NATURAL STONE
WHAT DO I LOOK FOR IN A NATURAL STONE COUNTERTOP?
MARBLE OR GRANITE
Marble and granite, despite both being natural stones quarried from the earth, possess significant differences. Granite forms deep within the earth’s mantle under extreme temperatures, resulting in a highly resilient and durable stone characterized by crystallized minerals.
In contrast, the marble family, which includes limestone, travertine, marble, and onyx, originates as sediment comprising animal skeletons, shells, plant matter, and silt at the bottoms of water bodies. Over millions of years, this sediment solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Due to its predominant calcium composition, marble is susceptible to the effects of acids, such as those found in vinegar and citrus beverages.
SEALING STONE
All types of stone, including granite, possess some degree of porosity and can gradually absorb stains over time. Certain stones exhibit higher porosity levels than others, making it crucial to apply a penetrating sealer. This sealer acts as a protective barrier, preventing oil, wine, and other liquids from penetrating the surface and causing stains.
BUYING A SLAB
Slabs are typically sold as complete units. Buying random slabs is akin to purchasing fabric, where your fabricator procures the raw material and delivers a finished installation. The price includes transportation, on-site measurements, templates, cutting, polishing, and fitting the pieces into place. The amount of material required depends on the layout and waste considerations. Your fabricator will strategically arrange the pieces to minimize waste while maximizing the inherent beauty of veining and patterns in the slab.
MARBLE F.A.Q.
Common questions about marble
Marble is essentially limestone that has undergone significant pressure and heat, resulting in a crystalline, sugary texture. It is commonly white or whitish, sometimes translucent, and may exhibit veining or other colors due to the presence of additional minerals during its formation. True marbles include White Carrara, Thassos, Colorado Yule, and Bianco Rosa.
In commercial usage, the term “marble” applies to any dense limestone that can be polished, encompassing most colored marbles except certain greens.
Certainly! In fact, using marble for kitchen counters is possible. However, it’s important to note that marble with a honed finish is recommended to prevent etching. The honed finish gives the surface a matte appearance and makes it less susceptible to etching. Marble, as well as limestone and travertine, contains calcium carbonate, which makes the polished surface more vulnerable to household acids like vinegar, mustard, catsup, citrus, and various food-related products. These acidic substances can react with the marble, causing the polish to be removed.
It’s worth mentioning that marble and limestone are more prone to scratches compared to harder stones like granite. Nevertheless, marble is sometimes utilized in kitchens as a pastry slab due to its smooth and cool surface, which is perfect for rolling out dough and piecrusts.
Certain green stones, like the “jades” from Taiwan, are not actually marble but a distinct material known as serpentinite. Serpentinites, otherwise known as serpentines, do not undergo etching or react to acids in the same manner as limestone and marble do. Additionally, they possess a higher level of hardness.
Honed marble, limestone, or travertine refers to these stones having a matte or satin finish instead of a highly reflective polish. This finish is achieved during the manufacturing process by stopping just before the final stage of polishing. It is favored by some due to its less formal and softer appearance compared to polished stone.
Etching occurs when a polished marble or limestone surface comes into contact with acid. This chemical reaction removes the polish or roughens the surface of honed marble or limestone. Certain green marbles, such as the “jades” from China, are resistant to etching, while granite remains unaffected by common household acids.
The general guideline is to avoid using anything that you wouldn’t use on your hands. Never employ powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone surfaces. Even “soft scrub” cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone and can potentially damage your stone countertops or floors. It is important to avoid acidic products, including substances like ammonia or common liquid cleaners. Always opt for sealers and cleaning products specifically designed for natural stone!
GRANITE F.A.Q.
Common questions about granite
The term “granite” encompasses a group of related stones that originate deep within the molten mantle of the Earth. As this intensely hot liquid material rises and cools, it forms a crystalline and granular structure, giving rise to the name “granite.” Composed of hard minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica, these stones fuse together to create an exceptionally durable surface ideal for kitchen counters. Granite’s polished finish resists household acids like citrus and vinegar, and its hardness makes it resistant to scratches from knives and cookware.
Granite’s exceptional hardness and formation at high temperatures deep within the Earth make it highly suitable for kitchen counters. Its polished surface is impervious to etching caused by household acids and resistant to scratches from knives and pots and pans. Additionally, granite remains unaffected by typical kitchen heat, such as hot pans or spilled liquids.
Similar to any solid surface, granite can sustain damage from high-impact blows. Its crystalline structure makes it prone to chipping when exposed to sharp and hard objects. Unsealed granite can absorb stains like oil, potentially resulting in dark spots or discoloration. However, under normal circumstances, granite remains unaffected by heat from pots and pans or burning liquids.
“Honed granite” refers to the state when the polishing process is halted just before achieving a reflective shiny surface. This imparts a softer, matte appearance to the stone.
Granite, being crystalline in structure, naturally contains tiny pits, which are spaces between the mineral crystals. These pits are not visible on larger pieces due to the overall polished and mirror-like appearance. Additionally, granite may have natural fissures, resembling cracks, which are not structural defects but rather a result of the immense heat and pressure that formed the granite millions of years ago. These characteristics contribute to the natural beauty of the stone and do not affect its functionality or durability. It’s important to understand that a natural product cannot be expected to resemble something artificially manufactured.
It is not recommended to use your granite countertop as a cutting surface unless you wish to dull your knives. Granite is harder than knife blades and will quickly diminish their sharpness. Always utilize a wooden or plastic cutting board for cutting and chopping.