QUESTION

How to determine what the Stone will look like - I have a question regarding Uba tuba granite.

I have seen 3 different shades of ubatuba:
1. ) uba tuba-green
2.) uba tuba gold
3.) ubatuba

I have been told that the plain Uba tuba (3.) is the darkest and the uba
tuba gold has gold flecks and is more brownish, and the green is lighter
with more greenish.

Are these all of the Uba tuba shades available ?

When you order (without picking a slab in person) can a buyer specify the
plain Ubatuba (the darkest one available) or do you just get whatever shade
is available at the time ?

ANSWER

ANSWER - Today with the huge demand for stone and the limited supply there are many degrees of variation and quality.  To add to the confusion many suppliers will adjust the names of the stone to keep it somewhat exclusive for themselves. 

Every category of natural stone will vary in color and the quality of physical characteristics.  Depending on the geographical location, the particular quarry, the location within the quarry, and the timing of that particular shipment the stone will vary in appearance and quality to some degree.  There are ASTM test standards for each category of stone, but many importers do not provide that information for current shipments. 

In regards to ubatuba, the official commercial name is Verde Ubatuba from Brazil.  For the reasons above the appearance will vary, so there is no way to order it sight unseen and get exactly what you want.  You need to look at the specific slabs or a box of tiles to see what that particular shipment looks like.  The only way to determine the physical characteristics is to perform laboratory testing on that particular shipment that will cost about $1,200, which is a service we can provide. 

Hope that helps and good luck!