Download PDF-Download

SAHARA
Hardness:
Structure:
Synonyms:
Group:
Petrographic assignment:
Age:
Colouring minerals:
Average hardness:
Deposit:
soft
slab with irregular pattern
Amarillo Macael, Amarillo Triana, Amarillo Lijar
Sediment rocks
Limestone (Dolomite)
Probably middle earth age
The yellow colouring iron oxide limonite is included in the dolomite.
3-4 (according to Mohs's hardness scale 1-10)
Lijar / Province Almeria / Spain
Petrography:
The fine crystalline rock consists of almost 90% dolomite, a magnesium carbonate. The fine, dark veins are
filled with dendrite manganese ore. Wider clefts, closed with transparent calcite crystals and healed due to
this, appear occasionally.
Petrogenesis:
Dolomite stones are generated either from direct deposits of the mineral dolomite on the seabed or by later
metamorphosis of limestone, whereby fine crystals are formed and possibly existing fossil structures are
covered up. In this case, the already compacted rock was broken up by tectonic tensions in the earth crust.
The fine cracks healed however over time by inclusion of calcite crystals and black manganese ore.
Hint: The close-up view of each stone type shows a relatively true image of the crystalline structure and the
colouring. This is suitable for grained slabs to a limited extend only. In regard to the colour matching, please
take an original sample of the stone from your furniture store as a basis.