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NATURE AND TYPES
Natural stone is classified based on its origin millions of years ago. There
are three basic types of stones:
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Volcanic or Igneous - formed on
solidification of lava or magma. |
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Sedimentary - formed due to erosion and deposition of
material through natural forces. |
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Metamorphic - formed by modifications in existing rocks
due to extreme pressure and heat. |
| Limestone: |
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Calciferous minerals were deposited in
layers on ancient river and ocean beds. |
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These layers hardened over the years due to high
pressure, giving rise to soft limestone with colors from cream to gray and
blue. |
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It does not polish to a gloss.
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It is porous and liable to stains and scratches. |
| Marble: |
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Marble is the result of metamorphosis of
limestone due to immense heat and pressure. |
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It is harder and less porous than limestone. |
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It takes on a good shine. |
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It ranges in color from pure white to pitch black to
exotic colors like brilliant green, bright red and creamy yellow. |
| Granite: |
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Granite is formed by the gradual cooling and
solidification of magma inside the earth's crust under high pressure. |
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Minerals crystallize slowly to give granite its
characteristic crystalline structure. |
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It comes in many varieties of colors and patterns. |
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It is available to fabricators in large slabs averaging
5'x6'. The slabs are polished to a high gloss on one side. |
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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.
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| Travertine: |
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Travertine is formed through accumulation of
calcite from hot springs, often classified as limestone and marble. |
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It is usually cream or rufescent. |
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It has holes due to water flowing through the stone.
These holes are often filled with synthetic resin or cement. |
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Maintenance is required if the holes are not filled. |
| Onyx: |
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The name comes from the Greek word onyx,
which means fingernail. |
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Onyx is classified under chalcedony quartz mined in
Brazil, India, California and Uruguay. |
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It has a fine texture and is black in color. However, it
displays white bands or ribbons against a black or brown background. |
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It is formed in caves as stalactites and stalagmites by
the slow precipitation of cold, mineral-rich water. |
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Onyx was very popular with the ancient Greeks and
Romans. |
| Slate: |
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Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic stone
formed from clay, shale, and sometimes quartz. |
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It has a thin texture and breaks easily. |
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It is often split and comes in various sizes or shapes. |
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It can be separated into flat sheets. |
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It is uniform in color, available in shades such as dark
to light green, mottled purple, black, gray or dark red. |
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Slate is characterized by a distinct cleft pattern,
unless polished smooth. |
| Tiles: |
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Tiles are man made, first produced 7000-8000
years ago. |
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Glazed decorative tiles were first produced in Egypt.
The art then spread to Persia and across North Africa. |
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Spanish conquistadors popularized tiles across the
world. They were used to decorate churches of newly built missions. |
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Initially, tiles were too expensive for utilitarian
purposes in the colonies, found almost exclusively in the homes of the wealthy. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Scratches: Granite is
highly scratch resistant and normal daily use will not adversely affect your
top. |
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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. |
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Heat: Granite is heat
resistant and can withstand the heat of cooking pots and pans without damage.
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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. |
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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).
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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. |
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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. |
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