Sandstone

Wenge gebändert V C

Wenge gebändert V-C is a Chinese sandstone from the province of Shandong with a warm brownish-violet ground tone and an extremely fine horizontal band structure which, in vein cut (V-C), is astonishingly reminiscent of the figure of the African hardwood wenge. Also carried internationally as Wenge Sandstone, Woodstone, Jupiter, Ebano Sandstone and Coffee Stone; used for wall claddings, decorative interior panels, fireplace surrounds and statement accent walls with a warm, elegant wood look.

Sandstone China 2.400 kg/m³

Available as: Tiles and flooring slabs

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About Wenge gebändert V C

Wenge gebändert V-C lives from an unusually precise impression of wood figure — the trade name refers to the African hardwood wenge, whose warm dark brown horizontal band structure with fine pink light reflections this sandstone imitates with astonishing exactness. The ground tone is a warm brownish violet through to a dark tobacco brown, run through by unusually fine, densely packed horizontal bandings that are made visible by the vein cut process (V-C, sawn vertically against the plane of sedimentation). This band structure is so precise and fine that a polished Wenge V-C slab genuinely looks like a veneered wenge timber panel. Occasional lighter pink-cream lines of light between the dark bands set subtle warm accents. On a polished surface the stone develops a warm, glowing effect of depth with its characteristic wood character — a unique hybrid of naturalistic sandstone and hardwood impression, ideal for architecture with a warm, organic claim.

Geologically, Wenge gebändert V-C is a medium to coarse-grained sandstone from the province of Shandong in eastern China — confirmed by DNSA under entry #5982 (WENGE). DNSA classifies the rock unambiguously as a banded sandstone. Sandstones are formed by the consolidation of quartz sand deposits under pressure and with silicate or ferruginous binders; the pronounced band structure arose through changing conditions of sedimentation — finer and coarser sand layers, iron-oxide-bearing and iron-poor strata alternate and produce the characteristic wenge wood impression. The V-C addition in the name refers to 'vein cut' — a sawing technique in which the slabs are sawn vertically against the original plane of sedimentation, so that the bands run horizontally across the slab surface. In international trade the material runs under several synonyms: Wenge, Wenge Sandstone, Woodstone, Jupiter, Ebano Sandstone, Coffee Stone, Wooden Brown Sandstone and Brown Wood Sandstone. At ROSSITTIS we classify Wenge gebändert V-C as a genuine sandstone. Important: several other stones exist with similar 'wood' trade names — Grey Wood Grain Marble, White Wood Grain Marble and Wenge Marble are independent marbles from other quarries, not identical with the wenge sandstone.

Technically, Wenge gebändert V-C shows the typical values of a medium-grained sandstone. The bulk density lies at 2,400 kg/m³ (typical of medium-porous sandstones), the compressive strength at 112.47 MPa, the flexural strength at 8.3-9.1 MPa and the water absorption at a moderate 1.73 %. The Mohs hardness lies in the range of 4-6 typical for sandstones. The stone is therefore considerably softer than hard rocks, but very well suited to decorative wall and interior applications. Sandstones are as a rule acid-resistant within the usual range of use (unlike marble or limestone). The moderate water absorption of 1.73 % makes a consistent impregnation important, above all in applications with exposure to moisture.

At ROSSITTIS we carry Wenge gebändert V-C as a raw slab for wall claddings, fireplace surrounds, decorative interior panels and prestigious statement wall surfaces, in tiles for wall applications, as well as for window sills and project-specific cut to size. The typical application is the accent wall surface or fireplace surround, in which the unique wenge wood impression comes fully into its own — in book-matched laying in particular the stone looks like a continuous hardwood veneer surface. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. For exterior applications the stone can be used, because of the moderate water absorption, only in protected positions and with consistent impregnation.

Compared with Tobacco / Yellow Kunming (a lighter Chinese sandstone with a flowing, swirling band structure), Wenge gebändert V-C brings a markedly darker, more refined ground tone with a more precise, finer band structure — Wenge reads like polished dark hardwood, while Tobacco recalls beach sand sediments. Against the sister material Wenge gewolkt C-C (cross cut, a different sawing direction with a cloudy rather than a striped character), the V-C version offers the classic horizontal hardwood striping. For architectural projects with a warm, elegant wood-and-stone mixed character — modern libraries, hotel lobbies with a wood impression, fireplace surrounds, designer bar counters and prestigious statement wall surfaces with a hardwood look but without the care requirements of real timber — Wenge gebändert V-C is a highly independent and expressive choice.

In stock

Current availability from our warehouse.

9 slabs in stock · plus 6 blocks

Thicknesses: 1 cm · Finishes: Satin-honed, Honed C220 · Available as: Tiles and flooring 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 2.400 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 112,5 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 8,7 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 1,73 %

Finishes

Wenge gebändert V C is available in a range of finishes. The finish affects appearance, feel and the care it needs.

Satin-honed

The surface is brushed — softer minerals are removed in a targeted way, creating a subtle depth with a matt appearance. A characteristic sandstone look with a warm, gently rough feel. More maintenance-intensive than hard stones, but characterful and natural — for interior surfaces and sheltered exterior applications.

Honed C220

Matt appearance created by fine honing with a C220 grit — the level surface has a calm look, and light honing marks are possible. More maintenance-intensive than polished, but with a characterful, natural appearance. A choice for sandstone floor areas and wall claddings that call for a matt Mediterranean effect.

Care & fabrication

As a Chinese sandstone, Wenge gebändert V-C is a decorative material with moderate robustness. The water absorption of 1.73 % is markedly higher than with hard rocks, but lower than with very porous sandstones such as Tobacco — a consistent impregnation is nevertheless important. Sandstones are as a rule acid-resistant within the usual range of use, so that wine, lemon juice, vinegar or normal sanitary cleaners leave no blatant etch marks. The Mohs hardness of 4-6 does, however, make the stone more prone to scratching than hard rocks.

For all applications an impregnation on a silane or polysiloxane basis is mandatory. Because of the moderate water absorption we recommend refreshing it every 2-3 years for interior applications and annually for exterior applications. Impregnation protects against the deep penetration of oil, grease, wine, coffee and sanitary cleaner — on the warm brownish wenge tone, discolourations can otherwise show up visibly.

Day-to-day care is carried out with a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner and a soft cloth or microfibre mop. Consistently avoid acidic cleaners, cement haze removers and strongly alkaline agents. On the textured surfaces (riven, brushed), dirt can hold in the open microstructure and in the lines of the band structure — here occasional cleaning with a soft brush and a mildly dosed stone care product is advisable.

For kitchen worktops Wenge gebändert V-C is not to be recommended. The moderate water absorption and the lower hardness (Mohs hardness 4-6, prone to scratching) make the material unsuitable for intensive cooking applications. For decorative bar counters in prestigious rooms in which the wenge wood look is primarily to the fore, the stone can be used — with clear expectations about care. For carefree kitchen worktops with a wenge-like look we recommend the sister material Stonewood (a Brazilian quartzite with a genuine wood-figure look at Mohs hardness 7) or an engineered quartz with a wood look.

For floor areas Wenge gebändert V-C can be used in moderately loaded interior areas (living rooms, bedrooms, prestigious hallways with an entrance area for changing shoes). Because of the Mohs hardness and water absorption, not for heavily frequented entrance areas, commercial surfaces or staircases in high-frequency locations.

For exterior applications Wenge gebändert V-C can, because of the moderate water absorption and Mohs hardness, be used only in protected positions with consistent impregnation — for example façades under roof overhangs or courtyard surfaces. For exterior surfaces heavily loaded by rain or frost, please choose a hard rock. A matt, textured surface finish additionally offers slip resistance.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'V-C' mean in Wenge gebändert V-C?

V-C stands for 'vein cut' — a sawing technique in which the sandstone slabs are sawn vertically against the original plane of sedimentation. As a result the sediment bands run horizontally across the slab surface and produce the characteristic striped wenge wood impression. The sister material 'Wenge gewolkt C-C' (cross cut) is sawn parallel to the plane of sedimentation and accordingly shows cloudy rather than striped patterns. Both sawing directions come from the same sandstone, but give visually quite different slab patterns.

Does Wenge gebändert V-C really look like wenge wood?

Yes, to an unusual degree of precision. The fine horizontal band structure of the vein cut sawing resembles the figure of the African hardwood wenge astonishingly closely — above all on a polished surface and at a fleeting glance, a Wenge V-C slab genuinely looks like polished wenge wood veneer. The warm brownish tones and the organically fine bands imitate the natural wood character convincingly. In a book-match layout (two mirrored slabs) the impression of a continuous hardwood veneer surface arises.

What is Wenge gebändert V-C geologically?

Wenge gebändert V-C is a medium to coarse-grained sandstone from the province of Shandong in eastern China — confirmed by DNSA under entry #5982. Sandstones are formed by the consolidation of quartz sand deposits under pressure and with silicate or ferruginous binders; the characteristic band structure arose through changing conditions of sedimentation with iron-oxide-rich and iron-poor layers. Mohs hardness 4-6, acid-resistant within the normal range of use. In the trade the material also runs under Wenge Sandstone, Woodstone, Jupiter, Ebano Sandstone and Coffee Stone.

Which surface finishes are there for Wenge gebändert V-C?

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

Is Wenge gebändert V-C suitable for a kitchen worktop?

Not to be recommended. The moderate water absorption (1.73 %) and the lower hardness (Mohs hardness 4-6, prone to scratching) make the material unsuitable for intensive cooking applications. Possible for decorative bar counters in prestigious rooms with a primary focus on the wenge wood look, with clear expectations about care. For carefree kitchen worktops with a wenge-like look we recommend the sister material Stonewood (a Brazilian quartzite with a genuine wood-figure look at Mohs hardness 7).

Where does Wenge gebändert V-C come from?

Wenge gebändert V-C comes from the province of Shandong in eastern China — one of the most important Chinese natural stone regions. Important: several other stones exist with similar 'wood' trade names — Grey Wood Grain Marble, White Wood Grain Marble and Wenge Marble are independent marbles from other quarries. At ROSSITTIS this is the classic wenge sandstone. Internationally the material also runs under Wenge Sandstone, Woodstone, Jupiter, Ebano Sandstone, Coffee Stone, Wooden Brown Sandstone and Brown Wood Sandstone.

Wenge gebändert V-C or Wenge gewolkt C-C — which fits better?

Both come from the same wenge sandstone from Shandong, but the different sawing direction produces visually quite different slab patterns. Wenge gebändert V-C (vein cut) shows the classic horizontal wenge wood striping — fine, ordered horizontal bands like polished wenge veneer. Wenge gewolkt C-C (cross cut) shows a cloudy, flowing character with irregular bands and patterns — similar to a cross section through a tree trunk with annual rings. For classic hardwood striping, V-C; for an organic, cloudy material effect, C-C.

What does Wenge gebändert V C 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.