Why Choose Granite?
- Granite has been around since the formation of the earth. It is 100% natural and is one of the hardest stones next to diamond.
- It is very difficult to scratch polished granite. Essentially it takes another piece of granite or diamond to scratch the surface.
- Stain Resistance: Polished granite is extremely durable and stain resistant (visit any cemetery and take a look!). DO NOT let some other product salesperson create a mental monster in your head regarding staining. Generally, it is true that some granite need to be sealed (less than 20%) to prevent them from staining. Sealing with a silicone impregnator is typically done before installation and can be easily done by the homeowner about once a year for added peace of mind. Questions regarding this issue? See your granite professional – not someone trying to sell you something else!
- Granite is heat resistant for everyday kitchen needs. Setting hot pots or bake-ware on your granite countertops will not burn or damage them.
- Mild soap and hot water is basically all you need for cleaning granite countertops. Granite DOES NOT harbor bacteria by itself. When you’re done with food prep, etc. – just wash your tops off!
- There are more granite color selections available now than ever.
- There is no product as beautiful and durable as 100% real granite!
Stone Product Information for Consumers
GRANITE
Granite is primarily made of Quartz (35%), Feldspar (45%) and Potassium. Usually has a darker color. Contains very little calcite, if any. Provides a heavy crystalline and granular appearance with mineral grains. It is very hard material and easier to maintain than marble. There are different types of granite depending on the percentage mix of quartz, mica and feldspar. Black granite is known as an Anorthosite. It contains very little quartz and feldspar and has a different composition than true granite. Its durability and resistance to heat and acids used in cooking (lemon juice, vinegar) and will only dull your knives if you cut on it. Granite scores high from a sanitary standpoint - it resists such bacteria as salmonella.
Common Uses: Granite for kitchen counter tops is the #1 natural stone choice as well as bar tops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, mantles, hearths, and wraps, table tops, window sills and flooring.
MARBLE
Marble is crystallized limestone that formed when the limestone softened from heat and pressure and re-crystallized into marble where mineral changes occurred. The main consistency is calcium and dolomite. Ranges in many colors and is usually heavily veined and shows lots of grains. Hardness rates from 2.5 to 5 on the MOH Scale. Marble is classified into three categories: (Stone World) 1. Dolomite: If it has more than 40% magnesium carbonate. 2. Magnesium: If it has between 5% and 40% magnesium carbonate. 3. Calcite: If it has less than 5% magnesium carbonate.
Common Uses: Marble is a highly decorative stone, common uses are fireplace surrounds, bathtub surrounds, vanity tops, table tops and bases, floors wall panels and architectural elements.
SLATE
Slate is a fine grained metamorphic stone that formed from clay, sedimentary rock shale, and sometimes quartz. Very thin and can break easily. Usually black, grey, or green.
Common uses: Slate is used for flooring and such bathroom applications as shower stalls, floors and walls.
SERPENTINE
Serpentine is identified by its marks which look like the skin of a serpent. Most popular colors are green and brown. Hardness rates from 2.5 to 4 on the MOH Scale. Contains serpentine minerals has lots of magnesium, and has an igneous origin. Does not always react well to re-crystallization or diamond polishing.
ONYX
Chemically, onyx is similar to alabaster and marble. It's wonderfully translucent but very, very soft. Onyx is not for walking surfaces, but is great for walls and in the bath.
LIMESTONE
Limestone mainly consists of calcite. It does not show much graining or crystalline structure. It has a smooth granular surface. Varies in hardness. Some dense limestone can be polished. Common colors are black, grey, white, yellow or brown. It is more likely to stain than marble. Limestone is known to contain lime from seawater.
Common Uses: Limestone is popular among those people looking for a flat, matte finish. Uses include fire place hearths, mantles and surrounds, address blocks and table tops.
SANDSTONE
Sandstone is a very durable formation of quartz grains (sand). Usually formed in light brown or red colors. Categorized by the most popular sandstone bonding agents such as silica, calcium, clay, and iron oxide.
SOAPSTONE
Soapstone is a very soft stone and uniform in appearance, made of a variety of talc. It is a dense mineral that wears well and is often resistant to stains. Soapstone acquires a patina with age and requires regular oiling for maintenance.
Common Uses : Soapstone is used for kitchen countertops.
FOSSILSTONE
Fossilstone is considered a limestone that contains natural fossils such as seashells and plants.
TRAVERTINE
Travertine is a type of limestone usually a cream or reddish color. It is formed through the accumulation of calcite from hot springs. It contains lots of holes that were formed from water flowing through the stone. These holes are often filled with synthetic resins or cements. Requires lots of maintenance if the holes are not filled. Classified as a limestone and a marble.
Common Uses
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Travertine can be polished or left in its natural matte finish and is often used for flooring, fireplace surrounds, tabletops and bathroom applications.
MAN-MADE
Stones are derived of unnatural mixtures such resin or cement with the additive of stone chips.
Caring for Natural Stone Surfaces
Hanstone - www.hanstoneusa.com
Silestone - www.silestoneusa.com
Formica Stone - www.formica.com
Vetter Stone - www.vetterstone.com
Avanza - www.avanzausa.com