mineral / Stone / Igneous

Bluestone (Victorian basalt), 600x300x20mm, honed (20mm)

Dense volcanic basalt with proven 150+ year performance in Australian conditions. Non-combustible, highly durable stone suitable for building envelopes, with excellent weathering characteristics and natural patina development.

Atlas code
MIN-STN-IGN-005
mineralstoneigneousbasaltvictorianbluestonenon-combustible
Bluestone (Victorian basalt), 600x300x20mm, honed (20mm)
At-a-glance signals

Dense volcanic basalt with proven 150+ year performance in Australian conditions. Non-combustible, highly durable stone suitable for building envelopes, with excellent weathering characteristics and natural patina development.

Overview
Executive summary

Victorian bluestone is an olivine basalt formed from volcanic activity 4.4 million years ago, quarried throughout Victoria's western plains. This dense, fine-grained igneous rock has been Melbourne's quintessential building material since the 1830s, demonstrating exceptional durability in Australian conditions. The material develops an attractive weathered patina over time, transitioning from deep blue-grey to lighter grey tones.

Best when…
  • Non-combustible (BAL-FZ compliant)
  • 150+ year proven Australian performance
  • Low water absorption (1.4-1.83%)
  • Excellent freeze-thaw resistance
  • Develops attractive natural patina
  • 100% recyclable at end of life
  • Locally sourced Victorian material
  • High compressive strength (126 MPa)
  • Zero VOC emissions
  • Termite and pest resistant
Top advantages
  1. 01 Non-combustible (BAL-FZ compliant)
  2. 02 150+ year proven Australian performance
  3. 03 Low water absorption (1.4-1.83%)
  4. 04 Excellent freeze-thaw resistance
  5. 05 Develops attractive natural patina
Top limitations
  1. 01 High thermal conductivity (minimal insulation)
  2. 02 Heavy weight (52kg/m² at 20mm)
  3. 03 Requires annual sealing for honed finish
  4. 04 No EPD available (limits Green Star credits)
  5. 05 Skilled installation required
Technical
Physical ·9
Density
2596 kg/m³
Specific gravity
2.6
Porosity
4.55 %
Water absorption
1.83 %
Hardness
6.5
UV resistance
Good - natural fading to lighter grey // [Field observation]
Chemical resistance
Good except acids // [Stone care guidelines]
pH tolerance
4-10
Surface roughness
0.5 µm
Mechanical ·6
Tensile strength
14.5 MPa
Compressive strength
126 MPa
Flexural strength
15.3 MPa
Poisson's ratio
0.25
Impact resistance
High // [Stone properties]
Creep resistance
Excellent // [Natural stone properties]
Sustainability & Health
Embodied carbon & energy ·2
Recycled content
0 %
Renewable content
0 %
Compliance & Fire
Fire performance ·5
Combustibility class
Non-combustible // [NCC C2D10(5)]
Fire resistance level
System dependent // FRL requires assembly testing
Flame spread index
0
Smoke dev. index
0
Heat release rate
0
Cost & Lifecycle
Capex & lead time ·5
Material cost (range)
66-70 // $/m² sawn finish [Stone Central 2024]
Material cost (per unit)
85
Lead time
2-4 weeks // [Standard availability]
Annual maintenance
5
Market availability
Good // [Multiple Victorian suppliers]
Service life & durability ·3
Expected lifespan
100
Maintenance interval
Annual // Sealing and inspection
Warranty period
Materials only // Defects warranty
Layer D

Where it's used

Building cladding and facade systems
Wall panels and rainscreen systems
Paving and external flooring
Pool surrounds and coping
Heritage restoration projects
Architectural features and detailing
Kerbing and civil infrastructure
Retaining walls and landscaping
MIN-STN-IGN-005 · Materials Atlas · CLAD Atlas data is reference-only. Verify against manufacturer specifications and current standards before specifying.