Stone Guide

Stone Comparison Chart

 

  MARBLE GRANITE QUARTZITE LIMESTONE TRAVERTINE QUARTZ SINTERED STONE
PRICE RANGE $$ – $$$ $$ – $$$ $$$$$ $$ – $$$ $$ – $$$ $$ – $$$$ $$$
TYPE Natural Stone Natural Stone Natural Stone Natural Stone Natural Stone Engineered Stone Engineered Stone
DURABILITY ** **** **** ** ** **** ***
MAINTENANCE REQUIRED High Low Low Low Low Low Low
HEAT RESISTANCE **** **** **** **** **** ** **
STAIN RESISTANCE * **** **** ** ** **** ***
SCRATCH RESISTANCE * **** **** **** **** **** ***
INDOOR USE
OUTDOOR USE - -
APPLICATIONS Kitchen*
Bathroom
Flooring
Fireplace
Kitchen
Bathroom
Flooring
Fireplace
Kitchen
Bathroom
Flooring
Kitchen
Bathroom
Flooring
Fireplace
Kitchen
Bathroom
Flooring
Fireplace
Kitchen
Bathroom
Flooring
Kitchen
Bathroom
Flooring

 

 

 

Stone Formation

 

MARBLE Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed from the recrystallization of limestone or dolomite. It is composed primarily of calcite or dolomite crystals and often contains other minerals, such as clay minerals, micas, quartz, pyrite, iron oxides, and graphite. The characteristic swirls and veins in marble are typically the result of mineral impurities and the re-crystallization process. TRAVERTINE Travertine is a form of limestone that is deposited by mineral springs, especially hot springs. It is a sedimentary rock and belongs to the same family as limestone. The primary mineral in travertine is also calcium carbonate (CaCO3), usually in the form of the mineral calcite. However, what distinguishes travertine is its distinctive texture and the way it forms.
GRANITE Granite is a common type of igneous rock that is widely distributed and found on Earth's crust. It is formed from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. Granite is composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals. The specific composition and proportion of these minerals can vary, resulting in different types and colors of granite. QUARTZ It is manufactured through a process that combines natural quartz with polymer resins to create a low-maintenance, super-hard, natural stone-look countertop available in a dazzling array of beautiful colors.
QUARTZITE Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that forms from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone. The transformation occurs under high heat and pressure, causing the sandstone to recrystallize and fuse into a dense, hard rock. The primary mineral component of quartzite is quartz, which makes up at least 90% of its composition. Other minerals, such as feldspar, may also be present. SINTERED STONE Sintered stone is a type of engineered or manufactured stone that is produced through a process called sintering. Sintering is a method that involves applying heat and pressure to compact and transform a material into a solid mass without melting it completely. In the case of sintered stone, this process typically involves natural minerals and other materials.
LIMESTONE Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the form of the mineral calcite or aragonite. It often contains other minerals and impurities, such as clay, silt, sand, iron oxides, or organic matter. Limestone forms in marine environments from the accumulation and consolidation of the remains of marine organisms, such as shells and coral.    

 

 

Surface Texture

 

POLISHED HONED LEATHER 
A glossy surface that is very smooth
Reflective polished crystals bring out the brilliant colors and grains of natural stone
Shine is due to polishing bricks and powders used during fabrication
The sheen is not from the coating
Provides a flat to low-sheen gloss
This surface is very smooth, but often very porous
This texture is common in high-traffic buildings
It should always be protected with a penetrating sealer because it has wide-open pores
Honed Stone colors are not as vibrant as polished stone
A textured matte finish most commonly seen on marble, darker granite, and sintered stone
The surface usually has a soft sheen to it but is much less shiny than the glossy look of a polished stone.
Leathered granite hides fingerprints, water spots, and smudges
Shine is due to polishing bricks and powders, used during fabrication

 

Stone Honeycomb Panel edges

Stone Honeycomb Panel Joints

 

Care & Maintenance

 

NATURAL STONE ENGINEERED STONE
– Keep glasses containing fruit juices or alcohol on coasters as acids and alcohols can react and darken the surface
– Sealing the area may bring out the color of the stone
– Immediately clean up spills using a soft cloth or sponge
– Stone cleaner is preferable, avoid using abrasive cleaners such as dry cleaners or soft cleaners
– Use a few drops of neutral cleaner, mild cleaning liquid detergent, or stone soap along with warm water to clean the stone surfaces. Dry with a soft cloth.
– Using strong chemicals such as vinegar, ammonia, lemon or acids can dull the surface
– Granite is hard and can dull your knives. Using a cutting board to maintain their sharpness.
– Use a squeegee to minimize soap scum. Use non-acidic soap scum remover to remove the scum.
– Does not scratch easily but is affected by heat. Use hot pads or pot stands.
– Not recommended to use as a cutting board.
– Even though quartz is resistant to liquids such as wine, lemon juice, tea, and soda, clean them up as soon as they spill on the surface.
– Avoid cleaners with acidic or bleaching effects. Simple cleaning procedures such as non-abrasive cleaners, damp cloths, and paper towels can be much better for regular cleaning purposes.
– Strong solvents and chemicals such as paint removers, trichloroethylene or methylene chloride will – damage the material. Bleaches, permanent markers, or inks are better kept away from quartz stones.

Inquiry


Request Samples


Online Inquiry