Everything You Need to Know About Natural Stone Slabs
To choose the right stone for you, it helps to have some working knowledge of its origins, how it was wrought from the earth, and its processing into the finished product. Typically, a general overview of your product can curtail future problems with your project.
The Historical Significance of Building with Stone
Stone has been the medium of choice for the edification of man from time immemorial; indeed, many ancient cultures immortalized their gods with stone temples and tombs. In fact, archaeological evidence exemplifies the structural durability and beauty of stone. Marbles used by the Emperor Hadrian to construct his enormous villa near Rome, and those used in the Parthenon in Athens are still quarried to this day. Yet in those bygone days stone masons did not have the advantage of the specialized quarrying and cutting machinery we have today.
The removal of blocks from quarries was an arduous and labor-intensive process, and the task of cutting stone into usable dimensions and installing it was no less daunting. Ample evidence exists of how these ancient craftsmen were able to erect megalithic stone structures, which paved the way for modern advancements.
Building with Stone in Modern Times
The demand for natural architectural stone has increased so radically within the last twenty years that quarrying has become a major industry for many countries around the world. And whereas previously some of these countries sent raw blocks to Italy for fabrication into marketable precut units, most now have installed machinery to handle their own lines of production.
Brazil, for example, is now one of the world’s largest suppliers of granite, exporting both slab and precut tile material prepared in local manufacturing plants. Despite this, Italy still presides as the largest exporter of stone, and is arguably the most prodigious supplier of stone technology.
Stone Slab Processing Today
Most architectural stone today is quarried from mountainsides or hillsides, open pit mines, or from “galleries”—great caverns within the heart of mountains. The methods used are typically the same for each quarrying condition. The object is to ascertain the best material (judged in purity and fracture) and to remove it in blocks large enough to yield slabs of a functional size for commercial use, or for cut-to-size tile lines. The demand for the latter differs from market to market, but the North American consumer requires predominantly square units in 12, 16, 18, or 24 inch material. Typically they are 20mm (3/4 inch) in thickness, and 4-7ft tall by 8-11ft in length.
Types of Stone
Marble Stone
Marble is created when limestone is subjected to the massive amounts of heat and pressure that causes the mineralogical transformation of metamorphism, and has long been prized for its timeless elegance, natural beauty, and unique veining. Its classic appeal, combined with a variety of colors and finishes, makes it a preferred choice for luxurious interiors. Beyond aesthetics, marble remains a symbol of sophistication and craftsmanship, enhancing everything from countertops to architectural features.
Marble is rated a three on the Mohs Hardness Scale, placing it on the softer end of the spectrum when compared to granite or quartzite. When acidic elements come in contact with the calcium carbonate in marble, they create an etch—which is the removal of the polished finish on the surface. Its relatively delicate nature makes it better suited for bathrooms, fireplaces, and statues rather than kitchens.
View Marble Slabs
Granite Stone
Granite is a coarse-grained, light-colored igneous rock that forms deep underground through the slow cooling and crystallization of magma. Its primary mineral components are quartz and feldspar, with smaller amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other minerals. This composition typically results in shades of red, pink, gray, or white, often interspersed with dark mineral flecks.
Granite is best used as countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, stair treads, building veneer, and cemetery monuments. Granite is hard enough to resist most abrasion, strong enough to bear significant weight, inert enough to resist weathering, and it accepts a brilliant polish. These characteristics makes it a classic choice as an all-around useful dimension stone.
View Granite Slabs
Quartzite Stone
Quartzite is a dense, nonfoliated metamorphic rock composed almost entirely of quartz. It forms when quartz-rich sandstone undergoes intense heat, pressure, and chemical transformation, causing the sand grains and their silica cement to recrystallize into a tightly interwoven structure. This results in exceptional durability that gives it a seven on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
Superior in toughness when compared to granite and marble, Quartzite resists abrasion, making it ideal for high-traffic surfaces such as stair treads, floor tiles, and countertops. It also offers strong resistance to chemicals and environmental factors. Available in a variety of appealing colors and patterns, quartzite has exploded in popularity for both aesthetic and practical applications.
View Quartzite Slabs
Care and Maintenance for Natural Stone Surfaces
- Some finishes, such as honed or matte, are more sensitive to grease and fingerprints, so they may require extra care during routine cleaning.
- The use of a cutting board is recommended for stone slabs fabricated for kitchen countertops. Do not cut directly on the natural stone countertop.
- To avoid damage due to extreme heat, do not place hot skillets or roasting pans directly onto the stone surface. Always use a trivet or hot pad.
- For routine cleaning, use a damp cloth or paper towel and if necessary, a small amount of mild soap. Once clean, rinse and dry surface thoroughly.
- Do not use strong abrasive and/or alkaline cleaning products. Always follow the manufacturers’ dilution instructions and recommendations.