Titanium Black Extra

Geologically it is a Precambrian mica schist — a metamorphic rock that formed under high pressure and temperature conditions from original clay slates or other pelitic sediments. The mineral composition of the stone is exceptionally characteristic: quartz 45 %, biotite-muscovite mica 35 %, plagioclase 15 % and andalusite 5 %. The high concentration of mica from biotite (dark mica) and muscovite (pale mica) produces the characteristic silvery gleaming effect of the polished surface — the mica mineral crystals reflect light at different angles and thus create the unmistakable “Titanium” effect with its metallically gleaming character. The DNSA data sheet (#6087) classifies the stone precisely as a mica schist; in the stone trade, however, it is traded as “Titanium Granite” or “Titanium Black Granite” — a convention established in the dimension stone market for high-strength exotic hard rocks, though not entirely correct petrographically.

Visually, Titanium Black Extra is marked by an exceptionally characterful, cool metallic material signature. The ground tone is deep black to dark anthracite, interspersed with countless small, finely scattered mica crystals in silver-grey, bronze and occasionally golden-yellow tones. Under the effect of light — particularly under raking light or direct sunlight — these mica inclusions create an exceptionally lively, almost sparkling gleaming effect that lends the stone its iconic “titanium”-like character. The structuring is irregularly clouded — the concentrations of mica vary in different areas of the slab, so that every slab acquires a material signature of its own, lively and metallic. Slab-to-slab variation is moderate — the overall character remains reliable, while individual slabs show differences in the density of mica and the intensity of tone.

Technically, Titanium Black Extra is among the high-quality hard rocks, with documented values: bulk density 2,699 kg/m³, compressive strength 65.5 to 100.8 MPa (variable depending on the block, mean value around 83 MPa), flexural strength 10.4 to 25.4 MPa (variable, mean value around 18 MPa), water absorption 0.18 %, porosity 0.53 %. The acid resistance is documented by the DNSA — the stone is largely insensitive to household acids such as lemon juice, vinegar, wine and cola, which distinguishes it favourably from marbles and limestones and qualifies it without restriction for kitchen worktops. Frost resistance is listed as assumed in the DNSA and is plausible given the technical profile and the general track record of Brazilian mica schists in Central European climate conditions. The low water absorption of 0.18 % is outstanding.

In interior fit-out, Titanium Black Extra is an excellent choice for modern, contemporary-luxurious and urban-elegant architecture where a cool metallic material signature is wanted. Classic applications are kitchen worktops in designer kitchens, wall claddings in hotel lobbies and entrance areas, bar counters and counter fronts, bathroom accent walls, table and console tops, floor areas in prestige residential and commercial spaces as well as fireplace surrounds. The cool anthracite tonality with the glittering mica accents harmonises particularly well with pale timber, white or pale grey wall colours, clear glass, exposed concrete and stainless steel or nickel metal accents — the stone suits contemporary architecture where a minimalist, urban-elegant character is wanted. Outdoors, Titanium Black Extra finds use as façade cladding, plinth details, stair treads and paving — its frost and acid resistance qualify it without restriction for Central European climate conditions and for intensive weathering. The high slab-to-slab variation in the density of mica should be taken into account with large-area laying by matching the slabs.