There may be a huge difference between the stones. Just because they are named the same doesn't mean they are similar. Stone companys may not even know exactly what type of stone it is. Generally they get lumped into 3 or 4 catagories: Limestone, Marble, Granite and Slate. There are many more types and that makes a big difference in the suitability of stones for a specific purpose.

Try to find out exactly what type of stone it is. Some stones do not do well in differing climates from where they originate. It all depends on what you want to use it for.

I want to use it for patios and walkways.

Pennsylvania bluestone is a stone thats ideally suited for use as a paver. I could not find anything out about Brazilian bluestone. You'll have to ask the seller of the Brazilian bluestone exactly what kind of stone it is. Any way of comparing two pieces side by side. If it's a similar grain structure it may be just fine. Getting references from folks who've actually used it is always a good thing too.

Like I said, just a name can be hard to go by and not a good way to decide if it's what you need.

Can you bring a sample piece home? If I recall correctly you already have some P. bluestone installed. You could lay them side by side and see if you like the Brazilian as much or if it matches. Also, if you plan to cut it, you could try chiselling a piece and see how it handles.

But if matching and cutting are not issues, I think the main question is whether you like it. The only other thing to be on the watch for is probably excessive flakiness or liability to crack. On those fronts too though, buying a sample piece would allow you to put it through its paces. Whatever other qualities you do or don't want in rock, test for those too.

Even comparing stone side by side may not give you a good idea of a stones usability/durability for a particular purpose. I was doing some more reading on the P Bluestone and sandstone/quartzite in general and more than one site said that similar types of stone could be different in major ways. It could have freeze thaw issues, be more prone to staining, losing it's color over time or just not have decent wear characteristics etc....

To speak of "Bluestone" is to speak in the vernacular
Many different types of stone may locally be called 'blue stone" .

The correct name is Basalt .

I know there is an assunption on my parthere in that I assume you mean Basalt, when you speak of bluestone.

If my assumption is correct , then it might be a good idea if you asked the respective suppliers as to whether their stone is Basalt you may get different answers.

Pennsylvania Bluestone is a sandstone/quartzite type stone, very different from a basalt. But your point about "names" should be well considered. Quarries and suppliers can and will name their products anything to get your attention and improve its marketability. However a "name" is not proof that a stone is suitable for any particular purpose.

I worked in the architechural/dimensional stone trade for a number of years (hence my screen name) and remember a few years back when a stone was put on the market from India. It was billed as a cheaper substitute for another well known black monument stone. It was well recieved and used in more than a few applications. The stone turned out not to fair well in some climates. It cracked and crazed in the colder places causing big problems.

So that's why it's important to know exactly what you're getting from your supplier. Stone is cheap to ship all over the world because it's used to weigh down ships (keel weight) to keep them from flipping in high seas.

Do your homework and you won't be caught by surprise from using a stone that's not good for your purpose.

Thank you. I can see there is a lot more to this than I thought.