|
|
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.
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.
|
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.
|
Soap Stone
|
Leather Finish Stones
Leather Finsih Stones are among the newer trends to hit the market. The finish is achieved by begining with a honed surface that is then worked with diamond brushes; the process brings back the color and closes pores, making the stone denser. It has a nice sheen and is less porous than a honed finish. The color looks similar to a polished slab, but the surface has a bit of a texture to it.
|
Saymar White Line
Our inventory of White Marble gives our customers premium quality and choice. From their origins in the mountains of Italy and Greece, our slabs undergo intense scrutiny and inspection, before they are made available for viewing in our domestic warehouse locations. White Marble has a rich tradition of elegance and excellence and is the material of choice for even the most discriminating designer.
SAYMAR has created its WHITE LINE for the benefit of our customers who desire to achieve the brilliant and timeless affect that White Marble brings to every project.
|
Other Natural Stones
|
Limestone/Travertine/Onyx
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.
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.
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 and dramatic affect.
|
|
|
 |
