Über New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a Brazilian syenite (DNSA #6582) quarried at Mata Fria near Conceicao do Castelo, Espirito Santo state. Precambrian age; plutonic igneous group. The stone has a medium to coarse grain and a largely isotropic (directionless) texture. Primary mineral constituents: microcline 45%, plagioclase 20%, hornblende 14%, biotite 7%, quartz 5%, titanite 4%. DNSA trade names: NEW CALEDONIA, OCRE ITABIRA, BROWN ITABIRA, GADOLI GRANITE. Technical profile: density 2708 kg/m3, compressive strength 128.5 MPa, flexural strength 8.7 MPa (note: low for a plutonic stone, confirmed by both DNSA and SC), water absorption 0.26%. Frost-resistant; outdoor polish durable; acid-resistant within normal limits. Widely used for flooring and exterior cladding.