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About Stone

Not all stone is created equal and contrary to popular belief even stone needs TLC (Tender Loving Care). Some stones are hard and some are soft. Here are the facts:

Stone Identification

Natural stone is classified into two general categories:

Siliceous Stones - Siliceous stones are granite, quartz-based stone, serpentine, slate and soapstone.  They are durable and easy to maintain under normal conditions of use.

Calcareous Stones - Calcareous stones are limestones, marble, onyx and travertine.  Neutral cleansers (ph7) are recommended.  These stones are also durable, but more sensitive to acids and strong alkaline compounds.

Stone Specifics

Granite: is not a rare rock it is found almost everywhere in the world. Technically granites' texture is comprised of feldspar and quartz mica. It is an igneous rock with crystalline structure that is visible. It's the hardest all the rocks which makes it very scratch-resistant. Countertops and bar tops should be made of granite. It can be polished or matte finished.

Marble: is a relatively soft stone. Marble is a rock with a crystalline structure composed of either calcium carbonate or dolomite or both. High maintenance describes marble perfectly. If acid were spilled on marble it would decompose. Marble is not a good choice for countertops and bar tops. Marble is used for columns, statutes and floors. The Washington Monument is the worlds tallest stone structure made if granite covered in marble.

Travertine: a marble that is a variety of limestone formed in pools by the slow dripping of hot, mineral rich spring water. Holes are created when carbon dioxide bubbles were trapped as the stone is formed. Most common uses are interior and exterior wall coverings, statues and curbing.

Stone Finishes

The finished surface of a natural stone extensively enhances its inherent beauty, durability, and its performance in a variety of applications. To aid you in selecting the natural stone finish that suits your application, please find detail information on finishes:
Polished: Large machines rapidly shine the stone creating a very sleek, shiny mirror-like finish.
Honed: Polished natural stone is matte satin but still smooth providing a flat softer finish. Commonly used in high traffic areas to reduce slippage.
Brushed: (Bush Hammered) a mechanical pounding action is applied to the surface of the stone developing a textured finish.
Flamed: Extreme heat is applied to the surface of the stone to create a deeply textured rough (finish). This is ideal for dramatic effect or outside use.
Tumbled: The stone is tumbled in sand, pebbled, or steel bearings to create a weathered, aged finish. This is ideal for a country rustic look.
Filled: The holes of the stones (usually travertine, limestone, etc) are filled with cement and on occasion epoxy to make stone less porous. Sandblasted: A pressured flow of sand water is passed over the stone providing a lightly textured surface. Stone Care To keep stones looking good proper care is needed. Always use a good anti-bacterial soap in the food preparation areas. Clean food preparation areas immediately after use. Do NOT allow water to sit and puddle on stones.

All stones should be sealed after installation with a penetrating silicone sealer. Clean all spills immediately. DO NOT use acid cleaners. If stains do occur they can be professionally removed by the use of packaged powders.