Stone Types
Granite
Is an excellent choice for flooring, kitchen countertops, showers, baths, and exterior cladding. Used in both residential and commercial applications, for interior or exterior surfaces.Granite is quarried in almost every country in the world, and is considered by many to be the most popular natural stone on the market. Granite is considered to be highly durable and plays a significant role in both interior and exterior decoration of houses, buildings and monuments. Many home owners and builders use granite countertops in their homes and buildings due to its durability, resistance to heat, and ability to resist scratchings, stains and spills.
Marble
Marble represents beauty, elegance, and sophistication. Its colors, graceful style and its ability to reflect light, have made it very popular among designers, architects, builders and homeowners.According to the Marble Institute of America, Marble has been for centuries, universally accepted as the finest of building materials. The Ancient Greeks and Romans were among the many civilizations who knew of the unique properties of this remarkable stone that lasted so long, remained so beautiful and shaped to their needs so easily. The works of these ancients have survived down to today with little visible sign of change. Even today, few building materials can compare with marble in durability and lasting beauty. The numerous varieties and the strength and permanence with which it endows any structure makes it applicable to a wide range of construction and artistic purposes.
Marble - Travertine - Stone Selection
Limestone
Limestone is quarried for building and landscape construction.Limestone is especially popular in architecture, and many landmarks around the world, especially in North America and Europe, are made primarily of the material. Limestone is readily available and relatively easy to cut into blocks or more elaborate carving. It is also long-lasting and stands up well to exposure.
However, it is a very heavy material, making it impractical for tall buildings. Limestone was most popular in the early 20th and late 19th centuries. Train stations, banks and other structures from that era are normally limestone. Limestone is used as a facade on some skyscrapers, but only in thin sheets rather than solid blocks.
Limestone provides an elegant and beautiful look when used on walls and floors in bathrooms, stairs, and entry ways, both interior and exterior.
Marble - Travertine - Stone Selection
Travertine
Travertine is a delicate and soft stone. Its looks are tranquil and relaxed.Travertine is a different variety of limestone that is formed along streams, where there are waterfalls and around hot or cold springs. Travertine's surface can be left in its natural state. It provides for a warmer and aged look that looks beautiful even as time goes by. Howevr, when leaving the stone unfilled, its durability will be affected as it attracts dirt much easier than a filled travertine.
Marble - Travertine - Stone Selection
Onyx
The most common uses include bathroom claddings, fireplaces surrounds, tops, bath panelling, and sink bases.Onyx is partially translucent, and so, it is widely used with lighting or backlighting to enhance its natural beauty and the intensity of its color.