Black Zebra: Complete Guide
Black Zebra is a stone sold as marble, black with white veins reminiscent of a zebra's coat. It is chosen for surfaces with strong graphic contrast.
History and origin
It is a widely used commercial name on the international market for black materials with light veins; the origin is not documented in the company catalogue and may vary among suppliers. The black‑and‑white contrast is a classic in stone decoration, from flooring to fireplaces. Carrara marble is supplied on request.
Look and veining
The background is black or anthracite gray, crossed by more or less parallel or intertwined white veins. Density and direction of the veins vary greatly between slabs, and the book‑opening creates symmetric patterns. Polishing enhances the contrast; sanding makes the black appear more gray and soft.
Technical properties (indicative)
| Classification | commercial black veined marble |
|---|---|
| Weight per unit volume | approximately 2,700 kg/m³ (indicative) |
| Mohs hardness | around 3‑4 |
| Water absorption | low |
| Primary use | interiors |
| Acid resistance | low: sensitive to lemon, vinegar and descaling agents |
Recommended uses
Suitable for cladding, bathrooms, residential flooring, fireplaces, tables and furniture tops. When used as a kitchen work surface it requires great caution, because acids leave noticeable halos on the polished black; not recommended for outdoor use.
Care and maintenance
Neutral cleaners, stain‑protective treatment and drying after washing to avoid limescale halos. Avoid descaling agents and acidic products.
Pairings
- white marble for two‑tone contrast
- polished brass
- light oak wood
FAQ
Is Black Zebra a marble or a granite?
It is marketed as marble and should be treated as such: beautiful polish but sensitivity to acids. Batch data sheets clarify the composition.
Can an open‑spot pattern be made?
Yes, the veins lend themselves well to symmetric compositions with consecutive slabs.
Is it suitable for a bathroom?
Yes, for cladding and tops; dry the surfaces to avoid limescale halos on the black background.
How do I order it?
On request: we will send a quote and photos of the slabs so you can choose the vein pattern.
Black Zebra: available on request
We supply this stone as blocks, slabs, tiles and custom-made pieces. Tell us size, thickness and quantity: we will send photos of the available slabs and a quote within 24 hours.
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