Blue stone has been one of the most popular materials in Belgian construction for centuries. But when choosing your patio tiles or sills You'll quickly come across two types: Belgian and Vietnamese blue stone. The price difference is significant, but what exactly do you get for your money? As a family-owned business with more than 100 Years of Experience with Natural Stone We'll lay out the facts clearly.
The main difference lies in the geological composition. Belgian blue stone (also known as ‘petit granit’) is a compact, non-porous limestone that formed 345 million years ago in the subsurface of our Hainaut region. Asian varieties have a different mineral composition with a higher dolomite content (calcium and magnesium) and are therefore less suited to our climate.
| Characteristic | Belgian blue stone | Vietnamese blue stone |
| Composition | Compact limestone, non-porous | Dolomite (calcium carbonate + magnesium), more porous |
| Frost resistance | Excellent, withstands the Belgian climate | Much more sensitive |
| Color Stability | Lasting deep blue with a beautiful patina | May develop a brownish discoloration over time |
| Appearance | Crinoids (fossils), deep blue color | Oölieten (white spots), more grayish |
| Price Level | Higher quality (locally sourced, strictly selected). Custom orders available | Bearings (mass production, transportation). Standard dimensions |
| Service Life | For generations, proven for centuries | Perhaps shorter |
| CO2 Impact | Very low | Very high |
You can recognize Belgian blue stone by its crinoids: fossilized sea lilies that appear as small white dots or lines. These are authentic indicators of its Belgian origin. Vietnamese stone, on the other hand, contains oölietes: round, whitish calcium carbonate pellets that can oxidize over time and form brown spots.
Tip: Soak a small piece of stone in water for a long time. Do rings appear? If so, it’s not Belgian bluestone.
At Renier, we inspect every batch of natural stone for color consistency, texture, and technical properties. Belgian blue stone is selected according to strict European standards. For Asian varieties, the criteria in the country of origin are often less stringent, which means that quality can vary from shipment to shipment.
If in doubt, always ask a certificate of origin . This document certifies the stone's origin and the quality controls that were performed. See also our Technical Specifications For more details.
Why does Vietnamese blue stone sometimes turn brown?
Chinese blue stone contains dolomite with iron-rich oolites. Over time, oxidation can cause these whitish spots to turn brownish, especially when exposed to moisture and acid rain.
How much more expensive is Belgian bluestone?
Expect to pay about twice the price of Vietnamese blue stone. This is due to the local quarrying, strict selection process, and limited availability of Belgian bluestone. The installation itself is the same; expect to pay 65 to 90€/m2 for installation, depending on the difficulty and the sizes.
Can I use Vietnamese blue stone for my patio?
Vietnamese varieties are more sensitive to our climate, and we do not recommend them for intensive outdoor use.
How do I maintain blue stone?
Both options require little maintenance. Regular mopping with water and mild soap is sufficient. A impregnation treatment provides extra protection against stains and moisture. Check out our maintenance tips For more information.
At Renier Natural Stone For over 100 years, we’ve been helping contractors, architects, and homeowners choose the right stone. Visit our new showroom in Aarschot or Request a quote with no obligation. We'd love to show you the difference with your own eyes.