Nero Kempo Basalt

About
- Material Type:
- Basalt
- Origin:
China - Recommended Usage:
- Kitchen and bathroom countertops, monuments, building stone, ornamental stone, stairs, interior, exterior wall and floor applications, mosaic, waterjet pattern, wall panels, table tops, window sills, balustrades, columns, wall and pool copings, pool pavers, sculptures, fireplaces, pavers, cobbles, curbstone
- Additional Names:
- Black Kempo Basalt, Kempo Black Basalt, Gimpo Black Basalt, Gimpo Black Basalt, in China stone market:金浦黑(Jīnpǔ hēi)
- Finished Surface:
- Polished,Flamed,Bush Hammered,Tumbled,Brushed,Honed,Split,Machine Cut,Natural Surface,Sandblasted,Acid Washing,Combed,Leathered,Water Jet,Filled,Chiseled,Pickling
Testing
- Water Absorption:
- 0.3 – 0.5% by weight
- Density:
- 2880 – 2950 kg/m³
- Flexural Strength:
- 14 �C 18 MPa
- Compressive Strength:
- 160 �C 180 MPa
Description
Quarried primarily in Fujian Province, China, Nero Kempo Basalt (also marketed as Nero Basalto or Basalt Black) is a fine-grained, dense, and durable charcoal black volcanic stone widely used in modern architectural applications due to its minimalistic appearance and structural integrity.
Appearance & Texture
- Color: Charcoal to deep black (uniform appearance)
- Grain: Very fine-grained crystalline matrix (sub-millimeter scale)
- Texture: Homogeneous and smooth
- Pattern: Mostly uniform; may include subtle vesicular (pores) textures or tiny specks depending on the block
- Visual Tone: Matte to slightly reflective depending on finish
Physical & Mechanical
- Density .... 2880 – 2950 kg/m³ (2.88 – 2.95 g/cm³)
- Water Absorption .... 0.3 – 0.5% by weight
- Porosity .... <1% (very low, non-porous)
- Compressive Strength .... 160 – 180 MPa
- Flexural Strength .... 14 – 18 MPa
- Abrasion Resistance .... High (ASTM C241 ≤ 20 mm)
- Hardness (Mohs) .... 6 – 7
Slip Resistance (DIN 51130)
- Flamed/Brushed: R11
- Honed: R9
- Sandblasted: R12
Chemical Composition (% by weight)
- Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) .... 47–52%
- Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3) .... 14–17%
- Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) .... 8–11%
- Calcium Oxide (CaO) .... 8–10%
- Magnesium Oxide (MgO) .... 5–7%
- Potassium Oxide (K2O) .... 1–2%
- Sodium Oxide (Na2O) .... 2–3%
- Titanium Oxide (TiO2) .... 1% or less
Mineralogical Composition
- Plagioclase Feldspar (Labradorite/Anorthite) – ~40%
- Pyroxene (Augite) – ~25%
- Olivine – ~10%
- Magnetite and Ilmenite (iron-titanium oxides) – ~5–7%
- Minor Quartz/Glassy Matrix – Trace
Standard Cutting Sizes (cm)
Tiles: 30×30, 30×60, 40×40, 60×60, 60×90, 60×120
Slabs:
- Standard thicknesses: 2 cm and 3 cm
- Custom sizes for countertops, stairs, facades
- Cut-to-size elements: Stair treads, risers, coping, lintels, sills, ventilated facade panels
Surface Finish Options
- Honed: Smooth matte, deep charcoal tone, ideal for interiors
- Polished: Rare, but possible for decorative use; slightly reflective
- Flamed: Textured anti-slip finish, enhances light gray hues
- Brushed: Soft touch, suitable for indoor floors
- Sandblasted: Uniform anti-slip surface with lightened tone
- Bush-hammered: Rugged, high-slip resistance for exteriors
- Leathered: Satin matte with tactile texture
- Split-face/Natural: Rustic wall cladding or landscape stone
Applications & Usage
- Interior: Floor and wall tiles, vanity tops, countertops, stairs
- Exterior: Façades, pavers, cladding, pool surrounds, coping, benches
- Urban Design: Street furniture, fountains, monuments
- Landscaping: Pathways, edging, retaining walls
- Ventilated Facades: Thanks to low water absorption and high strength
- High-Traffic Areas: Excellent abrasion and weather resistance
Maintenance Guidelines
- Routine Cleaning: Mild neutral detergent with water
- Avoid Acids: Acidic or highly alkaline cleaners may etch the stone
- Sealing: Optional due to low porosity, but enhances color and ease of cleaning
- Stain Prevention: Promptly remove oil or grease in exterior settings
- Indoor Use: Occasional resealing in bathrooms or kitchens if honed
Performance Summary
Weather Resistance .... Excellent (freeze/thaw stable)
Durability .... Very High
Slip Resistance .... High (with flamed or brushed finishes)
Aesthetic Versatility .... High (modern, minimal, luxurious)
Sustainability .... Long lifecycle, recyclable










