Caribbean Coralina

This is one of the best local materials we came across in our Puerto Rico building adventure! Coralina or Coral Stone is quarried from multiple locations in the Caribbean - our lot was sourced from our stone supplier in Puerto Rico, but originated from the Dominican Republic. Coralina is a sedimentary rock composed of compressed shells and corals rendering it with some interesting properties.


Coralina is a pale pinkish/orange stone that bleaches out to almost white with intense sun exposure. Due to its composition, many tiny air bubbles are trapped within its layers making this stone an excellent insulator. BigPrototype used the stone on all of the exterior surfaces of the Little Malibu House. On the upper deck the coralina insulates the bedrooms below - using a passive cooling strategy to reduce or eliminate the need for AC.

In addition to having exceptional insulating properties, the surface is wonderful for barefoot traction. The porous finish is not slippery and is the perfect material to use around the saltwater pool. It should, however, be grouted and sealed to maintain a pristine surface - the tiny holes will otherwise trap water and cause mildew.

To find out more or to buy coralina tile, contact Yaniel Merced from Northwest Rustic Tile at 787-882-0520 or go visit them at: Carr 2 KM 118.1, Interior Carr #110, Bo. Ceiba Baja in Aguadilla