Porphyry is a type of volcanic, igneous rock which, along with granite and other rock formations, make up approximately 95% of the world's “crust.”  One of many large formations occurs in Guanajuato, Mexico and is recognized for its beautiful rusty red and gold-buff colors. These rocks, which differ greatly in their chemical composition and formation, are the result of intense volcanic activity.  This began 260 million years ago and carried over for several million more years, alternating between phases of eruption and inactivity.

Porphyry is different than granite, which cooled from its molten state into mainly solid formations, in that as it cooled, it fractured in both vertical and horizontal fissures.

Porphyry is made up of over 70% silica, about 14% alumna, 8% alkali and small percentages of iron, calcium and magnesium. Its mineral composition is quartz, sanidine and plagioclase crystals, biotite and pf pyroxenes in a vitreous paste.  Its distinctive structure, as well as stratification, determine porphyry’s technical characteristics (high compression breaking point, high resistance to chemical agents, high sliding and rolling friction) which make it one of the most important materials for paving and facing in Europe, America and around the world.

Back to top Porphyry has an even yet rough surface and, thanks to the difference in hardness of the minerals it contains, Porphyry Pavers do not become smooth due to wear or slippery when it is wet. It is ideal for commercial and residential use due to its durability.   Porphyry is an excellent choice of materials for facing outdoor surfaces as it is unaffected by freezing and thawing and because of its high resistance to chemicals. It is particularly recommended for public areas, including plazas, sidewalks, pool decks, fountains and parks. Mexico Porphyry is ADA compliant for smoothness and slip resistance.

Porphyry has extremely low maintenance costs, as proved by the excellent conditions of many roads and squares paved hundreds of years ago throughout the world.

The increase in the concern for safety and durability has led to the adoption of protective surfaces which resist and prevent slipping, are impermeable, are easy to repair, have minimal installation and maintenance costs, and offer and offer an economic solution because of its durability.  

Porphyry fits all these requirements and can be worked into cubes, pavers, tiles, irregular flagging, curbstones, borders and rustic wall veneer.  It is available with sawn or snap cut edges.

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1½”-2½” cubes are recommended for paving that is subject to pedestrian traffic, such as squares in town centers, courtyards, patios, pavements, pool surrounds and garden paths.

2½”-3½” cubes are instead recommended for paving roads subject to mixed traffic (pedestrian and automobiles), both in urban centers and elsewhere.  They have also proved extremely useful for paving modern stables.

3½”-4½” cubes are suitable for paving areas with intense traffic, heavy loads or where chemicals are present.

Porphyry cubes offer infinite possibilities in different geometrical patterns (arches, circles, fan, or peacock tail) and are sometimes framed by porphyry of a different tone of color.  For successful paving, it is important to use a good quality foundation, which will help to ensure a quality installation.

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Porphyry Pavers Porphyry pavers and tiles are used to pave walkways, squares, roads, driveways, patio and courtyards.  Porphyry creates a beautiful look for interiors with sawn or snap cut sides.

Pavers and tiles are recommended for paving exterior surfaces since they are freeze, thaw and slip resistant. 

Pavers and tiles are cut in the following dimensions: widths of 4”, 6”, 8”, 10” and 12” in random lengths, with thickness available in ¾”+- and 1 ¾”+- for saw cut and 1 ¼”-2½” or 2½”-3½” for snap cut edges. 

Squares, rectangles and random lengths are all available in both cuts.

Porphyry offers Infinite Possibilities of uses as it suits many different environments and is both functional and decorative.  It is used by architects, builders and town planners to furnish and decorate simple casitas, country houses, or modern and refined residential buildings, or for public and private construction work.  Porphyry’s technical advantages remain unequalled and it has become one of the most sought-after materials.

Porphyry Flagging Irregular flagging is also used for outer surfaces and is particularly suitable for paving squares, patios, courtyards, pavements, pedestrian passages, driveways, garden paths and portals.

Because of its rough surface, this material is particularly useful for bordering swimming pools.  Porphyry is used in modern architecture to add a personal touch to open spaces and to give buildings an element of functionality and decoration.

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Porphyry Veneer Veneer placed flat, one on top of the other, is particularly suitable for facing walls, pillars and wainscots. Placed perpendicularly, side by side, they are used for paving steep sloping roads, particularly in areas subject to frosting and in garage approach ramps.

Porphyry Installations

Porphyry has paved many of the most beautiful squares in Europe, America and the world over.  To mention but a few of them - The College of Santa Fe Visual Arts Center patios; the Olympic Stadium in Munich; Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles; the main square in Frankfurt; the Hope Collection in Santa Fe; the underground and market square in Paris; the Military Cemetery in Hawaii; the Burghiba summer residence at Caltagirone; Las Palomas Bed & Breakfast in Santa Fe; the old city center in Sydney, Australia; Kennedy Airport in New York; the central square in Geddah, Saudi Arabia; La Posada Hotel in Santa Fe; the ENIT Palace in the EUR district of Rome; the Exhibition Center and the Certosa Cemetery in Bologna, Milner Plaza in Santa Fe; St. Francis Cathedral; Denver Convention Center Hyatt.       

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