An Introduction to Natural Phyllite -

Architectural Stone

• SSQ Group was founded in 1983

• Producers and exporters of natural slate from Spain, Argentina and Brazil

• Specialists in finest quality imported slate & phyllite

• Market leader in UK; exports to Europe and worldwide

Who are SSQ & Riverstone?

• Riverstone Ltd (part of SSQ Group) was established in 2003

• Recently expanded product portfolio to include full Riverstone Architectural range

• Due to quarry ownership we can always fulfill our promises and ensure high quality control procedures are in place

Who are SSQ and Riverstone?

• To explain the formation and extraction of phyllite

• To demonstrate why phyllite can be an excellent alternative to slate

• To highlight why its properties make it suitable for architectural applications

• To help provide sufficient information to ensure problem free specifications using natural phyllite architectural and flooring products

Objectives

• Introduction to phyllite – geology, extraction and source

• Advantages of phyllite and problems occurred using inferior products

• Natural phyllite testing & standards

• Natural stone comparison table

• Stone protection

Contents

Definition: “Phyllite is from scientific Latin and means ‘leaf-stone’ phyllite is a medium grey stone.”

• Phyllite is a metamorphic stone.

• Phyllite can be split by hand.

• Phyllite is formed from two other types of stone: slate and

schist.

• Phyllite has a visible sheen owing to its exposure to extreme heat and pressure

• Phyllite tends to have a corrugated surface which can be

polished to achieve a smooth surface.

An Introduction to Natural phyllite

Source: San Luis quarry located in Argentina

• Total ownership by SSQ Group.

• All quality control done by trusted methods at source.

• Formed over 600 million years ago.

• Shares many characteristics with Cornish slate due to the tectonic plate movements.

An introduction to natural phyllite

There are 3 key classifications of natural stone, each is formed in different ways and is comprised of different minerals.

Igneous Rock

Formed when molten (melted) materials harden through crystallisation; most commonly granite and basalt.

Granite

Sedimentary RockRock formed by the hardening of material deposited in some process; most commonly sandstone, shale, and limestone.

Limestone

Metamorphic RockRock that has been physically altered by heat and/or pressure; most commonly quartzite, slate, marble and phyllite.

Phyllite

The formation of phyllite

Phyllite is a fine-grained metamorphic rock, formed from the compressive pressure from both the sea and the earth’s core.

phyllite

The formation of phyllite

• Varying degrees of heat and pressure contribute to the stones formation and strength

• Due to the fine grain and high compression of phyllite, the result is a very dense stone

Phyllite is always quarried from above and below the quartz vein.

Why quarry around the quartz vein?

1. Acts as a compressive barrier

2. Ensures the highest quality of stone

Quartz vein

The extraction process

The stone is extracted in steps using a diamond cutting wire.

Quarry rock face

Why quarry in steps?

1. Minimises wastage

2. No need to use explosives

The extraction process cont.

• High density

• Very low porosity

• Durable

• Exceptional strength

• Versatile

• Minimum maintenance (once laid and sealed properly)

Advantages of natural phyllite

• Non combustible

• Not susceptible to acid attack thus pollution resistant

• Natural product

• Long life expectancy

Advantages of natural phyllite

• Can be poorly calibrated

• Can be poorly gauged

• Easily absorb stains

• Efflorescence (salt leaches from material)

• Rust (leaching pyrite)

Problems from using an inferior natural stone to phyllite

• Has negative reactions to the freeze-thaw cycle

• Limitation on surface finish (due to low density)

• May disintegrate (mineral properties react)

• May distort under intense heat

Problems from using an inferior natural stone to phyllite cont.

6 main types of tests for natural stone:

Type: Density; Kg/m3

Description: Measured against water 1,000, higher the density the better.

EU Test: BS EN 1936

Type: Water Absorption, %

Description: Checks for water absorption in stone, lower is better.

EU Test: BS EN 13755

Type: Modulus of Rupture, MPa

Description: Measures the maximum load the stone can withstand, higher is better.

EU Test: BS EN 12372

Testing & Standards

6 main types of tests for natural stone:

Type: Abrasion Resistance

Description: Represents the stone’s surface to wear, higher is better.

EU Test: BS EN 14157

Type: Freeze Thaw Cycle, Mpa

Description: Measures the effect of extreme changes in weather, higher is better.

EU Test: BS EN 12371

Type: Slip Resistance

Description: Tested in wet and dry conditions, higher is better.

EU Test: BS EN 14231

Testing & Standards cont.

Riverstone Test Results

EU Equivalent Test Type Result (mean)

BS EN 1936 Density, Kg/m3 2760

BS EN 13755 Water Absorption, % 0.49

BS EN 12372 Modulus of Rupture, Mpa 40.53

BS EN 14157 Abrasion Resistance 23.5

BS EN 12371 Freeze Thaw Cycle, Mpa 37.49

BS EN 14231 Slip Resistance: Honed (dry/wet) 63/32

BS EN 14231 Slip Resistance: Brushed Antic (dry/wet)

69/50

Tests have been conducted by Sandberg Consulting Engineers

Testing & Standards cont.

* Information has been taken from the corporate websites

Stone comparison table

BSEN Test Riverstone Kirkstone Sea Green*

Khatmia* Tropicale*

Material Phyllite Slate Marble Granite

Source Argentina UK Egypt S. Africa

Density, Kg/m3 2760 NR 2690 2640

Water Absorption, % 0.49 2.25 0.35 0.11

Modulus of Rupture, Mpa 40.53 11.32 12.48 18.8

Abrasion Resistance, mm

23.5 12.2 17 13.2

Freeze Thaw Cycle, Mpa 37.49 NR NR NR

Slip Reisitance Polished (dry/wet)

63/32 27 (wet) NR NR

Slip Resistance Riven (dry/wet)

69/50 68 (wet) NR NR

Installation - flooring• The main methods of fixing phyllite flooring are:

Mortar (thick bed) method

• Fix the floor tiles in place with a concrete slurry mix

Adhesive (thin bed) method

• Fix the floor tiles in place with a proprietary adhesive

Grouting

• Tiles must be firmly set in the mortar or adhesive before commencing grouting. Specialist resin based and cement based grouts are available from a variety of suppliers

Under floor heating

• Phyllite retains heat well and is suitable for use with under floor heating.

Installation - cladding

• There are various fixing methods depending on where the cladding is being applied and the density of the pieces of phyllite

• For very dense phyllite cladding the main considerations are: DEAD LOADS – actual weight of the stonework. APPLIED LOADS – wind pressure & suction, window cleaning equipment & any thermal or structural movements that may occur • For phyllite used as thin cladding, there are various fixing methods. It is best to check BS 8298: 1994 (Code of practice for design and installation of natural stone cladding or lining) before a final selection is made.

• Fixing systems advice and suppliers:

Amare Stone - http://amarestone.com

Halfen Limited - http://www.halfen.co.uk/

Ancon Building Products - http://www.ancon.co.uk/

An example of a sealed floor is below:

• Helps prevent marks and scratches

• Protects against damaging chemicals

Helps to prolong the life of the stone;

Protection (Stone Sealing)

* Some stone sealers will alter the colour of the stone e.g, make it darker. It is always recommended that you test the sealer on a sample first or seek advice from the seller. There are many sealants ranging from water to oil based giving matt and gloss finishes. An example of a gloss finish sealant is LITHOFIN.

Installation – British Standard References

Wall and floor tiling

• BS 5385 - Wall and Floor Tiling. Code of practice for design and installation

• BS 8000: Part 11 – Workmanship on building sites. Code of practice for wall and floor tiling

Cladding

• BS 8298: 1994 – Code of practice for design and installation of natural stone cladding and lining

• BS 6213: 2000 – Guide to selection of construction sealants

Cladding

• BS 8298: 1994 – Code of practice for design and installation of natural stone cladding and lining

• BS 6213: 2000 – Guide to selection of construction sealants

Interior Flooring

Exterior Flooring

Different types of applications

Different types of applications cont.Window sills

Slabs

Different types of applications cont.External Wall Cladding

Internal Wall Cladding

Different types of applications cont.Roofing

Thank You