NATURAL STONE SURFACES
Natural stone is the epitome of grace, drama, elegance and value in the home. There is nothing more durable, more natural, more impressive or more breathtaking. Each type of stone is beautifully unique and varies in color, texture and marking. The variety of types, soothing earthy colors, and unparalleled beauty make natural stone an exceptionally desirable material for kitchen countertops.
Granite
Granite is as old as the earth itself and makes up most of the earth’s crust beneath the continents. It is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures and made of crystallized minerals. Granite is a very hard, resistant stone, the second hardest stone next to diamond. Because it is quarried all over the world, no two granite quarries are identical (There are slabs so rare that they’ll never be seen again). To ensure the grain and color of all your countertop surfaces match, granite is sold in slabs.
Granite exudes luxury and elegance and is an excellent choice for kitchen countertops. It comes in a stunning array of the earth’s natural colors, from barely there pinks to deep rich browns and cool blacks. Its colors and textures are throughout the stone; and the colors are ever-changing according to the light in the room. Subtle irregularities only add to its mesmerizing appeal.
Granite’s remarkable natural beauty has captivated the eye of humans throughout the ages and it is one of the most popular stones used in homes today. Besides being gorgeous, it is resistant to heat, moisture, scratches and stains; and adds value to your home. Granite is durable, relatively lightweight and easy to clean. With proper maintenance your beautiful granite countertops can literally last for a lifetime.
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock found in abundance around the world. It is made from the shells of tiny sea snails and other marine organisms that lived and died in the sea millions of years ago. After they died, their shells, made of calcium and secreting limes such as algae and coral, lay at the bottom of the sea. The pressure from the water, and from sand washing over the shells, along with skeletons of other tiny sea creatures, caused the shells, sand and clay to compress into the rock form calcium carbonate, or limestone. Eons after, the sea changed direction and limestone was left on the land where it is quarried by mankind.
Limestone’s primitive textures, subtle veining, and the beautiful movements of its naturally subdued colors add serenity and elegance to kitchens, baths and flooring (It sometimes has seashells and fossils embedded in the surface). Usually found in hues of tan and gray, there are some shades found in limestone that don't exist in other natural stones such as exceptionally vibrant blues and greens. Honed limestone has the appearance of more of a matte finish. A high sheen can be accomplished with polishing.
Limestone countertops vary in hardness and porosity. Some are as soft as marble and others are more scratch resistant like granite (which itself is a limestone). Stains can be removed by applying a poultice of hydrogen peroxide mixed with distilled water. As time goes on, your limestone countertops will obtain a beautiful patina.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone, dolomite or serpentine by heat and pressure in the earth's crust (metamorphic rock is the result of the transformation of an existing rock type in a process called metamorphism, which means "change in form"). The metamorphic process causes a complete re-crystallization of the original rock, transforming it to an interlocking mosaic of various crystals such as calcite, aragonite and/or dolomite. Due to the existing minerals and re-crystallization patterns, marbles show up in a variety of hypnotic textures and color variations.
White marble has been used for sculpture and architecture since ancient times. Michelangelo chose it for his renowned Renaissance sculptures. Classic Greeks and Romans used it in sculpture and architecture, most famously as manifestations of love. Look to the Greek sculpture of Venus de Milo depicting Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. The Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Wonders of the World) was erected as a symbol of the undying love felt by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, The Empress Mumtaz Mahal. Considered one of the most magnificent architectural structures in the world, the ornate mausoleum is gilded lavishly in resplendent white marble.
Marble has been the look of elegance for centuries and is used today for making countertops and flooring. Marble slabs come in a wide range of colors, textures and veining; some are coarse, some finely textured; all are waterproof, heatproof and beyond beautiful. Known for its dramatic marbled coloring with characteristic swirls and veins, and for being a surface that polishes to a high gloss, marble countertops in the kitchen exemplify luxurious opulence.
Marble is somewhat delicate and can scratch or stain unless professionally sealed. Also, marble is a chemical base, and if it isn’t sealed, it will stain badly if it comes in contact with any chemical acids, such as fruit juices, vinegar based liquids and certain soaps. With the proper care, your kitchen countertop is an asset that will last a lifetime.
Soapstone
Eco friendly soapstone, also known as steatite, is a naturally occurring mineral largely composed of the mineral talc, chlorite, dolomite and magnesium. Talc in soapstone is soft to the touch. That gives the stone a smooth feeling like touching a piece of dry soap (thus the name "Soap" stone). Soapstone is quarried throughout the world and has been used for carving for thousands of years.
Soapstone used for countertops is a much harder texture than for carving. A soapstone countertop is beautifully textured, soft and warm to the touch, practically indestructible and unaffected by humidity. Depending on where it is quarried, soapstone is found in several different color combinations, the most common being white, pale green, and gray. Soapstone countertops don’t come in solid colors, but with light flowing veins. Initially subdued, a protective coat of mineral oil gives soapstone countertops a deeper, richer shade, and the natural, lighter veining becomes more vivid against the dark background.
Soapstone countertops are extremely dense and heat resistant, as well as unaffected by household chemicals. Since it is non-porous, soapstone never needs sealing. Stains don’t penetrate below the surface and are easily removed with fine sandpaper or a scouring pad. Simply sand away the old surface to give your kitchen countertop a brand new look.
Travertine
Travertine, also called Mexican onyx, is a sedimentary rock that begins as limestone. It is a white concretionary form of calcium carbonate that is deposited from the water of mineral springs, especially hot springs. It is one of the most common minerals on the face of the earth and has a similar composition to limestone but with holes created by hot springs. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy, once used for gladiator combat and the largest building ever built in the Roman Empire, is constructed in travertine. Burghausen Castle, Europe's longest castle which is 1000 years old and still majestic, is composed mainly of travertine.
Today travertine is used for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, fireplaces and flooring. Travertine colors are warm earthy tones ranging from the softest ivories and the palest creams to rich shades of honeys, greens and deep mocha browns, with some variation from piece to piece. Travertine never appears as a solid color as veins or bands of contrasting color run throughout the stone. Being a natural stone, no two stones are alike. Four finishes are available for travertine countertops: polished, honed, brushed and tumbled. Polished appears as a lustrous and shiny finish; honed appears to have a smooth surface; brushed has a grainy and slightly sandy look; and tumbled appears as a more rugged and textured finish.
Clean travertine counters with hot water and a sponge or clean cloth. A stone soap may also be used. Because travertine is porous, it is recommended that your countertop is kept sealed to preserve its beauty.
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