Natural Stones

Types of Natural Stone

There are four major types of natural stone used for countertops:

• GraniteOpen or Close
  Granite has been a popular choice for countertops for many years due to its durability, heat resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Here's a closer look at granite as a countertop material:

  Origin and Composition: Granite is a natural stone formed from the cooling of molten rock under the Earth's surface. It's composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other minerals. This mixture of minerals gives granite its unique colors and patterns.

  Appearance: The look of granite countertops can vary significantly due to the stone's complex mineral composition. Colors range from earth tones like brown, beige and tan, to black, white, blue, green, red, and more. Patterns can be small and homogeneous or dramatic with large veins or speckles.

  Durability: Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, scoring a 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means it's resistant to scratches and can withstand high heat, such as hot pots or pans placed directly on the surface. However, it's not completely immune to damage; excessive force can chip or crack the stone.

  Maintenance: Granite countertops are porous and need to be sealed to prevent staining. How often they need to be resealed depends on the type of granite and usage, but typically every one to five years. Daily cleaning should be done with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners as they can break down the sealant over time.

• QuartziteOpen or Close
  Quartzite is a highly sought-after material for countertops, due to its strength, beauty, and the elegance it adds to a space. Here are some details about it:

  Origin and Composition: Quartzite is a natural stone that is formed when quartz-rich sandstone is subjected to high heat and extreme pressure over millions of years. It consists predominantly of quartz, a very hard mineral. Unlike quartz, which is man-made and consists of 90% to 94% ground quartz and other materials, quartzite is 100% natural.

  Appearance: Quartzite comes in a wide range of patterns and colors, with white and grey being the most common. Some varieties also have streaks of pink, red, yellow, blue, green, or orange due to the presence of other minerals. Its subtle patterns often resemble marble.

  Durability: Quartzite is an incredibly durable material, scoring 7 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamond is a 10). It is resistant to heat, scratches, and etching, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. However, it is not indestructible; like any natural stone, it can chip or crack if hit with enough force.

  Maintenance: Quartzite countertops are more porous than some other stone options, like granite or engineered quartz, which means they could be susceptible to stains. To prevent this, they should be sealed at installation and re-sealed every one to three years, depending on usage and the specific type of quartzite. Routine cleaning should be done with a mild soap and soft cloth.

• MarbleOpen or Close
  Marble is a timeless and classic choice for countertops, known for its sophisticated elegance and natural beauty. Here's a detailed look at marble as a countertop material:

  Origin and Composition: Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of limestone, composed largely of calcite or dolomite. This natural stone is mined from quarries around the world.

  Appearance: One of the key reasons homeowners choose marble is its unique and luxurious appearance. It comes in a variety of colors, including white, black, green, and pink, with beautiful veining that ranges from subtle to dramatic. The most famous variety is probably Carrara marble, known for its bluish-gray hue with soft, feathery veining.

  Durability: Marble is a relatively soft stone, scoring around a 3-5 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means it's more susceptible to scratches and chips than harder stones like granite or quartzite. Marble is also sensitive to heat, and hot pots or pans can leave marks.

  Maintenance: Marble countertops are porous and prone to staining, especially from acidic substances like lemon juice, vinegar, or red wine. To prevent this, they need to be sealed at installation and re-sealed regularly - typically every six months to a year. Regular cleaning should be done with a soft cloth and a non-acidic cleaner or a cleaner specifically designed for marble.

• TravertineOpen or Close
  Travertine is a type of limestone that's formed in hot springs and caves. This natural stone is known for its distinctive beauty and earthy aesthetic, but it's less common as a countertop material compared to options like granite, marble, or quartz. Below is a detailed look at travertine as a countertop material:

  Origin and Composition: Travertine is a sedimentary rock, formed by the rapid precipitation of calcium carbonate, often at the mouth of a hot spring or in a limestone cave. It's a type of limestone and is closely related to marble, but it's formed in a different process.

  Appearance: Travertine has a natural, rustic look with a textured, pitted surface. It's available in a variety of earth tone colors, such as beige, brown, tan, and rust. The stone's characteristic holes and troughs are usually filled and sealed for a smooth finish when used for countertops.

  Durability: Travertine is softer and more porous than most other natural stones used for countertops, which makes it less resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. As such, it's not typically recommended for high-use areas like kitchen counters, though it can work well for lower-traffic areas like bathroom vanities.

  Maintenance: Due to its porosity, travertine requires more maintenance than harder stones. It needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water absorption, and cleaned with a stone cleaner to avoid damaging the surface. Acidic or abrasive cleaners should be avoided as they can etch or scratch the surface.