WHITE SIVEC is the commercial name for a fine-grained white dolomitic marble, which is quarried in the area of Prilep, in the Republic of Macedonia. Sivec is a famous material that has been used for several centuries. A look at the history of this marble is given below.
The material which has built the region of south-east Europe from 3rd century B.C. until 5th century A.D. Nowadays people often get amazed from ancient years achievements. It is estimated that within 6 centuries 3rd B.C. – 3rd A.D., 1.200.000 m3 of Sivec White Marble have been excavated from the Prilep area in today’s Republic of Macedonia.
Chemical analysis showed the SIVEC marble consists of the following oxides by weight:
CaП |
MgO |
Al2O3 |
FeO |
Fe2O3 |
SiO2 |
% by weight |
|||||
31,08 |
21,30 |
- |
- |
0,14 |
0,40 |
- = below detectable limit, <0.01% by weight.
The samples collected from the SIVEC marble bearing deposits were measured to determine their physico-mechanical qualities and the results are set out in the table below:
Physico-mechanical qualities |
||
|
Max. Min. values |
Average values |
Resistance to crushing when dry (Н/mm2) |
191.5
|
167.6 |
Resistance to crushing when wet (Н/mm2) |
182.3
|
157.7 |
Resistance to cooling –defrosting (Н/mm2) |
174.0
|
151.5 |
Resistance to bending (Н/mm2) |
9.33
|
8.74 |
Resistance to collision |
8
|
9 |
Abrasion rate (cm2/50cm) |
40
|
27.5 |
Water absorption rate (%) |
0.14
|
0.13 |
Special weight (g/cm2) |
2.79
|
2.84 |
Density (g/cm2) |
2. 88
|
2. 85 |
Extent of elasticity (MPa) |
84.5
|
81.8 |
The above measurements were made based on the relevant German standards (DIN) the majority of which correspond to new European EN standards.
Mechanical – Physical Properties
Petrographic type: |
Dolomite – Calcite marble (Ratio 2:1) |
Density: |
2.843 gr/CM3 |
Degree of density: |
0.995 (DIN 52102) |
Porosity: |
0.50% |
Water absorption: |
0.134% |
Compressive strength: |
167.6 N/mm to DIN 52100 |
Flexural strength: |
8.7 N/M to DIN 52112 |
Elasticity module: |
84500 Mpa to ASTMC 469 |
Production volume: |
All commercial versions and size and thickness |
Purpose: |
Panelling – Cladding of internal and external vertical and horizontal surfaces (Floors & Walls) –
|
Sivec white marble can be divided into white and snow white marble, which in turn can be divided into the following categories based on quality: