Nero Assoluto Zimbabwe

Über Nero Assoluto Zimbabwe

Nero Assoluto Memorial Original is a commercial quality designation applied to Nero Assoluto Zimbabwe, a fine-grained Precambrian basalt quarried in the Mutoka area (northeast of Harare), Zimbabwe. DNSA classifies it as 'Basalt' in the Ergussgesteine (extrusive/volcanic) group; other sources classify it as gabbro — the fine-grained, mostly directionless structure is consistent with rapid-cooled basalt or the fine-grained facies of an intrusive body. The 'Memorial Original' designation indicates a specific quality grade selected for gravestone/memorial use, with tighter standards for voids, colour consistency, and surface quality; 'Original' refers to the authentic Zimbabwe origin (distinguishing it from cheaper substitutes marketed under similar names). The stone is jet-black, takes an excellent polish durable in outdoor conditions, is frost resistant, acid resistant, and has very low water absorption (0.11%). Technical data from DNSA 4628: density 3040 kg/m³, compressive strength 228 MPa, flexural strength 31 MPa, water absorption 0.11%. Used extensively in the European memorial/funerary industry.