There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing natural stone products. That’s why we recommend consumer education. Knowledge about natural stone is a must, and an informed consumer makes for a happy consumer.
What is 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, citrus fruits and juices, and beverages containing citric acids.
Is it necessary to seal stone?
All stone, even granite, is porous to some degree, and will absorb stains over time. Some stones are more porous than others, so it is important to use a penetrating sealer to prevent stains from oil, wine, or other liquids from soaking into the surface. However, all sealers are not created equally. Therefore, we recommend visiting the Marble Institute of America’s website to see what the governing body of the natural stone industry has to say about sealing natural stones.
What if I do get a stain? What can I do?
A product commonly referred to as a poultice can be applied. Simply apply the product to the effected area, and as the poultice dries, it absorbs the stain from the stone. Several applications may be required to completely remove the stain; or in some instances, after several applications the stain may be less noticeable.
Do I have to buy the whole sheet/slab?
Slabs are always sold intact. Buying random slabs is similar to buying fabric. Like a seamstress or tailor, your fabricator buys the raw material and sells you a completed installation. In the price is included the cost of transporting the material, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, bringing the pieces to your job site and fitting them into place. How much material the fabricator needs is determined by the layout, the amount of waste, and size of the slab. The fabricator will lay out your job in a way that will minimize the amount of waste material while maximizing the natural beauty of veining and pattern.
Why does my sample not match the coloration and veining of the slab?
Natural stones are subject to variations in color shade and tone, markings, veining, grain, mineral deposits, etc. simply because they are a product of nature. During their formation all sorts of elements were combined into various mineral amalgamations ranging from feldspar, quartz, & mica found in granite to calcium carbonate, magnesite, and dolomite found in marble. Iron oxide or, as it’s more commonly known, rust can be found in most stones. This is due in part to the fact that stones are porous and will absorb absolutely any liquid that comes into contact with them. Naturally occurring minerals of all colorations leach and seep into stones. This produces a varying array of color that can be present in a particular material. As well, the basic formation of stone produces its color as minerals are combined and subjected to intense heat and pressure. You have to think of this formation on an immense geological scale. When a block is quarried from one side of a mountain, the block quarried from the other side may be vastly different. The characteristics of each block are going to be similar, but neither block is identical. Therefore, each slab is unique in its color, grain, veining, markings, etc. Mother Nature just doesn’t make “carbon” or “Xerox” copies of slabs. The sample you have in your hands today is only representative of itself and nothing on the planet will ever perfectly match it.
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