The White Alconera Marble from Extremadura, Spain is one of the most renowned varieties of the quarry, valued for its chromatic richness, durability, and very low porosity.
Its natural veining ranges from expressive curved grey patterns to more homogeneous surfaces with subtle tonal variations, making it a versatile and elegant material for unique projects.
Extracted from the María del Carmen Concession (VALEXMAR), this marble belongs to one of the marble quarries with significant reserves in Spain, historically used in heritage restoration, emblematic facades, and high-traffic paving projects.
Identification
Petrographic family: Calcitic marble (metacarbonate calcitic rock)
Origin / Quarry: Alconera (Badajoz, Spain) · María del Carmen concession (VALEXMAR)
Chromatic description
White background with warm-toned veining; fine to medium grain.
Technical properties (UNE-EN standards)
Declaration of Performance (CE) based on tests carried out by the Technological Center of Marble, ENAC accreditation No. 373/LE817
- Apparent density (EN 1936): ≈ 2,700–2,730 kg/m³
- Open porosity (EN 1936): ≈ 0.2 % (0.1 % according to other sources)*
- Water absorption at P.A. (EN 13755): ≈ 0.1 %
- Compressive strength (EN 1926): ≈ 148 MPa
- Flexural strength (EN 12372): ≈ 17.8 MPa
- Abrasion resistance (EN 14157): (≈ 24.5 mm according to other sources)*
- Frost resistance (EN 12371): —
- Slip resistance (EN 14231): —
- Reaction to fire (EN 13501-1): (A1 – non-combustible, according to other sources)*
- Elastic modulus (EN 14580): (≈ 75 GPa, according to other sources)*
- SRI / Solar Reflectance Index: (≈ 55.1, transferred value from TECNALIA test performed on a Grey Marengo sample from the same quarry)*
Chemical composition (qualitative test)
Report and analyses carried out by the University of Alicante
- Matrix (CaCO₃): 95.93 %
- CaMg(CO₃)₂: 2.12 %
- Traces:
- FeCO₃: 0.38 %
- SiO₂: 0.30 %
- Al₂O₃: 0.40 %
% oxides (stoichiometric conversion equivalents, non-quantitative):
- CaO: 53.74 %
- MgO: 0.98 %
- FeO: 0.16 % (equivalent Fe₂O₃: 0.18 %)
- SiO₂: 1.30 %
- Al₂O₃: 0.40 %
- LOI (≈ CO₂): 43.42 %
Observations
- Density / hardness in the higher range of ornamental marbles, comparable to Carrara, Calacatta, and Botticino, and superior to Crema Marfil and Black marbles from the Novelda area.
- Very low absorption and porosity → excellent resistance to stains and aging.
- Italicized information is indicative and comes from:
- Tests on other materials from the same quarry, which by analogy and continuity would offer similar values.
- External sources and industry platforms for calcitic -dolomitic marble:
Possible finishes
Polished · Honed · Bush-hammered · Sandblasted · Brushed · Antiqued · Sawn/ground · Flamed* (upon technical validation)
Recommended uses
- Interior cladding, stairs, countertops
- Interior and exterior flooring (depending on finish and slip resistance)
- Urban furniture
- Ventilated façades
- Heritage restoration
- Signature projects requiring reflectance performance
Certificates / Tests available under NDA
- Analytical Report by the University of Alicante, 2021
- Declaration of Performance (CE) by VALEXMAR, based on tests by the Technological Center of Marble (ENAC accreditation No. 373/LE817)
Internal code: VALEXMAR · BL ALC
Version: TF-BL-AL-v2025.02