Lucchetti

Brazilian Quartzites Without Rust: The Challenge Met by Lucchetti and Prometec

Perlavenata, Tajmahal, and Mont Blanc are natural quartzites from northeastern Brazil, highly appreciated by architects and construction firms in the most demanding markets. These materials, known for their elegant shades ranging from beige to pearl white and their excellent mechanical and chemical resistance, have long presented a critical flaw: the presence of iron sesquioxide, which causes unwanted yellowish halos or reddish shadows. These impurities, unlike the valued natural veining of some stones, often make the slabs unsuitable for use.
Bruno Lucchetti, a company with a strong focus on innovation and material quality, was among the first to address the issue structurally. The goal: to develop a process that would be not only effective, but also safe and sustainable.

Partnering with chemical companies specialized in rust removal, Lucchetti chose an innovative, sustainable and contrary path to that of many foreign competitors: a surface treatment, rather than full immersion—an approach that is both environmentally friendlier and safer for workers and slabs to be treated. Following an experimental phase, the company commissioned Prometec, leader in the design of chemical treatment systems for stone surfaces, to develop a dedicated industrial line. The first system, capable of treating 40 slabs per day, has since evolved into a fully automated solution processing 120 slabs daily.
Today’s Prometec plant features a robotic handling system with 80 suction cups, ensuring safe movement of even cracked or fragile slabs. An automated acid applicator, enclosed in a protective and inspectable cabin, precisely measures and evenly distributes the treatment solution, adjusting to the irregular profiles of each slab. Once treated, the slabs are stored in sealed silos of 60 slabs each, for approximately 18 hours under controlled temperature, ventilation, and reaction time conditions. The result is a process that is safe, efficient, and fully compliant with environmental and safety regulations. This solution allows Lucchetti to maintain high standards in quality, productivity, and market performance, strengthening its position in the most demanding international markets.