Nero Zimbabwe is more than a granite: it’s a gabbro
Nero Zimbabwe, commonly known as granite Nero Assoluto, is not really a granite. This material is scientifically classified as gabbro.
In 1810 the German geologist Leopold von Buch named this intrusive rock after the hills of Gabbro on the Tyrrhenian coast in the South of Livorno. Let’s look at the differences and similarities between gabbro and granite.
Nero Zimbabwe Ecoantik
Difference between Gabbro and Granite
Both are intrusive igneous rocks of volcanic origin, formed after the cooling process inside the terrestrial crust.
Granite and gabbro have a different percentage of silica (minerals mostly composed by silica and oxide) and, due to the presence of other chemical elements, their colour and resistance are different, too. Gabbro contains between 45% and 52% of silica (basic rock) whereas granite contains 63% and more (acid rock).
Granite is an acid rock with more than 63% of silica, its colour varies from white to red. The medium or medium fine-grained gabbro contains translucent and colourless quartz, potassic feldspar (orthoclase), spare plagioclase and biotite (black mica). Sometimes it also contains muscovite (if there are granites with two micas), apatite, zircon, pyrite. Gabbro is a basic rock, very dark, with plagioclase, pyroxene, amphibole.
What do these differences mean?
All these materials are generally very dark (we noticed that during the finishing process), that means the darker they are, the harder. In particular, Nero Zimbabwe is a very solid and homogenous stone with a black background colour and little dots of dark grey crystals.
Thin section Nero Zimbabwe
Let’s compare for example the minimum values of some resistance proof between a light granite, Bianco Cristal, and a dark one, Nero Zimbabwe, according to the CE marking data.
The values are apparently very different and entirely in favour of Nero Zimbabwe, even if Bianco Cristal – compared to marble - has higher values of resistance.
| NERO ZIMBABWE | BIANCO CRISTAL | |
| Flexural strenght | 30,2 MPa | 15,8 MPa |
| Compressive strength | 261 MPa | 144 MPa |
| Breaking load at fixing points | 2950 N | 2450 N |
Application of Nero Zimbabwe
Nero Zimbabwe can be used for different purposes, thanks to its intense chromatic tonality and hardness. This material is suitable for interior design as well as for outdoor facilities.
The absolute black colour of this precious material is characterized by very small dots that vary from grey to black, which provide elegance and sophistication to the surface.
The two main characteristics of this gabbro are hardness and chromatic tonality, which is ideal for big construction projects: cladding of buildings, hotel lobbies, large-area floor covering, even in villas.
This elegant material goes with any design style, including interior flooring or cladding, bathroom design, kitchen tops or vanity tops etc.
We’d recommend a polished or Ecoantik treated surface (look at the photo above) or the whole range of flaming and brushing to highlight the chromatic character. The last two finishing methods are particularly suitable for exterior design or wall cladding.
Look at Nero Zimbabwe in our material catalogue.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nero Assoluto a marble or a granite?
The so-called Nero Assoluto (also referred to as Nero Zimbabwe) is not a marble and, from a geological point of view, not a granite either: according to scientific classification, this natural stone is a gabbro. Nevertheless, it has the most important technical properties of granite: hardness and high wear resistance.
What type of rock is gabbro?
Like granite, gabbro is an intrusive igneous rock, formed deep within the Earth, in the Earth’s crust, where the magma cooled down. Compared to granite, this natural stone has a lower silicon dioxide content (about 45-52%), is therefore alkaline, and usually dark coloured.
Where does Nero Assoluto come from?
The material is also known as Nero Zimbabwe, this trade name refers to the eponymous country of origin in Southern Africa.
What characteristics does Nero Assoluto Zimbabwe have?
Thanks to its strong aesthetics combined with high performance, Nero Assoluto Zimbabwe is highly valued. This material is particularly compact and homogeneous, and its black background features small dark grey crystals. Furthermore, this gabbro is very durable, more than ‘normal’ granites. This versatile material is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, including large areas (wall claddings, entrance halls, large floor coverings), or indoors, such as floor slabs/claddings, such as vanity tops or counter tops. To enhance the surface, these finishes are highly recommended: polished, flamed, brushed, and Ecoantik (the latter two are especially suitable for outdoor application or wall cladding).