Iragna Gneiss: complete guide

History and origin

It takes its name from Iragna, a village in the Riviera district of Ticino, an area where gneisses well known in Switzerland and Northern Italy are quarried. These stones have been used for centuries for paving, steps, walls and roofing in Alpine buildings. Today they are also used in contemporary architecture. Marmi di Carrara supplies it on request.

Look and veining

The background is grey, with light quartz and feldspar crystals and dark mica arranged in thin bands. The pattern is more veined or more speckled depending on the cutting direction and varies slightly between slabs. Honed, it looks an even, understated grey; flamed or natural split, it has a rustic effect.

Technical properties (indicative)

Recommended uses

Suitable for outdoor paving, stairs, walls, cladding, kitchen worktops and interior floors. It withstands frost well, so it is suitable for mountain areas. Split finishes are ideal for gardens and paths, less so for interiors, where a honed surface is preferred.

Care and maintenance

Clean with water and a neutral detergent. Outdoors, periodically remove moss and leaves to prevent stains. A water repellent is useful on more porous or split surfaces.

Pairings

• chestnut wood
• exposed concrete
• black iron and glass

FAQ