Foto: James St. John · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia CommonsNero Impala Granite: complete guide
Nero Impala is a dark, medium-grained South African stone, sold as granite but geologically close to gabbros and norites. It is chosen for its strength and for a sober grey-black that suits both interiors and exteriors.
History and origin
It comes from South Africa and has been one of the most widespread dark materials on the international market for decades. It is widely used in memorial work, façade cladding and flooring for public and commercial buildings. Its consistent colour also makes it suitable for large supplies. Marmi di Carrara supplies it on request.
Look and veining
The background is dark grey verging on black, dotted with small light feldspar crystals evenly distributed. Differences between slabs are limited, with slight variations in tone between different lots. Polished, it becomes almost black and mirror-like, while flamed or brushed it takes on a lighter, matt grey.
Technical properties (indicative)
| Classification | igneous rock (gabbro/norite), commercially granite |
|---|---|
| Density | approx. 2,900-3,000 kg/m³ (indicative) |
| Mohs hardness | approx. 6-7 |
| Water absorption | very low |
| Main use | interiors and exteriors |
| Acid resistance | high |
Recommended uses
It is suitable for kitchen worktops, high-traffic floors, stairs, thresholds, window sills and exterior cladding, even in climates with frost. Outdoors a flamed or bush-hammered finish is preferable to reduce slipperiness. It is also good for monuments and headstones.
Care and maintenance
For daily cleaning, water and a neutral detergent are enough. A periodic water-repellent treatment helps limit grease marks on polished surfaces. Avoid aggressive abrasive products that can dull the polish.
Pairings
- brushed stainless steel and matt white kitchens
- natural or bleached oak
- white marbles such as Statuario or Carrara for chequerboard contrasts
FAQ
Is Nero Impala a true granite?
In geological terms it is closer to a gabbro or a norite, but commercially it is classified as granite because it shares its hardness and resistance.
Is it suitable for a kitchen worktop?
Yes: it resists heat, scratches and food acids. In the polished version it shows fingerprints and smears more easily, so some people prefer a honed or leather finish.
Can it be used outdoors in frost?
Yes, it has very low absorption and good resistance to freeze-thaw cycles; for outdoor floors a flamed surface is recommended.
How do I order it?
Write to us with sizes, thicknesses and finish: we will prepare a quote and, on request, send photos of the available slabs.
Granito Nero Impala: 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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