Natural Stone Countertops
Many varieties of natural stone have been used successfully for countertop surfaces. However, different types of stone have specific properties that offer advantages or disadvantages in various applications. The following is a brief overview of the common varieties of stone used as countertops.
Granite
Granites are undoubtedly the most popular stone type used in countertop applications today. This group of stones includes many stone materials that are not true granites by geological definition. However, because their properties are so similar, the American Society for Testing and Materials International (ASTM) lumps them together as ‘granite’. These stones are known geologically as gabbro, anorthosite, gneiss, diabase, and diorite, to name a few. Whatever the name, these stones are some of the hardest of the common countertop stones, offering high levels of resistance to abrasion and scratching. The primary minerals in granite are resistant to almost all chemicals commonly found in a home; however, there may be trace minerals present in some granites and granite-like stones that are vulnerable to some acids.
Quartzite
Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock that began as sandstone and was transformed into an extremely strong and durable natural stone when the empty spaces between the sandstone were filled with the mineral quartz and fused together under heat and pressure.
Quartzite is a very popular materials in the kitchen counter top market, known for its rich colors and elegant veining, many colors have a translucent appearance. Pure quartzite is usually white or gray; however, the presence of iron oxides and other minerals may cast pink, red, blue or even green tones through the material. If you prefer the beauty and color of quartzite, rest assured that you are selecting a material that is strong, beautiful, and very durable. Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock originally formed as a sandstone with an above average resistance to scratches and abrasions. These materials may be more scratch resistant, they are not “scratch proof.”
Quartzite is a very popular materials in the kitchen counter top market, known for its rich colors and elegant veining, many colors have a translucent appearance. Pure quartzite is usually white or gray; however, the presence of iron oxides and other minerals may cast pink, red, blue or even green tones through the material. If you prefer the beauty and color of quartzite, rest assured that you are selecting a material that is strong, beautiful, and very durable. Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock originally formed as a sandstone with an above average resistance to scratches and abrasions. These materials may be more scratch resistant, they are not “scratch proof.”
Marble
Marbles, serpentines, and onyxes are traditionally prized for their aesthetic appeal, accentuated by distinct veining and often bold colors. They are relatively softer than granite, although some serpentines are as dense as some granites. Marbles can be scratched by kitchen utensils so it is best to use cutting boards and other protective measures. Use only non-abrasive products when cleaning marble. Marbles can also be etched by chemical attack. These stones are calcium carbonatebased and are damaged by exposure to acidic solutions such as lemon juice, tomatoes, vinegar, etc. The use of inappropriate cleaning agents may also trigger acidic attack. Acidic solutions can permanently etch the surface of the material. The application of a sealer will reduce, but not eliminate, the vulnerability to acidic attack. For these reasons, your stone dealer may not recommend marble for use in kitchens.