| Characteristics | Value |
| Hardness | 5-6 |
| Heat Resistance | High |
| Acid Resistance | Medium (sensitive to strong acids) |
| Maintenance | Moderate (waterproofing required) |
| Common Uses | Interior coverings, fireplaces, decorative panels, low-traffic interior floors, ventilated facades. |
| Reference standard 15.845/2015 |
WINTER WOOD schist processing techniques
The Winter Wood is a micaceous metamorphic schist, recognized by its coloration that resembles aged wood, with grayish, brownish, and woody tones. Its rustic and natural aesthetic is widely used in interior decoration and in architectural facades.
Average Mineral Composition
- Quartz: 30–40%
- Muscovite and Biotite (micas): 30–40%
- Feldspars: 10–15%
- Accessory minerals (iron oxides, chlorite): up to 5%
Properties
- Hardness: 5–6 Mohs (softer than granites and quartzites).
- •Water absorption 0.5% – 1.0% (porous, requires waterproofing).
- Compressive strength: 100–130 MPa (inferior a granitos).
- Chemical resistance: moderate → sensitive to strong acids.
Winter Wood is valued for unique beauty and natural appearance, but should not be compared in performance with granites/quartzites, as it is more fragile.
INFORMATION FOR FABRICATORS (Stone Workers)
Recommended Finishes
- Natural (gross/cleft): widely used in rustic floors and external coverings.
- Brushed: softens the texture while maintaining a natural appearance.
- •Honed: uniform matte finish, used on interior panels and walls.
- •Polished: not recommended (micas do not maintain shine for long).
Processing and Cutting
- Winter Wood has foliation planes (lamination) typical of shale → must be cut paying attention to the direction of the rock to avoid chipping.
- Use continuous cutting diamond discs.
- Avoid very thin cuts on large pieces (they tend to break easily).
Sealing
Due to high porosity, waterproofing is mandatory in all applications.
Recommended Products:
- •Brazil: Rock Protect – Chemistone, Nano Effect – AKEMI, Idea Gold – Bellinzoni
- •International: Proseal – Tenax, Stain Proof – Dry Treat, Idea Gold – Bellinzoni
Procedure:
- Apply water repellent to all surfaces (surface, sides and back).
- Reapply every 12 to 18 months indoors and annually outdoors.
Adhesive Bonding
- Use epoxy/polyester glues specific for rocks (Tenax, Bellinzoni, Argacon).
- In vertical installations, reinforce with high-adhesion ACIII adhesive mortar.
INSTALLATION
- Internal coverings: apply on white or gray ACIII adhesive mortar.
- Ventilated facades: use mechanical fastening systems (clamps, metal inserts).
- Floors: Only in low-traffic areas (residential). Avoid use in commercial or high-traffic areas.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
- Routine: damp cloth and neutral detergent.
- Avoid: abrasive products, bleach, acids and strong descaling agents.
- Post-construction: use suitable cleaners → Quartzolit Post-Work, PCS Alkaline (Clean Floor), Bellinzoni floor cleaning detergent.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Xisto Winter Wood is a material of high aesthetic value and unique naturalness, ideal for outstanding architectural projects. Its resistance is lower than that of granites and quartzites, requiring regular maintenance and periodic waterproofing. It is best suited for wall coverings, fireplaces, ventilated facades and low-traffic residential flooring, where your different texture and color add rustic sophistication to the environment.
