We understand that finding the right material can be overwhelming.
Let Colonial Marble’s guide to natural stone help.
Let’s start at the beginning.
Let’s first understand where Natural Stone comes from. The rocks that make up the Earth’s crust fall into 3 groups: Igneous, Sedimentary and Metamorphic.
Metamorphic refers to either Igneous or Sedimentary rock that has been changed by a combination of heat, pressure and chemical reactions beneath the Earth’s crust. For example, when a sedimentary rock such as Limestone is exposed to the intense heat, chemical reactions and pressure under the Earth’s surface, it is transformed into what we call Marble. This is also when Granites, which are categorized as igneous stones, are transformed into schists, sandstones into quartzites and shales into slate.
Technically, all calcareous (made of calcium) rocks, that are capable of taking a polish, can be categorized as marbles.
Marbles are categorized into 4 groups. These groups designate the soundness of the material for building and fabrication purposes. They in no way compare the individual merits of each stone. Each group simply designates certain characteristics that will need to be considered during the processing of the stone. These groups apply only to marble and limestone. Currently, there is no classification scale for Granite, however, Granite is often casually classified in the same way.
Group A Marbles – Sound marbles with uniform and favorable working qualities, containing no obvious geological voids or fissures. These stones do not require any filling or patching and can be used safely for an interior or exterior application.
Group B Marbles – Similar to group A marbles, but may contain some small geological imperfections. These marbles may contain small holes or voids which are filled with epoxy, or polyester resin. These marbles can safely be used in an interior or exterior application.
Group C Marbles – This group of marbles is the largest and most varied. These marbles may contain all or some of the following; holes, voids, lines or separation and structural flaws. It is standard industry practice to repair these variations. Any repairs are usually done at the quarry. Once prepared, these stones are usable for architectural purposes. These marbles are not recommended for exterior use.
Group D Marbles – These are similar to group C but contain a larger proportion of the natural faults listed. Very few stones will be categorized as group D.
Mother Nature intended for natural stone to vary. These variations are what makes natural stone so distinct. We celebrate this distinctness by using stone in everyday applications.
All stones should be sealed prior to use. This allows for time to clean up spills that may later become stains. Some stones are easier to maintain than others. Some stones are harder and more durable than others. Finding the right stone to suit your project isn’t always easy. Colonial Marble’s experts have created an easy to use guide to walk you through.
Knowing the product is crucial to making the right choice.
Quartz is one of nature’s most durable minerals. Most of the common Quartz lines, such as Caesarstone, are made up of roughly 95 per-cent Quartz. This gives the stone the ability to resist staining, scratches and cracks. It is impervious to heat and requires almost no maintenance. Most slabs come in uniform colors, which eliminate the need for vein matching creating an almost seamless appearance. Quartz is very well suited for utilitarian spaces, however, with the launch of the newer, more decorative lines, it can be found in many upscale applications as well.
Granite is made up primarily of three very hard components, quartz, mica and feldspar. Granite’s abrasion resistance rating is high with a relatively low absorption rating. Some Granite slabs may need to be resin filled. Granite is an excellent choice for exterior applications.
- Darker granites, because of the tightness of the pores, are less prone to staining, but should still be sealed.
- Cleaning granite is easy, warm water and a mild soap will take surface grime off
Marble is made mostly of calcium, therefore it will etch. This should be a consideration when choosing marble for your project. Acidic foods, ammonia based cleaners, and harsh chemicals will cause etching to take place. All marble will patina over time. Marble can be used in many applications as long as the customer knows what to expect.
- Cleaning marble is simple, warm water and mild soap is all you’ll need.
- Marble should always be sealed prior to use to help minimize staining.
- To minimize the appearance of surface etching, installing marble with a honed finish is recommended.
Limestone, like marble is made mostly of calcium carbonate. It will etch when exposed to acid foods and abrasive chemical cleaners. Limestone often comes factory repaired and filled. The soft feeling and earth tone colors that limestone offers makes a nice addition to any home. The customer should be well educated on this material before choosing it for a countertop application. Flooring should be installed with a honed finish and may show wear patterns.
- Limestone can be purchased filled or unfilled.
- Cleaning unfilled limestone can be laborious.
Travertine, like marble is made mostly of calcium carbonate. It will etch when exposed to acid foods and abrasive chemical cleaners. Travertine often comes factory repaired and filled. The soft feeling and earth tone colors that travertine offers makes a nice addition to any home. The customer should be well educated on this material before choosing it for a countertop application. Flooring should be installed with a honed finish and may show wear patterns.
- Travertine can be purchased filled or unfilled.
- Cleaning unfilled travertine can be laborious.
Quartzite is extremely hard, with a very high abrasion resistance rating. Quartzite is formed from sandstone and is known for its hardness and density. These characteristics make quartzite suitable for many interior and exterior uses.
- Quartzite should always be sealed.
- Due to its very dense, hard nature, quartzite can take twice as long to fabricate than other stones. This will effect cost and lead time. .
Slate has a low abrasion resistance and will easily be stained by oil. Slate is able to be processed into thin slabs and still maintain its rigidity. Slate cannot be polished, and will maintain its honed finish. If slate is being used in a countertop application, it’s recommended that it be oiled completely. This will minimize the appearance of fingerprints. Slate has a very high chemical resistance rating. Slate can be used in a multitude of locations including flooring, fireplace hearths and surrounds, stair treads, countertops, and roofing shingles.
Terrazzo is a man made material that is composed of varying sizes of stone arrogate and/or recycled glass and porcelain, pigment and either cement or epoxy. This material is extremely hard and durable. This provides complete customization and endless color possibilities. Terrazzo has endless application possibilities. Wall cladding, flooring, stair treads and countertops are just a few.
- Terrazzo floors will last a lifetime with small amounts of regular maintenance, saving a significant amount of money in the life of a building.
- Cleaning, polishing and waxing will extend the life of Terrazzo.