Black Galana / Mazeras Stone

The Black Galana / Mazeras Stone is a natural stone slab, machine cut to uniform dimensions. It features a natural, riven finish. This stone is specified for demanding applications such as outdoor paving, garden paths, feature walls, and high-traffic indoor flooring. In these areas, it provides high durability and a naturally anti-slip surface. Material costs start from KES 2,000.00 per square metre. The table below provides estimated material costs for typical residential and commercial projects, excluding installation and substrate preparation.

Application & Environmental Suitability

Black Galana / Mazeras Stone suits both exterior and interior installations where durability is paramount. Its primary application is in outdoor settings, offering high resistance to weathering and UV degradation. The material proves effective for patios, pool surrounds, and garden walkways across diverse Kenyan climates, from humid coastal conditions in Mombasa to variable temperatures in the Great Rift Valley. The naturally textured surface provides a high coefficient of friction, ensuring a secure, anti-slip footing even when wet.

For interior use, the stone is well-suited for entranceways, lobbies, and other high-traffic communal areas within commercial or residential buildings. Its dark, variegated tones and unique texture make it a functional material for feature walls. This surface conceals minor scuffs and requires minimal upkeep. In residential projects, it is specified for entrance halls and open-plan living areas that connect to outdoor spaces, creating a continuous and cohesive design.

Technical Specifications & Performance Characteristics

Black Galana / Mazeras Stone performs directly because of its geological composition and processing. It is a dense sedimentary rock, specifically a sandstone schist. The stone is quarried and machine cut to ensure dimensional accuracy, supporting straightforward installation. This dense structure provides high compressive strength and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for environments with heavy and consistent foot traffic.

Installation & Maintenance Guidelines

Correct installation and maintenance ensure the longevity of Black Galana / Mazeras Stone. Install the stone on a solid, level, and well-drained substrate, such as a concrete slab or a fully compacted hardcore base. This prevents shifting or cracking over time. Due to natural thickness variations, a flexible tile adhesive suitable for natural stone is recommended to achieve a level surface.

The stone's colour profile ranges from dark grey to charcoal black, showing natural mineral variations. For a monolithic appearance, a dark grey or black grout is recommended. Apply grout to a joint width of 8-12mm to accommodate the stone's natural edges. After installation and grouting, thoroughly clean the stone to remove any residue and allow it to dry completely. A final critical step involves applying a high-quality penetrating natural stone sealer. This treatment impregnates the stone's pores, providing robust resistance to water ingress and staining from organic matter, oils, and dirt. Maintenance is minimal; regular sweeping and periodic cleaning with a pH-neutral stone cleaner and water are sufficient. Re-sealing may be required every 3-5 years, depending on traffic and exposure.