Gres St Mathieu Sandstone (also known as Gres St-Mat Sandstone) is a remarkable natural stone celebrated for its distinctive and warm color palette, ranging from ochre to red with enchanting touches of chamois, terracotta, and pink. The captivating red and pink hues of this sandstone are attributed to the presence of hematite and iron oxide, along with other naturally occurring minerals.
Physical Properties & Test Results
- Apparent Density : ~2.5 – 2.6 g/cm³
- Porosity : ~5 – 10%
- Water Absorption : ~6 – 8% by weight
- Compressive Strength : ~85 – 105 MPa
- Flexural Strength : ~8 – 12 MPa
- Abrasion Resistance : Medium to High
- Freeze-Thaw Resistance : Good (if properly sealed)
- Mohs Hardness : ~6 – 7
Chemical Composition (% by weight)
- SiO₂ (Silica) : 85 – 95%
- Fe₂O₃ (Iron Oxide) : 1 – 5%
- Al₂O₃ (Alumina) : 2 – 4%
- CaO (Calcium Oxide) : <1%
- MgO : <1%
- TiO₂ : ~0.2 – 0.5%
- K₂O + Na₂O (Alkalis) : ~1 – 2%
Mineralogical Composition
- Quartz : 85 – 92%
- Feldspar : 3 – 7%
- Iron Oxides : 1 – 4%
- Clay minerals : <2%
The stone’s color spectrum also includes shades of gray and beige, creating a versatile range of tones suitable for a variety of applications. Its unique visual appeal is further complemented by exceptional durability, high resistance to abrasion, and strong salt resistance, making it ideal for both interior and exterior projects.
Applications
- Exterior & Interior Cladding
- Paving (Pedestrian & Vehicular)
- Walling & Retaining Structures
- Restoration Projects (Heritage buildings in Quebec)
- Pool Decks & Landscaping
- Staircases, Copings, and Planters
Gres St Mathieu Sandstone is quarried in St-Mathieu-de-Rioux, St-Anaclet-de-Lessard, and Rimouski-Neigette in Quebec, Canada. Its inherent strength and vibrant colors make it a preferred choice for paving, cladding, and architectural detailing in demanding environments while offering timeless aesthetic charm.
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