Marble
Marble is prized for its timeless, luxurious look and versatility, making it suitable for applications such as countertops, flooring, and fireplace surrounds. As it ages, it develops a unique patina that enhances its character. While it has been used for centuries in iconic sculptures and architecture, marble is softer than other stones like granite, making it more prone to scratches and stains. To maintain its beauty, a honed finish and regular sealing with pH-balanced cleaners are recommended.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a durable metamorphic rock known for its striking visual appeal, featuring a range of colors and patterns that can enhance any design. Its hardness and resistance to abrasion make it ideal for countertops, flooring, and outdoor surfaces. Designers favor quartzite for its ability to mimic marble while ensuring superior durability and resilience. Quartzite requires minimal maintenance, and periodic sealing is recommended to protect against stains and enhance its longevity.
Granite
Granite is a highly sought-after natural stone for kitchen improvements due to its durability, affordability, and resistance to scratching and heat. It is a coarse-grained igneous rock primarily composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, which gives it a distinctive speckled appearance and a wide range of colors. The stone's dense structure makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from countertops to outdoor cladding. With proper care, granite is low-maintenance and can last for decades, adding aesthetic appeal and strength to any project.
Onyx
Onyx is a visually striking, banded variety of chalcedony, celebrated for its vivid colors and unique patterns, making it ideal for decorative designs. Its polished surface enhances translucency, allowing for dramatic backlighting effects in applications like countertops and wall panels. While uniquely beautiful, onyx is relatively soft and requires careful maintenance to prevent damage, making it best suited for less demanding environments. This luxurious stone has a rich historical significance and remains highly valued in modern design for its artistic potential.
Limestone
Limestone is a versatile sedimentary rock celebrated for its subtle character, even coloration, and natural beauty. Its ease of carving allows for intricate designs in flooring, countertops, and decorative elements. While it complements both rustic and modern styles, its porosity necessitates sealing in high-traffic areas to prevent staining and scratching. Limestone landscaping elements like garden paths and outdoor seating enhance outdoor spaces, contributing to a cohesive aesthetic that develops a unique patina over time.
Soapstone
Soapstone is a heat-stable and chemically inert metamorphic rock, making it ideal for kitchen countertops and outdoor barbecue areas. Its durability allows for multiple practical applications, while its soft texture and color variations add aesthetic appeal. The fine-grained structure makes it easy to carve, and although it can scratch easily, these imperfections develop into a natural patina that enhances its beauty. Soapstone is a popular choice for functional and artistic designs due to its low maintenance and unique charm.
Travertine
Travertine is a "morphed" limestone formed through the precipitation of calcium carbonate in hot springs and caves. Known for its distinctive porous texture and unique patterning, travertine can be used in both unfilled and filled forms, available in vein cut (linear) or cross cut (cloudy) patterns. Its durability makes it an ideal choice for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications, from countertops to wall cladding to garden paths. With a range of colors from soft beige to vibrant gold, travertine adds elegance and versatility to any design.