1.5 cm for lightweight wall cladding) as well as special thicknesses are also sourced. On account of the premium quality and the specific Greek origin, availability is selective — please enquire directly about specific dimensions.
