The true origin of Verde Guatemala - An exotic from India

Contrary to its name, our Verde Guatemala natural stone actually does not come from Guatemala, but has its roots in the fascinating quarries of India. Its main production areas are in Rajasthan, a state in northwest India known for its diverse natural resources. The Verde Guatemala is a 65 million year old natural stone from India. It is traded as marble, but is actually a serpentinite.

But how did Verde Guatemala get its name if it actually comes from India?

The original “Verde Guatamala” was a green slate that was mined near Passabia in Guatemala. This is the origin of its name, but due to the civil war in Guatemala, the original Verde Guatemala was unfortunately no longer available.

In India, however, there was a similar-looking rock, but it was a serpentinite.

Since isolated blocks from America were still available in trade, the strange situation arose that either “Original Verde Guatemala” or “Indian Guatemala” was in the lists and the Indian Verde Guatemala acquired its special name in the long term. 

The special features of Verde Guatemala – harmony of colors and patterns

Verde Guatemala from India is a natural stone of exceptional beauty.

Its stunning deep green color, which varies from soft tones to intense shades, makes it a sought-after material as a decorative table top. The noble green tone results from the mineral serpentine. The brighter sections in the Verde Guatemala contain carbonates such as dolomite or calcite.

The distinctive patterns created by mineral deposits give each piece of Verde Guatemala a unique visual depth.

The versatility of this natural stone is also reflected in its adaptability to different styles.

Whether it's contemporary, minimalist designs or classic, elegant furnishings , Verde Guatemala adds a timeless and natural elegance to any room. Verde Guatemala looks particularly classy when combined with gold. You can find more furnishing tips from the MAGNA Atelier here . 

The origin story of Verde Guatemala - A look into the earth's past

The formation of Verde Guatemala is the result of fascinating geological processes that have spanned millions of years. As the earth's crust formed and changed, this natural stone was created from various mineral deposits.

The influences of pressure, heat and time shaped the unique patterns and color palette that make Verde Guatemala so desirable. 

The Verde Guatemala is a metamorphic rock . Metamorphic natural rocks are formed from existing rocks that are changed by heat and pressure. The original rocks can be igneous or sedimentary rocks. The decisive change can occur in the form of movement of continental plates or volcanic activity. When rocks are changed by such processes, it is referred to as metamorphism. The metamorphism then creates new rocks such as gneiss, slate, serpentinite or marble.

Metamorphic rocks often have a characteristic grain and structure created by the changes during metamorphism. The veins in the Verde Guatemala are therefore evidence of the metamorphosis that has taken place and are unique to each piece of the rock. By the way, metamorphic rocks are basically the oldest rocks on our planet. 

The journey of Guatemala's exotic Verde began in the depths of the Indian earth millions of years ago and culminates in the hands of MAGNA Atelier, where we harness the natural beauty of this green stone to transform it into artistic pieces of furniture.

Verde Guatemala – A tribute to nature and craftsmanship

The Verde Guatemala, although its name reminds us of another country, comes from the rich quarries of India.

Its wonderful green color, unique patterns and geological origins make it a fascinating material for our customers. 

Using Verde Guatemala as a material for our tables is not only a choice of quality and aesthetics, but also a connection to the geological wonders and rich culture of India. 

Verde Guatemala's elegance is a tribute to nature, allowing us to transform this exceptional material into beautiful pieces of furniture that will hopefully grace your home for generations.

Discover our collection of handcrafted dining tables, coffee tables and side tables and configure your unique piece today – maybe even with the special Verde Guatemala!