 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| NATURE AND TYPES |
| |
| Natural stone is classified based on its origin
millions of years ago. There are three basic types of stones: |
|
|
 |
Volcanic or Igneous - formed on solidification of
lava or magma. |
|
Sedimentary - formed due to erosion and deposition of material
through natural forces. |
|
Metamorphic - formed by modifications in existing rocks due to
extreme pressure and heat. |
| Limestone: |
|
|
|
Calciferous minerals were deposited in layers on
ancient river and ocean beds. |
|
These layers hardened over the years due to high pressure,
giving rise to soft limestone with colors from cream to gray and blue. |
|
It does not polish to a gloss. |
|
It is porous and liable to stains and scratches. |
| Marble: |
|
|
|
Marble is the result of metamorphosis of limestone
due to immense heat and pressure. |
|
It is harder and less porous than limestone. |
|
It takes on a good shine. |
|
It ranges in color from pure white to pitch black to exotic
colors like brilliant green, bright red and creamy yellow. |
| Granite: |
|
|
|
Granite is formed by the gradual cooling and
solidification of magma inside the earth's crust under high pressure. |
|
Minerals crystallize slowly to give granite its characteristic
crystalline structure. |
|
It comes in many varieties of colors and patterns. |
|
It is available to fabricators in large slabs averaging 5'x6'.
The slabs are polished to a high gloss on one side. |
|
As stone is a natural product, no two pieces are exactly the
same, even if they are mined from the same quarry. Each slab is unique, no top
can be replicated exactly. |
| Travertine: |
|
|
|
Travertine is formed through accumulation of
calcite from hot springs, often classified as limestone and marble. |
|
It is usually cream or rufescent. |
|
It has holes due to water flowing through the stone. These
holes are often filled with synthetic resin or cement. |
|
Maintenance is required if the holes are not filled. |
| Slate: |
|
|
|
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic stone formed
from clay, shale, and sometimes quartz. |
|
It has a thin texture and breaks easily. |
|
It is often split and comes in various sizes or shapes. |
|
It can be separated into flat sheets. |
|
It is uniform in color, available in shades such as dark to
light green, mottled purple, black, gray or dark red. |
|
Slate is characterized by a distinct cleft pattern, unless
polished smooth. |
| Onyx: |
|
|
|
The name comes from the Greek word onyx, which
means fingernail. |
|
Onyx is classified under chalcedony quartz mined in Brazil,
India, California and Uruguay. |
|
It has a fine texture and is black in color. However, it
displays white bands or ribbons against a black or brown background. |
|
It is formed in caves as stalactites and stalagmites by the
slow precipitation of cold, mineral-rich water. |
|
Onyx was very popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans |
| Tiles: |
|
|
|
Tiles are man made, first produced 7000-8000 years
ago. |
|
Glazed decorative tiles were first produced in Egypt. The art
then spread to Persia and across North Africa. |
|
Spanish conquistadors popularized tiles across the world. They
were used to decorate churches of newly built missions. |
|
Initially, tiles were too expensive for utilitarian purposes
in the colonies, found almost exclusively in the homes of the wealthy. |
|
Today glazed tiles, commonly called ceramic tiles, are used in
an almost infinite number of ways throughout the world. |
| Ten things you must know about Granite |
|
|
|
Absorbency:
Granite is impervious to water and is in fact, less absorbent than most solid
surfaces. It is commonly used as building material for high-rise buildings due
to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain. It is the primary
product for kitchen counter tops because of its ability to repel water, stay
hygienic and clean. |
|
Stains:
Granite is resistant to stain provided any liquid spilled on its top is wiped
away as quickly as possible. However, even water can soak into a granite top
and leave a dark spot. This though, will vaporize within minutes. Liquids that
do not evaporate such as oil, if left on the granite top, will seep into
through and cause a staining mark. Most stains (including oil stains) can be
removed. This will draw out the oil from the stone. |
|
Lost polish:
Over the years, without adequate care and maintenance, your granite may lose
its polish and shine. Generally, it does not require intense maintenance.
However, annual re-polishing and sealing are recommended to maintain that
just-installed look. |
|
Scratches:
Granite is highly scratch resistant and normal daily use will not adversely
affect your top. |
|
Maintenance:
Routine cleaning using the right products is generally all that is required to
maintain the beauty of your stone. Maintenance will assist to restore original
shine. This involves a re-application of a penetrating sealer and rebuffing
where necessary. |
|
Heat:
Granite is heat resistant and can withstand the heat of cooking pots and pans
without damage. |
|
Color:
Granite is composed of a variety of minerals each of which has specific
performance properties. The hardest mineral commonly found in granite is
quartz. This is a somewhat translucent white/gray colored mineral that is
responsible for the hardness of granite. In addition, each granite stone varies
in color, shading, texture and veining. No two are the same. |
|
Hygiene:
Bacteria is found everywhere in our environment including all solid kitchen
surfaces. Regular cleaning of your granite, like any other top is recommended
using an anti-bacterial soap or other recommended cleaning products (see our
welcome pack for further details). |
|
Granite & Marble:
These are natural stones formed in very much the same way. However, the two
stones are very different. Marble is a calcious material formed from oceanic
deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, on the
other hand, is an igneous rock. This is essentially, a molten magma which is
cooled and then hardened through the natural process below the earth's surface. |
|
Cost:
Granite is usually competitively prices compared to other high-end solid
surfaces. It offers an unmatched value with its natural beauty, elegance,
longevity and style. Besides, it allows you to express your individual taste
and style since no two granite colors are the same. When compared to other
solid surfaces, granite offers a value that is unmatched. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |