Customer-Resources

While natural stone has become increasingly popular when building, it can bring a multitude of questions from the consumer. As a stone fabricator, we get asked many questions regarding the differences between various natural stone products. As a general rule, we do not not promote one product over another. Instead we try to present our customers with information regarding natural products, so they can make a final decision based on characteristics important to them.

Following is a list of some characteristics of various natural stones that may be useful when selling natural stone products:

Granite - The hardest natural material available for countertops. It is composed of a variety of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. Granite is an excellent choice not only for its beauty, but for its durability and ease in cleaning. There are also a vast array of color choices.

Marble - A very popular stone used throughout the ages. It is a relatively hard material, but is not as hard as granite. Marble is basically classified into four groups which include: Groups A, B, C, and D. These groupings indicate merely fabrication ability, which are based generally on the materials hardness characteristics. It is very popular for fireplaces, bar-tops, and bathrooms. Marble also comes in a wide range of color options.

Limestone - Is a very porous material which offers a more rustic or aged appearance. Caution should be used when recommending limestone for countertops because of the chance for staining and scratching a more porous material. An acrylic-based sealer is recommended to protect the stone which adds a sheen to the appearance. It is popular for flooring, and fireplace surrounds. It comes in several different color options.

Onyx - A semiprecious variety of chalcedony quartz that is used often in jewelry and is considered a gemstone. Onyx is a very beautiful stone with variegated spots and layers, but is also fragile in nature. Special care needs to be taken in the fabrication process. Onyx can be used for furniture, fireplace surrounds, bar tops, etc.

Slate - A rustic material that offers a unique weathered look. It is available in a variety of sizes: 3/4", 1", and 1-1/4" thickness' to suit various application needs. Slate comes in both honed and cleft finishes. It is very popular for flooring and offers a beautiful look. Slate comes in several color options including: black, gray, rust, green, graphite, and plum.

Scratch Resistance
It is very difficult to scratch granite.Everyday use of knives will not scratch the surface. Cutting directly on your granite will however, dull your knives. Some sales people for engineered stones claim that their product is just as scratch-resistant as granite, but in the same breath, recommend the use of a cutting board.

Stain Resistance
Some sales people for engineered stones claim that all granite's are high maintenance and need to be sealed. It is true that some granite's need to be sealed (less than 20%) to prevent them from staining. Sealing with a silicone impregnator is typically done before installation. As a general rule, granite should be sealed once a year. The actual sealing process is easy. The silicone impregnator is just rubbed on to the countertops with a soft terry-cloth. When sealed properly, granite is very difficult to stain. There are a few granite colors that are more porous than others that may require sealing more often. Engineered stones do not require sealing. Some make claims that they are stain resistant and chemical resistant, yet give information on how to remove various stains.

Composition
Granite is the hardest natural material available for countertops. It is composed of a variety of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. Different colors reflect various combinations of the minerals.