Arizona Brown Schist

SKU: NS-Schist-Arizona.

Arizona Brown Schist

Arizona Brown Schist is an appealing natural stone for browns, purples, mineral reds, grays, and pinks.  It is a natural looking and versatile stone that can be used for interior and exterior walls and floors.  We carefully curate a selection of schist stones to make them more appealing and congruent with the surrounding landscape.

Schist is a foliated metamorphic rock made up of platy mineral grains large enough to see with the unaided eye.  It forms from shale-type sedimentary rock subjected to mild compressive forces, heat, and chemical activity, intense enough to convert the clay minerals into metamorphic minerals such as biotite, muscovite, and chlorite.  To become schist, a shale must be metamorphosed in steps through slate and then through phyllite.  Schist's foliated appearance can be left natural or smoothed.

Schist is commonly used for exterior applications, but can also be used for interior flooring and walls.

Most schists are brown and rust colored, with shades of purple, pink, beige and green.  The color is often determined by the amount and type organic material found in the rock.

We hand select our schist to assure the best look and texture.  Because stone is a product of nature, no two pieces are alike.  Schist from different locations can result in different looks.  Always get a sample to confirm the look you want.  When the right stone is chosen, and composed in the right way, schist can be one of the most unique stones for interior and exterior surfaces.

 

Product Type

Field Tile, Ledgestone, Paver

Material

Stone

Usage

Exterior Floor, Exterior Wall, Interior Floor, Interior Wall, Shower Floor, Shower Wall

Color

Beige, Brown, Cream, Gray, Green, Multi, Pink, Purple, Red

Material Surface Size

Up to 12"

Finish

Chipped, Naturally Aged, Rustic, Textured

Style

Classic, Contemporary

Stone Type

Schist

Collection

Desert

bring your Interior to life with unique surfaces:

The finish materials you use for your interior surfaces can become some of the most important focal points.  Using a carefully selected stone for  interior floors and walls, and other surfaces, can add the unique tactile effect that exudes beauty, sophistication, and luxury.  Take advantage of our carefully curated stone options to introduce a new standard.

USES:

Schist can be used for flooring and wall surfaces, both for indoor and outdoor applications.

Color Range

Schist is a natural stone with colors based on the location it comes from and the minerals available.  Schist is often brown and beige, with dark purples, rust, pinks and even greens also available.  When used in a pattern that contrasts colors, it creates a more rustic aesthetic.

Schist can exhibit mild color variation from stone to stone, so selecting specific stones is important.

Grain & Visual Pattern:

Schist’s visual variations allow for a range of aesthetics.  It can be smooth and refined, or displayed with a rugged appearance.

Carefully selecting the pattern on the stone for your project is recommended to achieve the best, tailored look.

Texture and Finish:

Schist has a naturally platy texture due to its foliation.  Therefore, it is suitable for:

  • a natural finish
  • a rustic finish with a rough texture

The texture of schist can also be reduced, providing a smooth and even texture.

Due to the different colors and patterns found in different stones, the right finish will depend on the specific stones you choose.

Environmental

We believe when the building industry sources and manufactures building materials with sustainability in mind, we all live in a healthier world, and we want to do our part.

There are many green or environmental aspects of using a natural stone thin veneer.  Because thin veneer stone weighs approximately 75% less than full-thickness stone, more can be transported on the same truckload, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  Also, the quarry equipment is 2-3 times more efficient because each stone can be used several times.  We use this Arizona Brown Schist in our Arizona Homes because it is mined locally in the Apache Quarry north of Phoenix.  Using local materials is ecologically friendly, and ties the building to the local landscape.

Because of its reduced weight, thin stone veneer requires less structural support.  This means less lumber, steel, and concrete to produce, ship and install.  As a result, we are decreasing the use of our most widely used natural resources.

Historically in the building process, there has been inherent waste of material.  This material has filled landfills, instead of being repurposed.  Natural stone waste is only a positive as it can be used for other purposes, including decorative projects, or even returned to nature.  This translates to no waste.

Natural stone does not contain any VOCs or other compromising chemicals or toxins.  It comes naturally from the earth, so it is inherently sustainable.  Natural stone is also very low maintenance–no need for paint, sealers, or harsh cleaning products.  No off gassing from toxic materials, finishes, or adhesives.  This stone in particular was used by the Anasazi thousands of years ago, and is still on display now in relatively the same form.

abrasion resistance: LOW

Schist has low abrasion resistance.  It rates 1-3 on the Mohs hardness scale.  Light scratching will occur with exposure to sand and other abrasives. The finish will dull or patina over time as a result of this scratching.

Absorption: Moderate

Schist has a moderate absorption rate.  Always seal prior to use.  Oil and highly pigmented liquids can penetrate and stain.  To reduce the appearance of stains, wipe up spills immediately.

Acid Sensitivity: Minimal

Schist is minimally sensitive to acids.

Freeze-thaw: resistant

Due to schist’s minimal absorption rating and robust tensile strength, it is suitable for all exterior applications where freeze-thaw cycles are a concern.  Consult an engineer for thickness requirements and fastening systems for your project.  Schist will patina over time.

Performance
TEST
U.S. Measurement
International measurement
Mohs Hardness: 3-4
Bulk Density 2,580 kg/m³
Water absorption at atmospheric pressure 1.48%
Breaking strength 990 N
Slip Resistance 33/35
Flammability A1fl/A1
Frost resistance 6.4 MPA
Resistance to thermal shock .03%/3.5%
Resistance to abrasion 15.9 MM
Uniaxial compressive strength 155 MPA
Flexural Strength 6.6 MPA

You may also like…