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Assorbimento

The uptake of water or another liquid into the pore structure of a material.

Short Definition

A material property describing how much liquid a stone takes into its accessible pore structure under specified test conditions.

Language Origin

Italian; from Latin

Pronunciation

/as.sor.biˈmen.to/

Assorbimento means absorption. In stone specification it commonly refers to water absorption: the amount of water taken into the accessible pore structure of a stone under defined testing conditions.

Water absorption is relevant to exterior durability, staining behavior, freeze-thaw exposure, maintenance, and the selection of sealers or installation systems. It is related to porosity but is not identical to it.

Etymology

Italian assorbimento, from assorbire, 'to absorb,' ultimately from Latin absorbere.

Sculptor Notes

Do not use absorption and porosity as interchangeable terms. Two stones can have similar porosity yet differ in how readily connected pores take up water.

References

https://marmo-botticino.it/en/the-identity-of-botticino-classico-marble/