Bluestone Tiles & Outdoor Pavers

Specifications

• Tiles (flamed) - 600x400x15mm
• Tiles (honed) - 600x300x15 & 600x400x15mm
• Treads (flamed) with bullnose - 1500x350x30mm
• Treads (honed) with bullnose - 1200x350x30mm & 1500x350x30mm

Other sizes available by special order

Mali Bluestone - Characteristics

This is an extremely hard type of black basalt stone called gabbro. It is volcanic in nature like all basalts but is found much deeper in the rock strata than other types of igneous material. This is significant as it has fewer holes than other types of "bluestone" because the stone cooled more slowly when it was formed, after the volcanic activity.

The stone is dark grey to black in colour which means it is unlikely to mark or stain and its colour hides dirt well. In our opinion, it is an outstanding candidate for outdoor paving in flamed form whilst the honed products are ideal for use on indoor floors and feature walls. The high density and low water absorption properties indicate it would also be suitable for wet areas e.g. bathrooms, spas and pool surrounds.

Why Call it Bluestone ?

Bluestone is a name that does not appear in a dictionary of geological terms. It is just a name that is given to a range of basalt derived stone most of which are black/blue in colour. There are many different types of basalt so it can get very technical - most people don't want to go there and are happy with bluestone as a generic term.

Mali - Safe, Durable Outdoor Paving

Mali is a dense and incredibly durable building and landscaping material that has an unmistakable decorative quality and beauty. The flamed surface is popular for outdoor applications because it has excellent slip resistance in wet weather or around pools.

The dark colour does mean it will absorb and retain heat in summer so on hot days some thongs or sandals might be needed.

Hard Stone - Soft Environmentally

Gabbro ( a form of "bluestone") is as it comes from deep in the earth; it is completely natural. Other than cutting the sides and grinding the base of each tile and paver, there is no manufacturing process. The stone is untreated with any form of chemical.

This stone is so hard that it wears out diamond tipped cutting wheels quickly. It is one of the hardest stones which is a blessing because it can handle high traffic areas easily.

Sealing?

This stone does not need to be sealed - save your money! Some of our customers do like to seal in BBQ, cooking or entertainment areas just to make cleaning a little easier and quicker. They say they "sleep a bit better at night"! If you do decide to seal, Sealers Choice Gold Rapid would be the best option as it won't change the stone colour and it is water based and therefore more environmentally friendly.

Flamed Surface - Safe in Outdoor Areas & Pools

Flamed bluestone is the surface of choice for wet areas - swimming pool aprons, water features and garden paths. The flamed finish makes the stone very safe for young children who run with abandon; it is also a stone well suited to pathways for the elderly who are more prone to slipping and falling.

Treads Popular - Steps & Pool Coping

The Mali treads are very popular for use on outdoor stairs and verandah edges. They are also being used as pool coping. This stone is suitable for use around traditionally chlorinated and saltwater pools.

Satisfaction - 100% Guaranteed

Bellstone wholesales the finest quality natural stone products for walls, flooring and paving for use in residential and commercial building projects as well as outdoor design, garden and landscaping applications.

In the unlikely event that you are unhappy with the quality of a piece of stone you have just unpacked - contact us straightaway and we will replace it within 48 hours at no cost. Click here for more information on our guarantee.

Stone Quality Rating - Mali Bluestone

(5 stars = best quality)

Density
Porosity
Water absorption
Flexural Strength - dried
Flexural strength - wet
Slip Resistance - flamed
Slip Resistance - honed
Resistance to salt attack (durability)

Indicative Test Results (21/11/11)

• Slip resistance - flamed (AS/NZS 4586-2004) - 60V (risk of slipping when wet = very low)
• Slip resistance - honed (AS/NZS 4586-2004) - 32Y (risk of slipping when wet = high)
• Flexural strength (ASTM C880) (dried) - 22.8 MPa
• Flexural strength (ASTM C880) (wet) - 18.1 MPa
• Density (ASTM C97-02) - 2895 kg/m3
• Water absorption (ASTM 616) by volume (porosity) - 1.4%
• Water absorption (ASTM 616) by weight - 0.49%
• Resistance to salt attack weight loss (AS/NZS 4456.10) - 0.08
• Resistance to salt attack classification (AS/NZS 4456.10) - AA
• Resistance to salt attack (AS/NZS 4456.10) mode of decay - no visible decay

NB The benchmarks for use of stone around salt water pools is 0.1% weight loss or less with a minimum slip resistance classification of W. ­

Free Consultation

Ring 1800 663 235 now for a free visit and consultation with our technical adviser. Better still visit our showroom and inspect some our exciting new products.