Mar 23,
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&#;Oh my! I am completely confused looking aisle upon aisle of natural stone stock/inventory you have shown me.&#;
These are common expressions when a buyer visits first time at the premises of World of Stones USA. Not here, everywhere it happens when a buyer looks at ranks demonstrating a variety of stones even after touching many of those. It is true that the catalog mostly contains brand names of stones, which usually differ from one brand to another.
Thereby, our natural stone consultants got inspired to write a stone shopping guide as a reader-friendly post accessible on the web for all. The content of the natural stone buyer guide is as follows.
Introduction to Natural Stone Types Based On Their Origin
If you are tech-savvy and use Google-like search engine to know about the origin of natural rocks, which we are quarrying and obtaining dimension stones for construction and other purposes, you may have come across three major geological terminologies:
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Igneous rocks
: It comes from molten volcanic stuff like magma.
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Sedimentary rocks
: It forms when eroded fragments of other rocks is settled and compressed in the crust of the earth.
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Metamorphic rocks
: It forms when igneous and sedimentary rocks are transformed due to pressure and heat.
However, in the construction industry people are accustomed to only two segments of rocks:
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Siliceous rocks
: Which contains Silica or sand as the major element. Quartzite, Granites, Slate, and Sandstone are ideal examples of it.
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Calcareous rocks
: Which contains Calcium as the major element. Marble, Limestone & travertine are following in this category.
In industry, natural stones are used in different forms , such as:
Whole Stones
Cubes
Cubes used as stacked stones as structural elements. Today, it is used in hardscapes only.
Slabs
Slabs used on floors and walls in moderate thickness in interior & exterior applications.
Veneer
Stone veneers are thin slices sticking on the wall surfaces, be it exterior or interior.
Crushed Stones:
Gravel
Pebble
Cobble
Boulder
Defining Areas/Spaces for Natural Stone Applications
With the basic introduction, I hope now it is time to learn which stone type are the choices for different areas like interior, exterior, and landscape or hardscape. The major categories are:
Interior Spaces
Exterior Spaces
The spaces are: Living room, bedroom, bath, toilet, mudroom, kitchen, staircase, storage, and other spaces.
The application areas are: Mainly floors & walls, kitchen countertops, cabinet-tops, tabletops, fireplace facing, etc.
The spaces are: Façade, porch, terraces, patio, pool decks, paths, walkways, and driveways are common spaces found.
The application areas are: pool and patio paving, stepping stones, exterior wall cladding, window sills, and headers.
Structural elements in stacked walls, columns, trims, pillars, and other internal surfaces.
Architectural elements
in stacked walls, trims, and posts;patio paving,in stone-based furniture.
If you are interested in details, we have prepared an Infographics to take a birds-eye view.
The Most Common Types of Natural Stones Used In the Industry:
The biggest trouble in the natural stone industry is colloquial naming. The majority of stones are known by their local names instead of their generic types. For instance, Bluestone and Flagstone are not generic or technical names but used based on some of their properties like colors and shapes.
Thereby, I have presented a short & sweet list of the most common and generic types of natural stones used in the present day in the US and elsewhere.
Siliceous Types of Natural Stones
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Xinyun.
Quartzite Natural Stone
Quartzite is a metamorphic type of rock. It has high silica content &#; nearly 90% of the total mass.
The Best Application Areas:
Interior Spaces
Kitchen countertops, cabinet-tops, tabletops, floors, and other heavily used surfaces including floors and stairs.
Exterior Spaces
Façade, porch, and patio paving. Pool decks, paths, walkways, and driveways.
Granite Natural Stone
Granite is a mostly igneous-origin type of rock, but in many instances, it is found as sedimentation-origin. It has high availability around the planet.
The Best Application Areas:
The same as Quartzite.
Sandstone Natural Stone
Sandstone is a sedimentary type of rock. It contains sand particles. It is available across the globe and many sea floors.
The Best Application Areas:
The same as Granite. It is highly used as the structural elements and architectural elements in the interior as well as exterior places.
Slate Natural Stone
Slate is a metamorphic type of rock. It contains volcanic ash and clay particles.
The Best Application Areas:
Due to fissility, it has limited applications but is considered as the best material for roof tiles. Exterior applications are many. It is the best choice as a paving material.
Learn About the Different Properties of Natural Stones & How to Test It with Simple and Handy Tools
If you want your natural stone material for a long service lifespan within the surrounding environment contexts, durability is the term used for it. According to common sense, stones in the construction industry have the following kinds of possible threats.
Impacts:
Hit by other strong objects,whether by accident or intentionally.
Structural load, be it dead or live traffic.
Earthquake, a storm like natural disasters.
Climate:
Heat, cold, wind, humidity, rain, frost/thaw cycle, and Sunrays
Chemicals:
Water, oil, acid rain, spills, corrosion, sewage, pH fluctuations, and carbonation.
The results of these threats are:
Splitting
Crumbling
Cracking
Metrics of Durability:
The American Society for Testing and Materials has defined the following metrics to measure durability factor in for the construction material, including natural stones. However, it is pure scientific terms, and you might get puzzled by it, so I have tried to simplify it the most possible ways.
How to Measure Durability?
Applied geologists take help of testing laboratory to measure the durability factors of natural stones by taking various approaches, including:
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Accelerated Laboratory Durability Tests
: freeze-thaw cycling, wetting&#;drying, and salt crystallization resistance.
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Environment Tests
: complex environmental testing in test cabinets.
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Exposure
site testing.
Unfortunately, an ordinary client cannot afford to pass through such testing and mostly rely on the results hanging on the walls of the office of stone supplier or distributor. Now, I am going to give you some practical and handy tools and methods to measure various parameters of durability factors in the natural stone industry.
October 17,
Natural stone surfaces, such as marble, granite, limestone, and travertine, add elegance and beauty to homes and commercial spaces. However, each type of natural stone has unique properties, and proper care is essential to maintain its appearance and durability. This guide covers the different types of natural stone and offers detailed cleaning and maintenance tips to help you keep your surfaces looking beautiful for years. 1. Types of Natural Stone and Their Properties Marble Appearance: Known for its classic elegance, marble often features veining patterns and comes in shades of white, gray, and beige. Durability: While durable, marble is a softer stone and can be prone to scratching, etching, and staining if not properly cared for. Best Uses: Ideal for bathroom surfaces, low-traffic floors, and decorative elements. Granite Appearance: Granite offers a range of colors and patterns, from subtle neutrals to bold colors, and is often speckled or mottled. Durability: Extremely hard and durable, granite resists scratching, heat, and staining, making it ideal for high-use areas. Best Uses: Perfect for kitchen countertops, high-traffic floors, and outdoor applications. Limestone Appearance: Limestone has a softer, earthy look with warm, neutral tones and a smooth, matte finish. Durability: Softer than granite, limestone is more porous and can stain if not sealed, but it holds up well with proper care. Best Uses: Commonly used for bathroom floors, wall cladding, and fireplace surrounds. &#; Travertine Appearance: This stone has a distinctive textured appearance with natural pitting and comes in earthy shades like beige, tan, and brown. Durability: Similar to limestone, travertine is porous and requires sealing, but with regular care, it can last a lifetime. Best Uses: Often used for bathroom floors, shower walls, and outdoor patios. Slate Appearance: Slate is dark and rustic, with a natural cleft texture that can be smooth or rough. Durability: Slate is tough, stain-resistant, and non-slip, making it great for high-traffic areas. Best Uses: Popular for entryways, kitchens, outdoor patios, and wall cladding. 2. General Cleaning Tips for All Natural Stones Daily Cleaning Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down surfaces daily, removing dust and preventing dirt buildup. For floors, sweep or vacuum regularly with a soft-bristle attachment to avoid scratching. Weekly Cleaning Clean surfaces with a pH-neutral, non-abrasive stone cleaner to remove any grime or residue. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice, which can damage stone surfaces, especially marble and limestone. Dealing with Spills Blot spills immediately with a soft cloth to prevent stains. Avoid wiping, as this can spread the liquid. For oily spills, sprinkle baking soda over the area to absorb the oil, then wipe clean after a few minutes. 3. Maintenance and Sealing for Different Types of Stone Marble Maintenance Sealing: Marble is a porous stone that should be sealed every 6-12 months, depending on usage. Cleaning: Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for marble. Avoid acidic cleaners that can etch and dull the surface. Polishing: To keep marble looking polished and shiny, consider using a marble polishing powder a few times a year. Granite Maintenance Sealing: Although granite is less porous, sealing is still recommended annually for high-traffic areas. Cleaning: Clean granite with a mild detergent or granite-specific cleaner and a soft cloth. Polishing: Granite doesn&#;t require polishing as often but can benefit from an occasional granite polish to enhance its shine. Limestone Maintenance Sealing: Limestone is quite porous and should be sealed at least once or twice a year to protect against moisture and stains. Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and a stone-safe cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage limestone&#;s surface. Avoid Acidic Substances: Since limestone is sensitive to acids, protect it from acidic substances like citrus juice, wine, or vinegar. Travertine Maintenance Sealing: Travertine requires regular sealing every 6-12 months, especially for high-use areas like bathrooms. Cleaning: Use mild, pH-neutral cleaners and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasives that can wear down the stone&#;s natural pits and textures. Polishing: Polishing can help reduce visible wear, but because of travertine&#;s porous nature, keep polishing products light. Slate Maintenance Sealing: Seal slate every 1-2 years, especially in moist areas, to enhance its natural colors and protect against stains. Cleaning: A damp cloth or mop with a pH-neutral cleaner works best. Avoid wax-based cleaners that can build up and dull the finish. Polishing: Avoid polishing slate, as it has a naturally matte finish. However, you can use a penetrating enhancer to highlight its colors. 4. Stain Removal Guide for Natural Stone Removing Oil Stains Blot the excess oil with a soft cloth. Apply a poultice made of baking soda and water to the stained area. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit for 24 hours. Remove the poultice and rinse with water. Removing Organic Stains (Wine, Coffee, Food) Use a soft cloth to blot the stain. Apply a cloth soaked in hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Let it sit for a few hours, then rinse with water. Removing Rust Stains Use a rust remover specifically formulated for natural stone for stubborn rust stains. Follow the manufacturer&#;s instructions carefully, as some rust removers can be harsh. 5. Preventive Measures for Long-Lasting Natural Stone Use Coasters, Trivets, and Mats Place coasters under glasses and trivets under hot cookware to protect stone surfaces from heat and moisture damage. Avoid Heavy Impact Avoid dropping heavy objects on stone surfaces to prevent chipping, especially with softer stones like marble and travertine. Use Rugs in High-Traffic Areas Place area rugs or runners in high-traffic areas, especially in entryways and hallways, to reduce wear and tear on stone floors. Conclusion Caring for natural stone is a rewarding endeavor that preserves the beauty and value of your home&#;s surfaces. With the right cleaning products, regular maintenance, and timely sealing, you can keep your stone surfaces looking stunning for years. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the elegance and durability that natural stone brings to your home, confident that your investment is well-protected.
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