Arzo marble (Canton Ticino, Switzerland) is a breccia that is mainly reddish in colour but in some cases can also tend towards yellow and grey.
It should be noted that, from a petrographic point of view, it is not a true marble.
It can be divided into three main varieties, each with different shapes: Brocatello d’Arzo, Macchiavecchia (red, yellow or grey) and Rosso d’Arzo.
This breccia is only partially resistant to atmospheric agents and almost completely resistant to frost. Being a limestone, it is also sensitive to acids.
Rosso d’Arzo marble has a bright red colour or is veined with white. It is recognisable by its uniformity and striking (bright) or reddish-brown colour.
References for use of material
Redevelopment of the Arzo Quarries, architect Enrico Sassi, Arzo (Switzerland).
Main source of description
Material-Archiv. (2024). Arzo-Marmor.
Original source of characteristic values
Kündig, R. et al. (1997). Die mineralischen Rohstoffe der Schweiz. Zurich: Swiss Geotechnical Commission, p. 253.
