Petrographic description
Alta is a Slate quarried in Norway, catalogued in the Marmi di Carrara atlas under the international reference ICNOSL00091. Its dominant tone is grey.
Like every slate, it is supplied as raw blocks, gangsaw slabs in 2 and 3 cm and cut-to-size pieces made in our Carrara plants. Recommended finishes: natural cleft, honed, brushed, calibrated. Typical applications: roofing, floors, wall cladding, pool surrounds, kitchen tops.
Availability varies with the quarry campaigns: before quoting we check current stock, block sizes and the selection grade, and we send photos of the actual slabs. Price and transport are confirmed by our technical office within one working day.
Alta Quartzite: complete guide
Overview
Alta Quartzite is a silver-grey Norwegian quartzite that splits naturally into thin slabs along its cleavage planes. It is chosen for very hard-wearing outdoor paving and cladding with a natural Nordic character.
History and origin
The quartzite takes its name from the Alta area, in northern Norway, where it has been quarried and worked for a long time. Thanks to its schistose structure it splits into flat slabs with a natural surface, traditionally also used for roofing. It is a material widespread in Northern Europe for terraces, gardens, façades and floors. Marmi di Carrara supplies it on request.
Appearance
The background is silver grey with bright glints due to the mica on the cleavage planes. The natural split surface is slightly undulating and shows nuances between light grey and grey-green. It is supplied mainly with a natural cleft face, in regular slabs or crazy paving; on request also with sawn edges.
Uses
Ideal for terraces, paths, pool surrounds, stairs, façade cladding and walls, as well as interior floors and showers thanks to its naturally non-slip surface. It withstands frost and harsh climates very well. It is not suitable for kitchen worktops, because the cleft face is not perfectly smooth.
Care and maintenance
It needs little maintenance: water and a neutral detergent, or brushing for outdoor areas. A water- and oil-repellent impregnator can be useful in outdoor dining areas to prevent grease stains.
- Classification
- schistose quartzite
- Density
- approx. 2,650 kg/m³ (indicative)
- Mohs hardness
- approx. 7
- Water absorption
- very low
- Main use
- outdoor and indoor
- Acid resistance
- high
FAQ
Is Alta suitable for outdoor use?
Slate: well suited to roofing, cladding and paving. Tell us the climate and exposure of the project and we will recommend the right finish and thickness.
What is the price of Alta per m²?
Indicative price from €100/m² for polished 2 cm slabs ex works Carrara, VAT excluded. The final figure depends on selection, block size, finish and quantity; a personalised quote is free.
How is Alta shipped from Italy?
Slabs travel in wooden A-frames inside 20-foot containers (about 25 tonnes); blocks ship loose or in open-top containers. We quote FOB, CIF or door-to-door to any port or site.
