Petrographic, physical-mechanical and radiological characterisation of the rosa beta granite (Corsica-sardinia batholith)

Sardinian granites are widely used as tiles, flooring, in columns, or within other architectural elements. The Rosa Beta granite is the most commonly traded variety of these granites and is used worldwide. The aim of this paper is to provide a thorough characterisation of the mineralogy, petrology, physical-mechanical properties and radiological hazards associated with this granite. The samples analysed here were obtained from the Bassacutena area, which is the largest currently active Rosa Beta quarrying district. Although the Rosa Beta granite does not contain any evident strain fabrics, it does have a magmatic flow linear-planar anisotropy and one or more networks of micro-fractures are also present around major faults. Experiments were undertaken to examine the influence of these structures on the physical-mechanical properties of the granite, and involved positioning a fracture network either parallel or perpendicular to the direction used to obtain a directional property. The results are summarised in a high readability spreadsheet and possible uses for the Rosa Beta granite are suggested.