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The following is a brief overview of the common varieties of dimensional stone and hard surface materials stocked at The Stone Collection. Please consult your stone fabrication professional or The Stone Collection for further information regarding suitability of specific materials.
Granites are undoubtedly the most popular stone type used in countertop applications today. Granites are an excellent choice for kitchen countertops, floors and other heavily used surfaces because of its hardness, low absorption rates and resistance to high temperatures. This group of stones, in a commercial sense, includes many stone materials that are not true granites by geological definition. They are commercially sold as granite due to similar working and performance properties. These are some of the hardest dimensional stones, offering high levels of resistance to abrasion and scratching. The primary minerals in granite materials are resistant to virtually all chemicals found in a residential setting.
Marbles are traditionally prized for their aesthetic appeal, accentuated by pronounced veining and often bold colors. Marble is ideal for bathrooms, foyers, floors, wall cladding and hearths. Marble has also become a very popular choice for countertops. Due to their mineralogical makeup, marbles are vulnerable to either abrasion or chemical attack. Exposure to acidic solutions such as lemon juice, tomatoes, red wine and vinegar should be avoided. Acidic solutions can permanently etch the surface of marble. Although impregnating sealers do an excellent job of preventing stains, they do little to reduce vulnerability to acid attack. Please consult The Stone Collection or your qualified stone fabricator with specific application questions.
Limestones & Travertines feature soft earth tones providing great design flexibility. Being of calcium-based makeup, limestones and travertines will have use and care characteristics similar to marble.
Onyx is prized for it’s unique colors and veining, but is best known for it’s translucent properties allowing for stunning effects when backlit. The decorative appeal of onyx is unsurpassed by any other material. When compared to true marbles, onyx tends to have lower levels of resistance to both chemical and abrasion exposure.
The Stone Collection’s semi-precious line includes agates, quartz, petrified wood, jasper, obsidian and sodalite. Mother Nature and highly skilled craftsmanship are combined to produce true works of art. Each stone is individually cut and bound with an epoxy resin to create a stunning slab. Semi-precious can be installed as a countertop, backsplash, wall application and flooring. Many slabs are semi-translucent and can be backlit to create a luxe ambiance, completely transforming the look and feel of any room.
Soapstone is a very popular choice in laboratories and classrooms due to its very high resistance to chemicals and heat. Due to its talc content, soapstone is smooth and pleasing to touch. Soapstone is not very hard and therefore vulnerable to scratching and abrasive attack. Soapstone is typically top treated with food grade mineral oil to retain its luster and aid in masking the small scratches common with softer materials. Please consult The Stone Collection or your qualified stone fabricator with specific application questions.
Caesarstone quartz surfaces are the ultimate combination of nature and technology. Non-porous, scratch resistant and highly resistant to stains, Caesarstone retains its beauty without sealants or waxes and is almost maintenance-free. Caesarstone is available in a wide variety of colors and styles, making it ideal for any interior application. Simply put, Caesarstone is the world’s leading engineered quartz surface company.
Neolith is a high performance, large format, ultra-compact slab. Neolith is a product with superior physical and mechanical properties that meet and exceed every industry specification or standard. Neolith is suitable for countertops, cladding, large format flooring and facades. Neolith is very resistant to scratches, harsh chemicals, abrasive attack and staining making it ideal for exterior applications. Neolith’s wide range of colors and styles make it a designers’s dream product.
Vetrazzo is a recycled glass and concrete slab handcrafted in the USA. Each piece of glass in this exquisite surface material is placed by hand by one of Vetrazzo’s skilled craftsman in Tate, Georgia. When you select Vetrazzo, you receive an exquisite surface material—truly a work of art—that becomes the centerpiece for your home or project. What else makes it sparkle? A high glass content (85% by volume), expansive color palette and story in every surface. From architectural to art glass, to beer bottles and jars, each mix is a signature blend of color and life that tells a story.
Slates have high resistance to chemicals but are generally harder than soapstone. The same precautions applied to marbles with regard to abrasive damage should be applied to slates.
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock commonly used in exterior applications, but it’s popularity in countertop and bathroom applications is on the rise. The durability and performance of sandstones vary greatly. Please consult The Stone Collection or your qualified stone fabricator with specific application questions.
Dolomites generally have higher densities and lower absorptions and the veining found in them makes the material ideal for all interior styles. Dolomites can be suited for countertop, flooring and wall applications. They are slightly harder than marble but much softer than granite and therefore can scratch. Dolomites generally will hold up better than marble but are still susceptible to etching.
Geoluxe is a breakthrough Pyrolithic Stone™ combining the noble beauty of natural marble with superior technical performance. A complex mixture of 100% mineral-based materials formed through patented technology, Geoluxe slabs reveal realistic marble-like veins throughout.
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone. Not only beautiful, quartzite can be of exceptional strength, density and hardness. The abrasion resistance and weathering durability of quartzite allow for its use in almost any application.
Diresco engineered Quartz surfaces are completely non-porous and are stain, heat, scratch and UV-resistant, withstanding the harshest natural elements and environments. This makes Diresco Quartz the perfect hard surface solution for outdoor applications, including outdoor kitchens, outdoor backsplashes, outdoor bars, and outdoor fireplaces. Not just limited to the outdoors, Diresco can be used for indoor applications as well. Diresco Quartz is Intertek tested, produced with a vegetal resin, and is a Green Guard, Green Guard Gold, and NSF approved product, ensuring indoor air quality and food preparation safety. In addition, Diresco Quartz is fully recyclable.
Vetrite by Sicis is a thin, large format glass panel containing polymer film. These high-quality glass slabs are made in Italy and are very easy to clean and maintain. The polymer film inside the glass is offered in three options: translucent, solid, or chrome-metallic and will initially be offered in 20 different color options at The Stone Collection. These glass slabs have 0% water absorption and are available in a 6mm thickness, with special thicknesses available upon request. While durable, these slabs are still glass, meaning they must be treated with great care. Applications for Vetrite include wet areas such as tub surrounds or showers, partition and accent walls, countertops, flooring, vanities, and staircases. Vetrite was designed to meet aesthetic, technical, and environmental goals while still functioning as a form of decorative art.
The Stone Collection makes every effort to correctly categorize our materials. At times, certain materials may exhibit characteristics some clients may find unfavorable and others find acceptable for specific applications. The Stone Collection relies upon the experience and judgment of its contractor(s), fabricator(s), distributor(s), and specified customers, and thus makes no claim as to the suitability of its materials for any given application.