New granite resources are continually being located and developed throughout the world. Being one of the hardest of the dimension stone types and available in a striking array of colors, granite's durability, longevity, and economy make it ideal for kitchen countertops and  other heavily used surfaces, including table tops and floors.

Some synthetic surfaces scratch easily, while the hardness of the minerals comprising most granite surpasses that of the utensils that are used on them, resulting in excellent scratch resistance. Granite is typically heat resistant up to temperatures of ±250°C (±480°F), although direct application of localized heat sources is discouraged, since strong thermal gradients within the stone can initiate cracking. Studies of bacteria retention on common countertop surfaces have proven granite to be superior to the majority of surfaces employed for that purposes.

Absorption rates (% water, by weight) of stones in this group range from 0.05% to 0.40%, indicating that the available pore volume capable of harboring a staining agent is very slight. Impregnating repellents (sealers) are sometimes used to further reduce the stain resistance of these materials.

Marble, Onyx, & Serpentine
Ideal for foyers, bathrooms, floors and hearths

Marble is a metamorphic rock found in the mountainous regions of most countries of the world. Marble quarried in India, China, Italy, and Spain represents the majority of marble, in terms of volume, that is utilized worldwide. Because of its beauty and

elegance, marble is a popular choice for countertops, floors, foyers, fireplace facings and hearths, walls, and windowsills.

Marble with its inherent warmth, adds a sophisticated element to the area in which it is installed. It’s naturally random appearance, engineering characteristics, and ease of maintenance makes it a premium choice for floors, wall claddings, table tops, wainscot, floors, and vanity tops. Many marbles are well suited for wet area application, which extends the versatility of this material to include tub decks and showers.

The calcite crystal is the basic building block of true marbles. The calcite crystal is vulnerable to attack by mild acids, including those commonly found in kitchen and bar settings. The user selecting marble for these applications should be aware of, and accepting of the maintenance and patina that is to be anticipated with this combination. Acid rain and other weathering elements can also affect exterior marble installations, and exterior applications are generally limited to white marbles, with some exceptions.

Often mistaken for marble is serpentine, which is actually magnesium-silicate based, as opposed to calcite based. As a result of the different mineralogy and chemistry of serpentine, it exhibits a greater acid and abrasion resistance than does a true marble. These properties make serpentine a common choice for both kitchen counter and exterior applications.

Onyx is often confused with marbles, yet it is a significantly different rock type. Onyx is a sedimentary rock formed as stalactites and stalagmites in cave interiors. This formation method results in the cryptocrystalline construction of the rock fabric. It is the size and uniformity of these crystals that contribute to the classic translucent property of most onyx varieties. While vulnerable to chemical and abrasive attack, the decorative appeal of onyx is perhaps unsurpassed by any other material.

Slate and Soapstone
Versatile, Chemically Resistant Materials

A traditional use of both these materials was the laboratory table top in chemistry labs. That application alone should serve as a great testimonial to the chemical resistance of the materials.
Being of the softer varieties of dimension stone types, neither of these materials is known for particularly high abrasion or scratch resistance, yet they are both used a flooring and countertop products.

Soapstone is highly heat resistant, and has been used in fireplace surrounds frequently to take advantage of this property.

Travertine and Limestone
An earthy appeal, indoors and out

Limestone deposits exist in all continents of the earth. Despite the common and traditional reference to "travertine marble", travertine is really a type of limestone. It is actually the terrestrial (land) formed version of limestone, as opposed to the marine based formations of many other limestone varieties.

Featuring their soft earth tones, decorators integrating these stones into their design have great flexibility in selecting complimentary colors for other interior elements.

Many varieties of both materials have enjoyed a successful history of exterior application, and some of the most prominent government and financial institutions worldwide proudly display limestone as their exterior cladding.

Since these stones are some of the softer varieties of natural stone materials, they have long been a popular choice for intricately carved features and moldings, as well as statuary.

Limestone and travertine, like marble, are of a calcium carbonate base, and as such, are vulnerable to alteration by exposure to mild acids. A wide variety of stones are included in this group, and absorption varies from slight (<1%) to high (>10%). The combination of acid sensitivity and absorption limit the number of varieties that are suitable for countertop applications, and the user of limestone countertops should be well educated in its properties to accurately anticipate its behavior in service.

Zodiaq and CaesarStone
Both are engineered stones composed of 93% quartz aggregates combined with 7% pigments and resins. Both are durable and resist both heat and scratches.  Engineered stone can be used on both vertical and horizontal interior surfaces; they are not suitable for exterior applications due to susceptibility to UV light.

Vetrazzo
For a decade now, Vetrazzo has created dazzling surfaces in places where people live, work and play all across the country.  Vetrazzo is 85% glass, and all the glass used is recycled - so it really is good for the environment. Vetrazzo’s artful surfaces are incredibly strong, durable, and a joy to live with, now and for a long, long time.