In the history of the world stone trade there have been a few cases of certain stones which have been so commercially successful, so in tune with aesthetic requirements, that demand has exceeded a production which, rather than increase with time, has actually diminished.

Once production of such unique stones came to a standstill, a void was left in the market which, only in a few cases, has it proved possible to fill by substituting other stones with similar aesthetic characteristics.

One such case is that of Portoro Leonardo, a marble which first appeared on the market only a few years ago but which rapidly became established as the true heir of the famous Ligurian stone first known as Portoro from which it rightly takes its trade-name.

Portoro Leonardo is quarried in Namibia, near the small town of Aus, in the South of the country. The quarry lies on the slope of a hilly relief and is stoped in the open air according to the classic system of descending steps or stope benches.

In spite of the fact that the area is semi-desert, hence there is very little water, both major cuts and subsequent dressing are carried out by means of diamond-wire cutters designed not only to improve quarry yield but also to guarantee that the resultant blocks are well finished.

Monthly production varies from an average of 140 m3 to a maximum of 200 m3 in blocks measuring between 240 x 150 x 100 cms. and 300 x 150 x 120 cms. As is usually the case with prestigious stones, extremely strict quality control is applied such that only about one half of the aforesaid yield goes on to be termed Portoro Leonardo whereas the remainder is classified differently as Silver Black.

As already stated, Portoro Leonardo is coloured, like its illustrious predecessor, with a fine network of golden veins-- some thick, some thin-- over a black marble ground, tracing an irregular pattern on the black mass or framing dark forms differing in shape and size.

The resultant aesthetic effect combines both warmth and elegance and is readily chosen by designers wishing to add flare and prestige to their interiors where, when used in polished large-sized elements, be they slabs or thicker pieces of stone for special finishings, success is guaranteed.

UNI STANDARDS

Portoro Leonardo Marble Supplied in Blocks & Tiles From USA By

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