MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Bluestone (Victorian basalt) tile, natural finish (10mm, 12mm, 20mm, 30mm)

Igneous
mineral › Stone › Igneous
mineralstoneigneousbasaltbluestonevictoriannaturalnon-combustibleheritagedurablelocalaustralian
ATLAS CODE
MIN-STN-IGN-004
Bluestone (Victorian basalt) tile, natural finish (10mm, 12mm, 20mm, 30mm)
Category mineral
Material Family Stone
Regulatory Status Non-combustible
Density
2620 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
7.8 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible
Lifespan
75-150+ years yrs
Description

Victorian bluestone is an olivine basalt quarried from the volcanic plains of western Victoria. This premium natural stone has been Melbourne's quintessential building material since the 1830s, featuring in heritage landmarks and contemporary architecture. The material offers exceptional durability, non-combustible properties (BAL-FZ rated), and develops an attractive patina over time. Available in multiple thicknesses for various applications.

Typical Uses
  • Building cladding and facade systems
  • Wall panels and architectural features
  • External and internal paving
  • Heritage restoration projects
  • Contemporary building envelopes
  • Landscape and hardscaping elements
  • Pool surrounds and water features
  • Steps, kerbs and street furniture
Recycled Content 0
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 7.8 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 2.5 MJ/kg
EPD Available No
Advantages
Non-combustible material suitable for BAL-FZ zones100+ year proven service life in Australian conditionsLow maintenance requirements with annual sealingDevelops attractive natural patina over timeLocally sourced from Victorian quarries100% recyclable and reusable at end of lifeExcellent slip resistance (P2/R10 rating)High compressive strength (126 MPa dry)Low water absorption (1.4-1.83%)Resistant to freeze-thaw cycles
Cautions
High thermal conductivity requiring supplementary insulationMinimal thermal resistance (R-value 0.008-0.013 at 20mm)Heavy material (52 kg/m² at 20mm) requiring mechanical handlingRequires periodic sealing for honed finishesNo Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) availableHigh installation cost ($230-310/m²)Requires skilled stonemason for installationLimited acoustic insulation propertiesSusceptible to acid etchingThermal movement requires expansion joints
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-STN-IGN-004
Density (Dry) 2620 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 2.62
Porosity 3.2 %
Water Absorption 1.6 %
Hardness 6.5
Surface Roughness 25 μm
UV Resistance Excellent
Chemical Resistance Good - avoid acids
pH Tolerance 6-10
Compressive Strength 126 MPa
Tensile Strength 14.5 MPa
Flexural Strength 15.3 MPa
Shear Strength 22 MPa
Elastic Modulus 78000 GPa
Yield Strength 110 MPa
Impact Resistance High J/m
Bearing Capacity 126 kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.25
Creep Resistance Excellent
Abrasion Resistance Excellent
Thermal Conductivity 2.25 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.009 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 900 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 0.000008 μm/m·K
Melting Point 1175 °C
Ignition Temperature 1100 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 24
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.02
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 15 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 10

Victorian bluestone has been quarried since the 1830s, becoming Melbourne's signature building material. Early use includes the Old Melbourne Gaol (1841) and St Patrick's Cathedral. The stone formed from Newer Volcanic Group basalt flows 4.4 million years ago across western Victoria's volcanic plains. Modern quarrying uses diamond wire saws and CNC processing, while maintaining traditional stonemason craftsmanship. The material continues to be specified for both heritage restoration and contemporary architecture, with recent innovations in fixing systems and surface finishes expanding its applications.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-STN-IGN-004
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible
Ignition Temperature 1100 °C
Fire Resistance Rating Non-combustible hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 7.8 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 2.5 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 50 L/kg
EPD Available No
Recycled Content 0%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2
Circular Economy Score 8 /100
VOC Emissions 0 g/L
Skill Level High - specialist stonemason
Crew Size 2
Installation Time 4-8 m²/day hr/m²
Curing Time 24 hours hours
Setting Time 2-4 hours min
Temperature Range 5-35°C °C
Humidity Range 30-85% RH %
Required Tools
Diamond blade wet sawCore drillsAngle grinder with diamond bladeLifting equipment for handlingSpirit levels and straight edgesRubber malletPointing tools
Certifications Required
Trade qualificationWhite cardWorking at heights
Weather Limitations
Avoid installation below 5°CNo installation during rainProtect from frost during curing
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-STN-IGN-004
Material Cost $66-$140/m²
Installation Cost $230-$310/m²
Annual Maintenance $5-$10/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $15/m²/year
Market Availability Good - multiple Victorian suppliers
Lead Time 2-4 weeks standard, stock items available weeks
Design Life 75-150+ years years
Warranty Period Materials only - no defects years
Maintenance Interval Annual sealing, 5-year deep clean months
Service Temp Range -40 to +70°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent - low absorption
Dimensional Stability 0.16mm/m per 20°C
Certifications Held
NATA accredited testing (Bamstone)Stone Initiatives testing certificationLocal Victorian sourcingNo certification schemes applicableSilica dust management required during cuttingWorkSafe Victoria requirements
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 - Non-combustible classificationDeemed-to-satisfy provisions NCC
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 C2D10(5) - Non-combustibleAS 4284:2008 - Masonry in bushfire areasAS 3959:2018 - BAL-FZ compliantASTM C97 - Absorption and bulk specific gravityASTM C99 - Modulus of ruptureASTM C880 - Flexural strength

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-STN-IGN-004 Schema: v3.0
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