What is the difference between marble and granite?
Marble and granite are very different from each other.  Marble begins its geologic life as sediment that can contain shells, plant matter, silt and even animal skeletons.  Stones in the marble family, limestone, travertine, onyx and marble are created after millions of years when the sediment solidifies into stone.

Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle under extremely high temperatures and pressures.  Granite is composed primarily of quartz, feldspar and mica.  The unique colors, textures and patterns are due to the presence of other various minerals within the granite.
Granite and marble can be used as tile, sculptures, polished slabs for countertops and building materials.

What is travertine?
Travertine is limestone that has had the water of hot springs percolate through it.  Layers of dissolved limestone and other minerals are left behind when the water evaporates.  Travertine’s characteristic holes are the result of trapped air bubbles which eventually escape forming small crystal lined cavities.  These gas bubbles are generally filled with cement and polished and honed before use as a countertop or as tile.
         
What is quartzite?
Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock formed under great pressures and temperatures from sandstone.  Pure quartzite is usually white to grey but can occur in shades of pink and red.  Its extreme hardness allows for use in building materials, railway ballast and polished slabs.

What is sandstone?
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock like marble.  It is composed mostly of quartz and feldspar.  It may be any color, tan, brown, yellow, red, grey and white.  Sandstone can be used for grindstones, for landscaping and as countertops.

What is soapstone?
Soapstone or steatite is a metamorphic rock, a talc-schist.  It is composed of talc and magnesium and is created by heat, pressure and an influx of fluid, without melting.  It has been used for thousands of years as medium for carving because it is relatively soft.  Soapstone is used today for inlaid designs, sculpture and kitchen countertops and sinks.
         
What is Onyx?
This beautiful, translucent stone is formed by drip water in limestone caves.  The minerals in the limestone are re-deposited with other minerals in the cave to form stalagmites and stalactites.  Onyx’s uses are somewhat limited because it is very soft and somewhat brittle. However when Onyx is backlit, its translucent nature is gorgeous. Onyx can be used as jewelry, decorative countertops and sculptures.

What is laser etching?
The laser removes the polish and roughens the surface of honed or polished marble or limestone creating a pattern.  We can recreate landscapes, paintings even photographs of places or people on the surface of your stone.

What is honed marble/granite?
Honing gives the stone a matte appearance that is softer than the reflective shiny surface of a polished stone.

Will the finished countertop have pits on the surface?
Granite always has tiny pits in the surface due to the naturally occurring spaces between the various minerals’ crystals.  Granite will also occasionally have natural fissures which may look like cracks.  The conditions of immense heat and pressure needed to create granite are responsible for natural fissure formation.  For these reasons the stone will not always appear homogenous or symmetrical.  Pits and fissures add to the uniqueness of the stone and do not impair the durability of the material.

Will my cabinets support the weight of the granite?
Ordinary cabinets that are level and securely fastened to the wall or floor will support granite countertops.  The weight of a 150 pound person will create more pressure per square inch than the weight of a granite slab.

Do I need to seal my stone counter tops?
All marbles and lighter colored granites should be sealed.  However using a sealer does not make the stone un-stainable.  The sealant just slows the staining process.  Try to clean up spills as soon as possible.  Most stains can be removed.  For more information contact our stone professionals.
         
How often do I need to reseal my countertops?
The type and quality of sealer used will determine how often you need to reseal the countertop.  On average you should reseal the stone surfaces every 6-12 months.

Can stains be removed?
Yes!  Most stains can be removed.  Some can be removed by the home owner themselves.  Ask our trained specialists for more assistance.
         
Can scratches, chips and cracks be repaired?
Yes!  We specialize in restoration of marble, granite and onyx surfaces.  For more information contact our stone professionals.

What is the best way to clean natural stone?
Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone.  Never use any product which is acidic.  This includes ammonia and many other common liquid cleaners.  There are many commercially available natural stone cleaners, sealers, sanitizers and polishers.  See our online store for recommended products.