Quarried in Eichenbühl, Bavaria, Germany, Eichenbühler Mainsandstein is a traditional fine-grained, hard sandstone that has been used in German architecture for centuries, especially in heritage buildings and monuments.
Appearance & Texture
- Color: Dark brick red to reddish-brown
- Grain: Very fine-grained, compact texture
- Pattern: Mostly uniform with minimal veining; occasional mineral banding or color shading due to iron oxide concentration
- Surface Feel: Slightly gritty in natural cleft; smooth in honed finishes
Physical Properties
(tested and documented)
- Bulk Density .... 2270 kg/m³ (2.27 g/cm³)
- Water Absorption .... 5.9% by weight
- Porosity .... Medium (~14–18%)
- Compressive Strength .... 97 MPa
- Flexural Strength .... 9.3 MPa
- Abrasion Resistance .... Moderate (ASTM C241 ~30–35 mm)
- Mohs Hardness .... ~6–7 (relatively hard for sandstone)
Slip Resistance (R Rating):
- Natural/cleft: R12
- Honed: R9
- Brushed: R10
- Sandblasted: R11
Chemical Composition (% by weight)
- Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) .... 85–90% (Quartz-rich)
- Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) .... 4–6%
- Iron Oxides (Fe2O3) .... 1.5–3% (responsible for red coloration)
- Calcium Oxide (CaO) .... <0.5%
- Magnesium Oxide (MgO) .... <0.3%
- Potassium/Sodium Oxides (K2O, Na2O) .... Trace
Mineralogical Composition
- Quartz: ~85–90%
- Feldspar (K-Feldspar, Plagioclase): ~5–7%
- Mica (Muscovite, Biotite): ~1–2%
- Iron-bearing minerals (Hematite, Limonite): ~2–3%
- Clay minerals: ~1–2% (e.g., kaolinite, illite)
Surface Finish Options
- Natural Split (Cleft): Traditional, rustic, high slip resistance
- Honed: Smooth, matte surface; ideal for interiors
- Brushed: Slightly textured, soft underfoot feel
- Sandblasted: Textured with good slip resistance
- Bush-hammered: Rough, anti-slip exterior finish
- Chiseled or Pointed: Historic restoration finish
Standard Cutting Sizes (cm)
Tiles: 30 × 30, 40 × 40, 30 × 60, 40 × 60, 60 × 60, 60 × 90, 60 × 120
Slabs:
- Thickness: 3 cm, 5 cm, 8 cm, and 10 cm
- Custom sizes for wall panels, paving, sills, and lintels
- Cut-to-size: Architectural pieces (arches, columns, copings, facade blocks)
Recommended Applications
- Exterior: Facades, paving, stairs, garden elements, fountains, landscaping
- Interior: Flooring, wall cladding, fireplace surrounds
- Restoration: Historic buildings, churches, castles
- Sculpture & Monuments: Good carvability due to fine grain
Maintenance Guidelines
- Routine Cleaning: Water and soft brushes; avoid high-pressure jets
- No Acidic Cleaners: Can damage the iron content and cause staining
- Sealant Use: Optional but can help reduce water absorption in exposed or wet areas
- Repointing: Use breathable lime-based mortars for joints in heritage work
Durability Notes
This stone is frost-resistant and ages beautifully, withstanding German weather for centuries. Ideal for both new builds and renovation of historic architecture due to its strength and traditional aesthetic.
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