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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NATURAL STONE
GRANITE:
What is granite?
Granite and its related stones, traces their origin deep in the earth’s molten mantle. As this extremely hot liquid material rises and cools, it forms a crystalline, granular structure, hence the term granite. Granite and other like stones are formed of hard minerals such as quartz, feldspar and mica, which are fused together into a very hard stone. Its polish is resistant to household acids such as citrus and vinegar and is hard enough to resist scratching from knives and pots and pans. This is what makes granite the ideal material for kitchen counters.
Why is granite good for kitchen counters?
Because granite is very hard stone that’s formed at extremely high temperatures deep in the earth, its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives, pots and pans. It’s unaffected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans, or spilled liquid. Granite is the second densest stone only out done by diamonds, which is the reason that granite can only be effectively cut by diamond blades.
Can granite be damaged?
Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.
Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration. Keep in mind that granite does vary in density, though any granite is dense enough for ideal kitchen application.
What is flamed granite?
Granite is flamed by applying blowtorch-strength heat to the surface of the stone. This causes the surface to melt and some of the crystals to shatter, leaving a highly textured surface. This is ideal for exterior paving or wet areas where optimum non-slipperiness is required.
What is honed granite?
Basically, granite is called "honed" when the polishing process is halted just before a reflective shiny surface is achieved. This gives a softer, matte appearance to the stone. Some fabricators can hone polished granite if they have special equipment to remove the polished surface, but this can sometimes result in wheel marks from the polishing head. It is a preferred finish by some because it has a less formal and softer appearance than polished stone.
My sample of granite has pits on the surface – will I have these on my kitchen counters?
Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has tiny pits, which are spaces between the various mineral crystals. You don’t see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like. Granite sometimes has natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure which formed the granite throughout the ages. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material. These imperfection and variations are what most distinguish granite from its synthetic and manmade counterparts.
MARBLE:
What is marble?
True geological marble is limestone that has been subjected to great pressure and heat, which has changed its structure to a crystalline, a sugary texture. It is generally white or whitish, sometimes translucent, with some veining or color provided by other minerals present at its formation. Commercially, the term "marble" applies to any compact limestone that will take a polish, which includes most of the colored marbles.
What’s the difference between marble and granite?
Although both are stones that are quarried from the earth, granite and marble are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – which includes limestone, travertine, marble, onyx – starts out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages. This is why we generally do not recommend marble for kitchen application.
Can I use marble on my kitchen counters?
The short answer is yes, but with many serious considerations. Because the marble family (including limestone and travertine) are calcium carbonate, the polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids including vinegar, mustard, catsup, citrus, coffee, tomato sauce, wine and a host of other food-related products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction which will remove the polish. Additionally, marble and limestone can be scratched more easily than harder stones such as granite. Marble is sometimes used in the kitchen as a pastry slab (you see this in Pizza Parlors too).
What is honed marble or limestone and where is can it be used?
When marble is honed its surface starts out with a matte finish, which would camouflage a lot of the wear and tear a kitchen countertop endures. However, it will still be susceptible to staining and scratching. The honed finish is achieved at the factory by stopping just short of the last stage of polishing. Some fabricators have special equipment and can hone marble in their shops by removing the factory polish. It is preferred by some because it has a less formal, softer appearance than polished stone.
LIMESTONE, TRAVERTINE & ONYX:
What is limestone?
Limestone is sedimentary rock consisting mostly of organic material such as skeletons and shells of marine creatures and sediments. It is formed by material which settles to the bottom of bodies of water, and over millions of years, solidifies (lithifies) into solid rock. Earth movements over extremely long periods of earth’s history can lift limestone miles into the air. The summit of Mount Everest is limestone that started out on an ocean floor.
Can I use limestone in my kitchen?
Like marble, polished limestone is subject to surface changes or damage from kitchen acids including citrus juices, vinegars, mustards, and so forth. Unsealed, some of the more porous limestones can be subject to stains. If the limestone is polished or semi-polished, you will see a rough spot where the substance sat on the stone. On a honed surface, such etches will be less noticeable, but scratching and staining are still a big threat.
Is limestone soft and chalky?
No, not at all. There are some limestones that are nearly as hard and resistant as granite, and extremely non-porous. However, these very hard limestones are still calcium-based and, if polished, are subject to damage from household acids.
What is travertine? Is travertine the same as limestone?
Travertine is limestone, in a sense. It is formed by geysers, like Old Faithful, when the extremely hot underground water dissolves the underlying limestone and carries it upwards with the geyser water. When the water falls to the ground and evaporates, it leaves behind the dissolved limestone which re-hardens into stone. The new stone is full of gas bubbles, which gives travertine its characteristic appearance. When it is manufactured as tiles or slabs, travertine is generally filled with cement and then polished or honed.
What is onyx?
Onyx, like travertine, is the result of water dissolving existing limestone and re-depositing it as a new kind of stone, sometimes called sinter. In limestone caves, onyx is formed by drip water, as stalagmites and stalactites. It is a very soft stone, and somewhat brittle, and needs to be installed where it will not be subject to hard wear. This beautiful stone is characterized by its translucence, and can actually be backlit for striking, dramatic effects.
What is honed limestone and travertine and where is can it be used?
Marble, travertine, or limestone that is honed has a matte or satin finish, rather than a high reflective polish. This is achieved at the factory by stopping just short of the last stage of polishing. Some fabricators have special equipment and can hone marble in their shops by removing the factory polish. One feature of honed marble is that it doesn’t show etching as readily, or wear patterns on floors. It is preferred by some because it has a less formal, softer appearance than polished stone.
MAINTAINENCE:
Is it necessary to seal stone?
All stone, even granite, is porous to some degree, and will absorb stains over time. Some stones are more porous than others, so it is important to use a penetrating sealer to prevent stains from oil, wine, or other liquids from soaking into the surface.
How can I tell when my granite needs to be re-sealed?
Many in the Industry recommend annual re-sealing of stone, but the reality is some granites are harder than others and do not require that maintainence. If you notice water absorption on your countertop or darker areas around the sink, this is a good indication that it is time to re-seal.
Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.
DOING BUSINESS WITH SAYMAR STONE:
Can I buy my slab directly?
NO. SAYMAR is strictly a wholesale operation. All purchases must be made through an accredited fabricator of natural stone.
Can we discuss pricing or any aspect related to the fabrication of the job?
We do not discuss any pricing or other aspects of the customer’s transaction beyond the selection of the stone. It is our standard practice to alert customers when they are considering EXOTIC colors that exceed the average price of stone, but do not permit our sales staff to go beyond that point. We refer all questions regarding pricing, templating and installation to the fabricator, unless otherwise requested from the fabricator.
Does my fabricator have to buy the whole slab?
Slabs are always sold intact. Buying random slabs is similar to buying fabric. Like a seamstress or tailor, your fabricator buys the raw material and sells you a completed installation. In the price is included the cost of transporting the material, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, bringing the pieces to your job site and fitting them into place. How much material he needs is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. The fabricator will lay out your job in a way that will minimize the amount of waste material while maximizing the natural beauty of veining and pattern.
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