Natural Stone:

Factors to Consider in Color
Selecting a Natural Stone: P Natural stones are available in a beautiful spectrum
of colors. Colors in granite and marble, for
instance, can range from soft beiges and pinks
and classic black-and-whites to rich reds, greens,
and multi-colors. Marble traditionally features
swirls and “veins” of colors, while granite has
a flecked or pebbled appearance. Unlike the
repetitive uniformity of materials produced by
machine or assembly line, natural stone’s varied
appearance has wonderful character and creates
a one-of-a-kind effect everywhere it is used.

Finish
There are several finishes available for natural stone and new finishes appear in the market regularly to keep pace with consumer demand. Some examples include: polished, honed, leathered, brushed, and antiqued. Ask your natural stone fabricator or designer about the pros and cons of the different finishes for your project.

Usage
The harder the stone, the more it resists abrasion. Granites are typically the hardest of all stone types. Using a softer stone simply requires the homeowner to use gentler cleansers and more frequent dusting to prevent scratching. Consult with your contractor about the stone you have selected and its intended us.

Marble
Ideal for foyers, bathrooms, Marble adds a sophisticated element to your home. floors, and fireplaces P Its wonderful appearance, superior engineering characteristics, and ease of maintenance make it a popular choice for countertops, floors, foyers, fireplaces, furniture, showers, thresholds, tub decks, vanities, walls, and windowsills. Another option for marble-loving homeowners is using serpentine for kitchen counters. Sometimes called the “green” marble, serpentine is not a true marble but offers a marble-like look. And, because it is magnesium-silicate based, it is not sensitive to citric acid and other kitchen spills. Marble should be cared for as you would a fine wood finish. Using coasters on table tops and cleaning up spills immediately will preserve marble’s natural beauty and elegance.

Granite
An excellent choice for kitchen countertops, Granite, quarried from the mountains of Brazil, floors, and other heavily used surfaces P the U.S., India, and dozens of other countries,
is one of the most popular natural stones on the market. Available in a striking array of colors, granite’s durability and longevity make it ideal for kitchen countertops and other heavily used surfaces,
including table tops and floors. While some synthetic surfaces scratch easily and melt under hot cookware, granite resists heat. Granite offers an impenetrable surface from which bacteria can be easily cleaned and it is typically not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol, or wine. It is also nearly impossible to scratch, and with proper cleaning, will not stain under normal use (ask your professional contractor about “impregnating” sealants available to further improve resistance to staining). A leading consumer magazine recently compared granite with engineered stone, ceramic tile, laminate, butcher block, and other manufactured surfaces. Granite received the highest overall performance rating as a kitchen countertop material.