| Characteristics | Value |
| Petrographic Classification | Monzogranite |
| Apparent Density | 2.604 kg/m³ |
| Apparent Porosity | 0,33% |
| Water absorption | 0,13% |
| Uniaxial Compressive Strength | 162.14 MPa (dry) / 171.66 MPa (saturated) |
| Modulus of Rupture – 3-Point Bending | 21.10 MPa (dry) / 17.37 MPa (saturated) |
| Flexural Strength – 4-Point Loading | 17.82 MPa (dry) / 18.13 MPa (saturated) |
| Hard body impact resistance | 0,46 m / 5 J |
| Amsler Abrasion Resistance | 0,76 mm (500 m) / 1,20 mm (1.000 m) |
| reeze-Thaw Resistance | 0,75 k |
| Reference standard 15.845/2015 |
Techniques for improving Branco Itaúnas
Branco Alpha is a natural stone quarried from Serrote São Paulo, in the municipality of Santa Quitéria, Ceará, Brazil, and is petrographically classified as a monzogranite. It is a plutonic igneous rock, holocrystalline and phaneritic, with an inequigranular texture and grain size ranging from fine to medium. Its main mineralogical composition consists of approximately 45% plagioclase, 21% quartz, 13% microcline, 10% muscovite, and 6% orthoclase, in addition to accessory minerals such as sericite, opaque minerals, apatite, topaz, and goethite.
The material exhibits low water absorption, low apparent porosity, and good mechanical strength in technological characterization tests, making it suitable for applications such as countertops, sinks, staircases, thresholds, wall panels, flooring, and cladding, provided that fabrication, sealing, and post-installation cleaning are carried out correctly. In chemical resistance tests, the material showed high resistance to several reagents, moderate resistance to 3% acetic acid, 3% hydrochloric acid, and potassium hydroxide at 100 g/L, and low resistance to 18% hydrochloric acid.
Product technical data
Note: This material can be processed with polished, natural, brushed, honed, and flamed finishes. For wet areas, kitchens, powder rooms, exterior flooring, or locations subject to contact with liquids, the application of a water-repellent or water-and-oil-repellent sealer is recommended to preserve the stone’s aesthetic appearance and reduce the risk of staining after installation.
INFORMATION TO THE MANUFACTURER (marbler)
Branco Alpha is a material that performs well in stone fabrication operations such as cutting, finishing, bonding, and installation, provided that proper procedures for granite stones and light-colored materials are followed.
Cutting Methodology: The use of a diamond blade suitable for granite is recommended, with continuous cooling, clean cutting, and controlled feed speed. Avoid excessive pressure on the blade in order to preserve edges, corners, and sink cutouts.
Waterproofing Even though Branco Alpha has low water absorption, it should receive proper protection, especially when used for countertops, flooring, gourmet areas, powder rooms, kitchens, and exterior applications. Petrographic analysis indicates slight microfracturing and the presence of minerals containing iron oxides/hydroxides; therefore, preventive sealing helps preserve the material’s aesthetic appearance.
Protection Recommendation: With the surface clean and dry, apply an even coat of a water-repellent or water-and-oil-repellent sealer to all surfaces of the piece, including countertops, aprons, backsplashes, edges, sides, thresholds, window sills, and flooring.
Note: For flooring, thresholds, and window sills, all sides must be sealed before installation, especially when there will be contact with mortar, moisture, or exterior exposure.
Recommended Products:
Brazil: Rock Protect – Chemistone, Nano Effect – AKEMI, Idea Gold – Bellinzoni.
International Markets: Idea Gold – Bellinzoni, Stain Proof – Alicante, Proseal – Tenax.
Adhesive bonding: To ensure proper bonding quality, it is recommended to use adhesives compatible with light-colored natural stone, such as Fix Top Components A and B – Tenax, Blitz Mastic – Bellinzoni, Marmofix – Argacon, or equivalent products with similar performance.
NOTE: Strictly follow the adhesive-to-catalyst ratio recommended by the manufacturer. When necessary, use pigment to match the adhesive more closely to the color pattern of the stone and avoid visible marks in the final finish.
Installation on sink countertops: Support with metal brackets or another suitable structural system is recommended at intervals of approximately 60 cm, especially across spans, aprons, sink areas, and overhangs. Fixing should be carried out using white PU40 polyurethane adhesive. Do not use industrial silicone, as this type of product may cause staining on the countertop surface.
Laying internal and external floors: Protect the finished surface, edges, and sides with sealer before installation. Use white ACIII adhesive mortar and flexible grout. After curing, apply an additional protective coat over the entire installed area.
Post-installation cleaning and protection: All cleaning should be carried out using water and neutral detergent. Do not use acidic detergents, hydrochloric acid, aggressive abrasive products, or steel wool, as these may alter the applied protection and compromise the aesthetic appearance of the material.
Recommended Products: Quartzolit Post-Construction Cleaner, Bellinzoni Post-Construction Floor Cleaning Detergent, PCS Alkaline – Piso Clean, Basic Cleaner Detergent – AKEMI.
