| Material classification | Azul Macaubas is a natural blue quartzite. Color, veining, crystal structure, and background tone vary from block to block. | Request current slab photographs, a continuous slab video, and the quarry or block reference when available. | High importance: visual variation is normal and should be confirmed before payment. |
| Common slab thickness | Approximately 18–20 mm for standard slabs; approximately 30 mm for thicker premium applications. Actual thickness may vary after polishing. | Confirm finished thickness, allowable tolerance, edge-processing allowance, and whether reinforcement is included. | Compare like-for-like thickness rather than comparing only the quoted square-foot price. |
| Indicative material price | Export material prices commonly vary from about USD 80–180 per square foot for selected slabs, depending on grade, size, color, and availability. | Ask whether the price is per slab, square meter, or square foot, and whether crates, polishing, export packing, and documentation are included. | Use the total delivered cost, not the lowest initial quotation. |
| Slab size and usable yield | Large-format slabs are often approximately 2600–3300 mm long and 1400–2000 mm wide, but sizes depend on the block and production process. | Obtain exact slab dimensions, net usable area, cutout limitations, and digital layout drawings. | A slightly higher-priced slab may reduce seams and material waste. |
| Surface finish | Polished is the most common finish. Honed, leathered, and other finishes may be available but can change lead time and price. | Confirm gloss level, sample approval, finish consistency, and whether the selected finish is suitable for the intended application. | Require a physical or high-resolution finish sample for large projects. |
| Export packaging | Sea-freight slabs are normally packed in fumigated or compliant wooden A-frame crates with separators and protective materials. | Confirm crate dimensions, crate treatment certification, moisture protection, corner protection, and loading photographs. | Strong packaging reduces breakage risk but may increase freight volume and cost. |
| Shipping method | Full-container sea freight is generally more economical for multiple slabs. Less-than-container-load shipping may suit small orders but often has higher handling risk and cost per unit. | Compare FOB, CIF, and DDP quotations and identify the exact destination port or delivery address. | The same Incoterm must be used when comparing different suppliers. |
| Indicative ocean transit | Port-to-port transit is often about 25–55 days, depending on origin, destination, transshipment, season, and carrier schedule. | Request production time, vessel schedule, transshipment details, customs time, and estimated last-mile delivery time separately. | Treat transit estimates as schedules rather than guaranteed arrival dates. |
| Freight and destination charges | Total logistics cost can include ocean freight, terminal handling, customs clearance, duties, inspection, storage, delivery, and unloading equipment. | Request an itemized landed-cost sheet and confirm who pays demurrage, storage, port fees, taxes, and delivery surcharges. | A transparent cost breakdown is more valuable than an unusually low freight estimate. |
| Minimum order quantity | One or two slabs may be accepted by some exporters, while better pricing is usually available for grouped orders or a full container. | Confirm minimum slab quantity, mixed-container rules, inspection fees, and whether small-order handling charges apply. | Small orders should be compared on delivered cost per usable square foot. |
| Quality inspection | Inspection may cover cracks, resin filling, repairs, thickness, flatness, polish, dimensions, and color consistency. | Use an agreed inspection checklist and define acceptable natural features before production or loading. | Independent pre-shipment inspection is useful for high-value or large-volume orders. |
| Documentation | Typical documents may include commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, origin documentation, and fumigation or wood-packaging records where required. | Confirm document format, consignee information, customs requirements, and the time documents will be released. | Missing or inconsistent documents can delay clearance even when the stone arrives safely. |
| Payment terms | Common arrangements include a deposit before production and the balance before shipment; exact terms depend on order size and supplier history. | Match the payment schedule to inspection, slab approval, packing completion, and release of shipping documents. | Avoid paying the full amount before confirming the selected slabs and packing condition. |
| After-sales support | Useful support may include replacement discussion, damage reporting, installation guidance, technical documents, and claims handling. | Put claim deadlines, evidence requirements, responsibility for transport damage, and remedy options in writing. | Clear written procedures are a stronger indicator than verbal promises. |
| Best-value buying approach | The best purchase balances slab appearance, usable yield, quality control, packaging, delivery reliability, and total landed cost. | Collect comparable quotations using the same thickness, finish, quantity, destination, Incoterm, and inspection standard. | Choose the supplier with the clearest specifications and lowest risk-adjusted delivered cost—not simply the lowest quoted price. |
