Our Stone

Travertine

Travertine is a type of limestone that is very popular for interior and exterior wall cladding as well as flooring applications.

Limestone Composite: Calcium Carbonate

Limestone is a sedimentary stone with at least 50% by weight calcite or calcium carbonate content. It is a “classic” sedimentary stone and is composed of grains or fragments of biologic origin, ranging from fossils or organically derived grains that weigh a mere fraction of an ounce, to dinosaur bones that may weigh tons.

Color: The color, veinings, and shadings in limestone are caused by substances trapped in minor amounts during formation. These include iron-bearing minerals, clay, and organic material thought to be residual from the soft parts of tiny marine animals.

Granite

Granite is great for heavily used surfaces and is available in every color imaginable. It has become one of the most popular stones on the market. Leading consumer groups have given Granite the highest overall performance rating as a kitchen countertop material.

Bacteria requires several things in order to thrive and grow such as; oxygen, water, sunlight, nutrients, and a substrate to form on. The minerals in granite are toxic to bacteria. As a result, there is no habitable environment for bacteria to live or grow on a granite surface.

Granite Composition

The American Geological Institute defines granite as an igneous rock composed of 25% - 35% quartz and over 50% potassium and sodium rich feldspars, with a common accessory mineral of less than 20%, usually muscovit, biotite, mica, or hornblende.

Color: The color of granite is governed largely by that of the feldspar, usually the most abundant mineral. However if considerable amounts of quartz, hornblende, or mica are present the color may be modified.

Marble

Marble is ideal for bathrooms, formal floor applications, walls, fireplace surrounds and vanity tops. Ease of care, beauty and elegance make it a top choice for homeowners.

** Marble is not recommended for kitchen applications as it is prone to stains and is not heat resistant like granite.

Do’s & Don’ts of Stone

  • Do regularly seal the stone with a high quality water-based penetration sealer
  • Do always use coasters and placemats
  • Do immediately blot up spills with a paper towel
  • Do towel dry natural stone flooring after cleaning
  • Do squeegee shower walls after each use
  • Do dust mop flooring frequently
  • Don’t use TOO much detergent, as it can cause film or streaking
  • Don’t use citric cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, cleaners containing vinegar, or tub & tile cleaners as these may cause etching in the stone. (If spill does occur, don’t wipe the area, wiping spreads the spill; instead soak up the spill)
  • Don’t allow water to air dry on natural stone, as chemicals and minerals are left behind after water evaporates.