Verde Picasso

Geologically it is a quartzite — a metamorphic rock formed from original quartz-bearing sandstones under high pressure and temperature. During metamorphism the original quartz sand grains fused together under pressure and heat and recrystallised into a dense, crystalline quartzite fabric. Mineralogically, Verde Picasso is an exceptionally pure quartzite with a high quartz content (typically over 90 % quartz), which gives it its characteristic technical robustness and its resistance to acids. The olive to moss-green ground tone results from epidote, chlorite and serpentine-bearing mineral components that were present in the original sandstone sediments and were carried into the quartzite by the metamorphic transformation. The dark grey-anthracite band structures arise from organic, carbon-bearing or biotite-rich layers, the golden-brown khaki accents from iron oxide mineralisation, and the white quartz veining from secondary calcitic-quartzitic mineralisation. The cubist, chaotic patterning is the result of tectonic stress during the Precambrian orogeny, which plastically deformed the original bedding and transformed it into today's abstract, painterly patterns of movement.

Visually, Verde Picasso is defined by an exceptionally theatrical, almost cubist and painterly material signature. Across an olive to moss-green ground tone, powerful dark grey-anthracite band structures spread out in fluid, directional movements, interspersed with golden-brown khaki accent areas and subtle white quartz veining. The patterning is decidedly lively and chaotic — the individual layers run in different directions, overlap, fragment and so create a cubist slab appearance of the highest visual complexity. Slab variation is considerable and is intrinsic to the stone. Book-matched installation — mirroring adjacent slabs — produces particularly impressive, almost surrealist symmetrical large-scale patterns with the full dramatic effect of the multi-toned green composition.

Technically, Verde Picasso is, like all true quartzites, one of the most robust dimension stones there is: high compressive strength (typically between 200 and 250 MPa for pure quartzites), low water absorption (typically below 0.3 %), high hardness (Mohs hardness 7 for pure quartz), full frost and acid resistance. Quantitative data sheets with measured values are only available to a limited extent for this specific variety; the general properties of Brazilian premium quartzites are, however, well documented. Quartzites are insensitive to lemon juice, vinegar, wine, cola and all household acids — a central advantage over marbles and limestones. This combination of properties qualifies Verde Picasso without restriction for intensively used kitchen worktops and for prestige internal and external applications.

In interior fit-out, Verde Picasso is a statement material par excellence for the highest design demands and exclusive architecture. Classic applications are kitchen worktops in designer kitchens where the material acts as the visual focal point of the architecture; feature walls in living rooms, hotel lobbies and entrance areas; bar counters and counter fronts; bathroom feature walls behind freestanding baths; table and console tops as statement furniture; fireplace surrounds with dramatic effect. The powerful olive-green tonality with its dramatic anthracite flowing band structures and golden accents harmonises particularly well with warm timber fittings in walnut, mahogany or dark oak, with brass, bronze and gold accents, with restrained black and with muted earth tones. Verde Picasso is a visual soloist of the highest expressive power — it works most strongly in restrained, refined settings where it is allowed to act as the undisputed focal point, and is one of the most spectacular choices for contemporary luxury interiors that call for an artwork-like material aesthetic. Outdoors it is used as a facade accent, entrance cladding and prestige paving in high-grade external schemes.