What is Granite?

Granite is an igneous rock, which means it was once formed as it cooled deep within the earth. It was formed billions of years ago when molten matter from the earth’s crust came under extreme pressure. Granite is made primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica. It is one of the hardest materials on Earth, which is why it is an ideal surface for countertops. Granite takes a great deal of expertise to cut, shape and polish. It is granular in appearance and ranges from solid to highly veined. Minerals within granite typically appear as small flecks throughout the stone. Other types have veining similar to marble, dense-grained, hard stone. It can be highly polished or finished of other ways. A broad spectrum of color is available.

Granite is quarried from the mountains of Italy, the United States, Brazil, India and other countries around the world. It is one of the most popular natural stones on the market. Its durability and longevity make it ideal for kitchen countertops and other heavily used surfaces including tabletops and floors. While some synthetic surfaces scratch easily and melt under hot cookware granite resists heat. Granite is also one of the most bacteria-resistant kitchen surfaces.

It is nearly impossible to scratch, and with proper cleaning, will not stain under normal use (ask your professional contractor about the sealants available to further improve resistance to staining.) A leading consumer magazine recently compared granite with engineered stone, ceramic tile, laminate, butcher block and other manufactured surfaces. Granite received the highest overall performance rating as a kitchen countertop material. Because of its exceptional strength, granite is well suited for exterior applications.

Most common uses:

excellent choice for kitchen countertops, floors and other heavily used surfaces. Interior and exterior wall cladding, Interior and exterior paving, commercial counter tops, monuments, curbing, statuary, tables and novelty items.

What is Marble?

Marble is primarily composed of dolomite and calcite, with a variety of other minerals that gives marble its wide range of color. Marble is limestone that was subjected to extreme heat and pressure in the earth. Over millions of years, it’s turned into marble. The density of marble falls between granite and limestone. Marble is known for its vibrant colors and exquisite veining.

Marble is found in the mountainous regions of Canada, Italy, Germany Spain and the United States and other countries worldwide. Because of its beauty and elegance, marble is a popular choice for countertops, floors, foyers, fireplace surrounds, hearths, walls and windowsills. Marble adds a sophisticated element to your home.Its wonderfully superior engineering characteristics and ease of maintenance makes it a natural choice for floors, wall coverings, table tops and bathroom walls, vanity tops, tub decks and showers.

Marble should be cared for as you would a fine wood finish. Using care and cleaning up spills immediately will preserve marble’s beauty. Another option for marble-loving homeowners is using natural serpentine for kitchen counters. Sometimes called the “green” marble serpentine is not a true marble but offers a marble-like look. Marble has both scientific and commercial definitions. Scientifically marble was once limestone that achieved metamorphic from intense pressures and high temperatures within the earth. This crystalline structure introduced other minerals that produce valuable colors and veining. Commercially, any stone capable of being polished (with the exception of granite) is known as marble.

Most common uses:

ideal for foyers, bathrooms, fireplace surrounds and hearths. Interior and exterior wall cladding, interior and exterior paving, fireplace surrounds and hearth, lavatory tops, residential and commercial countertops, table tops, statuary and novelty items.

What is Travertine?

Travertine, limestone, sandstone, and slate are other examples of natural stone frequently used in residential applications. Travertine is a type of limestone and is one of the most popular natural stones for interior and exterior wall cladding, interior and exterior paving, statuary and curbing. Travertine, Limestone, Sandstone and Slate are perfect enhancements for your home both inside and out. Travertine is a variety of limestone created by the slow precipitation of hot, mineral-rich spring water. The characteristic of travertine was created when carbon dioxide was trapped as the stone was being formed. Although the classic characteristics are recognizable by their homogenous ecru to dark colors. Dark tones are available to dark brown veining.

What is Limestone?

Limestone is compacted materials from sea beds formed over millions of years. Limestone is less dense than granites. Many can be polished, but some are too porous and are finished with a honed surface. Colors range from grey to buff and some pastel shades of pink and yellow. All of these stones are quarried in large blocks, which are cut into slabs. They are then fabricated to the client’s specifications. Because each block and slab is different, each stone application is unique, unlike engineered stone, Corian, or Formica tops.

Limestone is widely used as a building stone because it’s readily available and easy to handle. Popular applications include countertops, flooring, interior and exterior wall cladding and exterior paving. It is a sedimentary stone and is formed from the skeletons and shells of sea creatures that existed in warm seas millions of years ago. Much domestic limestone is light in color, while some pastel shades of yellow to pink are available. Imported limestone is available in colors ranging from light to dark brown, red and black. When the mineral dolomite is present in the limestone, limestone is harder and capable of being polished in the metamorphic state.

Most common uses:

Interior and exterior wall cladding. Interior and exterior paving and limited counter top use.

What is Slate?

Slate is a popular flooring material Sandstone and slate are often used for exterior paving stones or pavers. Other sandstone applications include facings, chimneys, garden walls, patio benches, and poolside. Additional applications include kitchen countertops, fireplace surrounds and tabletops. It is a popular flooring material. Slate is a fine grained, metamorphic stone derived from sedimentary rock shale. It is uniform in color, available in shades that are dark to light green, mottled purple, black, gray or dark red. Various patterns from overseas have also recently been introduced. Use surface has been honed smoothly; slate can be recognized by its unique pattern.

Most common uses:

Residential and commercial counter tops, fireplace surrounds, interior and exterior (American only) wall cladding and paving, table tops and many non architectural uses.

What is Soapstone?

Soapstone is a metamorphosed, easily worked igneous stone, characterized by a “soapy” feeling when touched. Colors range from gray to bluish or greenish gray. Its heat retention qualities are ideal for free-standing coal or wood-fired room heaters. Soapstone is strong. It is also chemical, stain and weather resistant.

Most common uses:

Chemistry and fire resistant work surfaces, fireplace surrounds and hearths, wherever heat is an issue.