Characteristics of Natural Stone Types
GRANITE
The hardest of all natural stone, granite shows very little porosity and is practically impervious to scratches and burns. It comes in a variety of colors and can be used for a number of different applications. Popular for use as kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities, it can also be used for floors, tabletops and fireplace surrounds. Finishes used on granite include flamed, honed, polished, suede and sandblasted. |
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LIMESTONE
Normally softer than granite, limestone’s most popular use is for flooring, both in residential and commercial application. Some of the harder limestones are also good for countertops. It is most often beige or cream in color. Finishes used on limestone include honed, polished, flamed and tumbled. |
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MARBLE
Marble is a strong natural stone that features unique colors and patterns. It is most often used for fireplace surrounds, furniture surfaces, interior floors and bathroom vanities. Finishes used on marble are polished, honed, suede and tumbled. |
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ONYX
Onyx is a very beautiful, very delicate stone. Backlighting is often used to display its unique, translucent quality. Onyx is best used for fireplace surrounds, vanities, bartops and tabletops. Some onyxes are not recommended as a flooring material. Onyx is available in a polished, translucent finish only. |
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QUARTZITE
Quartzite is a very fine-grained, strong, dense type of sandstone. It has a rich, crystallized appearance. While most often white or light grey, it can be found in a variety of colors. Quartzite can be used for both interior and exterior flooring applications. Quartzite is available in natural (cleft) and honed finishes. |
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SLATE
Slate is highly stain resistant and easy to maintain. There is a wide variety of slate types and colors available. Slate can be used for paving stones, roofing, floors and countertops. It is available in natural (cleft), suede and honed finishes. |
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SOAPSTONE
Soapstone is both stain and heat resistant and is extremely non-porous. It comes in a blue-grey color and also a light green color that both deepen when oiled. Soapstone is recommended for use on countertops and other interior applications. It is available in a honed finish. |
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TRAVERTINE
A beautiful variety of limestone, travertine most commonly has a creamy, golden or reddish color. Its natural pores add to its very distinctive appearance. Travertine is most commonly used for residential flooring applications and as backsplash material. It is also commonly used for exterior cladding of commercial buildings. It is available in honed, polished and tumbled finishes. |
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