MARBLE
What is the difference between granite and marble?
The main difference between granite and
marble is that granite is a highly dense material composed
deep inside the earth's core while marble is formed from
sediments under the seabed. Both solidify into stone after
millions of years but the mineral composition of the two
stones makes marble and granite react differently to various
chemicals and household
cleaners.
Limestone
DESIGN THE FIREPLACE OF YOUR DREAMS!
Nothing makes a statement in a room like a natural stone fireplace mantel and hearth surround. The beauty and texture of natural limestone adds warmth, elegance and richness. We custom cut beautiful limestone slabs to your design specifications.
Limestone counter tops are going to require a decent amount of maintenance, because of the light color. They're very porous. They're going to require a lot of regular sealing applications to keep them from staining. Even then you're not going to be able to avoid stains. Limestone is something you don't see very often on kitchen counter tops.
Granite
Granite is the number one choice for today's countertops, because of its qualities:
- Scratch resistant
- Hot plates can be places directly on the granite
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Does not harbor bacteria
- Will not stain under normal use
- It's beautiful and luxurious
Granite is a natural stone. It is very hard
and durable, heat and scratch resistant as well as easy to
maintain; in all sense it's the material of the future. Aside
from the practical aspect, granite is very versatile in the
design field. It comes in various colors and structural
compositions, our yard stocks more than 1000 colors to choose
from on site. All stones are not exactly the same, each lot
will have unique characteristics attributed to the specific
granite.
Granite is an igneous rock of visible
crystalline formation and texture. It is composed primarily of
feldspar, quartz, and mica. It starts off as liquid magma deep
within the earth's core where it is cooled and compressed over
millions of years under tons of pressure. It is then quarried,
cut and polished. After that process it can be applied in
various ways like kitchen countertops, vanity tops, fireplace
surrounds as well as Jacuzzi surrounds and other custom
designs.
What’s the difference between marble and granite?
Although both are stones and both are
quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble's
relatives ' limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different
from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth's mantle
at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant
stone made of crystallized minerals.
The marble family '
limestone, travertine, marble, onyx ' starts out as sediment '
animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt ' at the
bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this
solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component
is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and
citrus beverages.
Should I use marble or granite for my kitchen
countertops?
Although typical application of marble is for
the bathroom vanity tops, Jacuzzi tops and fireplaces, it is
possible to use it in the kitchen. However, due to the fact
that it is easy to scratch and is affected by acidic
substances, such as vinegars, ketchups etc, we don't usually
recommend it. Moreover the high-gloss of the marble countertop
can be partially lost as many chemicals etch its surface.
Granite in turn is considered the second hardest stone, its
polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or
scratching by knives and pots and pans under normal use. It is
also not affected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans.
Because it is a natural stone, marble (and
more recently granite) has been blessed with a remarkable
natural beauty that has captivated humans throughout the ages.
Inherent in such natural products is a certain lack of
predictability that sophisticated architects and designers
celebrate. Consumers who are less acquainted with the material
expect the marble ordered to be identical to the picture or
sample they were shown.
Although sample stones are intended to
be representative of the quarry's product, the material
quarried at one time may differ slightly in color and veining
from the sample. Moreover, even a single marble or granite
slab will possess a certain amount of color variation from one
end to the other. Interior designers and architects have come
to view this tendency of natural stone as an advantage. Slight
irregularities can be pleasing, introducing an element of the
natural into human-designed spaces, whether residential or
commercial.
What is the best way to clean marble and other
stones?
The old rule of thumb is never to use
anything you wouldn't use on your hands. Never use powdered
cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even "soft
scrub" type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered
volcanic stone, and might damage your stone countertops or
floors. Never use any product which is acidic; this includes
substances like ammonia or many common liquid cleaners such as
Windex. You should always use sealers and cleaning products
designed specifically for natural stone.
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