Breccia is an Italian word for fragments of stone, and from old German, "break-fracture".
Breccias consist of angular stone fragments related to the rocks from which they were derived, Limestone or Marble, and cemented together in a very fine to medium-grained matrix. This cementing matrix is generally composed of silica, calcite, iron oxides and clay minerals.
GROUP |
Sedimentary |
COMMON
ROCK-FORMING MINERAL GROUP |
Calcareous |
COMPOSITION |
Depends on the rock mass from which it was derived. |
HARDNESS |
Soft to Medium |
MOHS' SCALE |
3 - 4 |
POROSITY % |
Generally breccias have a higher porosity ratio than their original rock formation. |
ABSORPTION % |
Same as above. |
WEATHERING
CHARACTERISTICS |
Breccias have a moisture sensitive history. |
TENDENCIES |
Absorbs oils and other liquids...Depending on whether the rock mass was of calcium carbonate composition or of dolomite, acid sensitivity will vary. |
COLORS |
Variable, depending on the rock mass from which it was derived. |
FINISHES |
Polished |
NOTATIONS |
Due to the moisture sensitivity of breccias it is highly recommended that this class of stones not be used in wet areas and exterior installations. Moisture barrier membranes should also be incorporated in the installation process. Treating breccias with a water repellent is highly recommended. |
Breccias are the result of various geological activates. Some have been formed within the earth due to movement along faults causing fracturing and shattering and over time these rock masses become reconsolidated. Deep in the earth marble formations are fractured during seismic activities and over time cemented together again by mineral solutions. They are also the result of the consolidation of landslides.
Commercially Breccias have been classified as a "Marble", because these stones can be polished.
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