M
MILESTONE IMPORTS
Mexico Porphyry
PORPHYRY
OLD
WORLD STYLE PAVING
Porphyry is a type of
volcanic, igneous rock, which along with granite and other rock formations
make up approximately 95% of the worlds “crust”. One of many large
formations occurs in Guanajuato, Mexico and is recognized for it’s 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 minerals composition is quartz, sanidine and
plagioclase crystals, biotite and pf pyroxenes in a vitreous paste and 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.
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
rains. It is ideal for commercial and residential use due to its durability.
Porphyry is an excellent
choice of materials for facing outdoor surfaces, since 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.
Porphyry has extremely low
maintenance cost, as proved by the excellent conditions of many roads and
squares paved hundreds of years ago through out the world.
The increase in the concern
for safety and durability has led to the adoption of protective surfaces,
which are slip resistant, prevent slipping, impermeable, easy to repair, have
a minimal installation and maintenance cost 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, rustic wall veneer and is available with sawn or snap cut
edges.
Porphyry Cubes:
Cubes in patterns are the most recognized style of porphyry.
1½”-2½” cubes
are recommended for paving that is mainly subject to pedestrian traffic, for
example 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, where they are subject to
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 insure a
quality installation.
Porphyry Pavers &
Tiles: Porphyry pavers & 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
& tiles are recommended for paving exterior surfaces, since they
are freeze thaw and slip resistant.
Pavers & tiles are cut
in the following dimensions: widths of 4”, 6”, 8”, 10”, 12” in
random lengths with thickness available in ¾”+- & 1 ¾”+- for saw cut
and 1 1/4”-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, since 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 and 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:
The best value in Porphyry for paving is flagging.
Irregular flagging is also
used for outer surfaces. Irregular
flagging 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.
Porphyry Veneer:
Veneer placed flat one on top of the other is particularly suitable for
facing walls, pillars and wainscots. Place
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.
Milestone
Imports | 1000 Cordova | Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA | 87501
505-989-1999
| Toll Free: 1-866-641-1999 | Fax: 505-989-7121
email:
info@milestoneimports.com
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