Value and curb appeal with Porphyry stone

a timeless symbol of prestige and durability. The ideal choice for elegant and long-lasting exterior paving.

Italian Camparta

Our Works

Creative vision for groundbreaking results.

ABOUT US

Why Choose Us?

We have more than 60 years experience in quarrying and working with porphyry stone, serving architects, builders and owners on the 5 continents. Our quarries are located in Northern Italy and Argentina. Porphyry USA caters for the North American needs from Miami, with inventory for immediate delivery and direct shipment from the quarry for special projects.

Years
Experience
Working

Porphyry USA
and Odorizzi Family

The Odorizzi Family has been in the porphyry business since the 1950s, expanding from Italian quarries to Argentina. In the late ’90s, they founded Porphyry USA to serve the growing North American market, forming a lasting joint venture in the 2000s.

With over 60 years of industry impact, they have developed new markets, finishes, and quarry selections, becoming the first in the sector to achieve ISO 9001 certification. Based in Miami, FL, with a 30,000 sf warehouse, Porphyry USA supplies and installs high-quality stone pavers across the U.S., bringing beauty and durability to landscapes, homes, and streets.

Porphyry Stone – History

Porphyry stone has been valued for centuries, with relics found in Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Roman sites. Its name derives from the Latin porphyra, meaning purple red—a symbol of prestige and royalty.
Used by Egyptian pharaohs for its durability and striking color, porphyry gained significance in Roman times, associated with luck and imperial status. Emperors were born in porphyry-clad rooms and buried in porphyry sarcophagi. The stone appeared in Saint Peter’s Basilica, Renaissance sculptures, and Versailles.

The 19th century saw industrial quarrying in Northern Italy, which expanded after WWII, shaping the modern porphyry industry. This history intertwines with the Odorizzi family’s legacy, pioneering advancements in production and market expansion.

Porphyry Characteristics

In terms of technical characteristics, Porphyry is an extrusive igneous rock (Volcanic rock – coming from volcanic activity). It dates to the Lower Permian era, and formed when the magma was expelled into the lithosphere. As a consequence, due to the effect of the reduction of pressure, rapid cooling and contact with the earth’s atmosphere, the process of crystallization halted, and the crystals remained very small.
The main chemical component is silica, while other major components are iron, potassium and aluminum oxides. Porphyry is rich of the following minerals: quartz, sanidine, plagioclase, and to a lesser extent, pyroxenes and glass matrix.
These chemical and mineralogical aspects determine the physical and mechanical characteristics of porphyry.
These are some technical characteristics for which designers choose porphyry above other stone products:

Hardness: Compression strength more than 30.000 psi
Slip resistant: the natural surface makes it non slippery
Naturally oil/stain resistant: after a couple rainfalls, it’s clean again
Durable: no maintenance required, lasts for more than 50 years
Fashion: provides the Italian style that customers are looking for
Beauty: earth-tone colors, suitable for any location

Porphyry Stone – Physical Characteristics

Our quarries are based in Italy and Argentina. The following values represent the results of some tests commissioned to US Laboratories.

Test Method

Norm

Value Porfiris (Argentina)

Value Camparta (Italy)

Modulus of Rupture – Dry

ASTM C99

3,042 psi

2,536 psi

Modulus of Rupture – Wet

ASTM C99

2,869 psi

2,557 psi

Compressive Strength — Dry

ASTM C170

31,656 psi

38,574 psi

Compressive Strength — Dry

ASTM C170

31,627 psi

32,872 psi

Flexural Strength — Dry

ASTM C880

3,810 psi

3,058 psi

Flexural Strength — Dry

ASTM C880

3,141 psi

2,034 psi

Absorbtion

ASTM C97

0.53%

0.84%

Bulk Specific Gravity

ASTM C97

2,517 kg/m3

2,593 kg/m3

Static Coefficient of Friction — Dry

ASTM C1028

0.62

Static Coefficient of Friction — Wet

ASTM C1028

0.66

Abrasion Resistance

ASTM C1028

70.92

84.36

Porphyry Stone – Specifications

Porphyry Stone Overview Quarried in Italy and Argentina, porphyry meets ASTM C615 standards and features two natural cleft faces. Thickness and sizing vary by product, with tolerances of ½” for split edges and 1/16” for sawn edges.

Delivery & Handling Products are stacked on pallets, wrapped securely, and can be stored outdoors. Transport requires appropriate stone-handling equipment. Non-stock items need 8–10 weeks for delivery.
Surface & Color Variation Porphyry displays natural color variations, mined from single quarries to ensure consistency. Samples show typical characteristics, but a mock-up is recommended to assess the full color range before installation.

OUR NUMBERS

Porphyry USA is committed to delivering high-quality natural stone solutions with expertise and precision. Our dedicated team ensures excellence in every project, creating durable and elegant spaces that stand the test of time. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, we bring craftsmanship and reliability to every installation.