Natural Stone
Natural Stone - are slabs of naturally occurring stones that are excavated directly from the earth usually in a quarry. It is extracted from the earth using quarry tools like drills, explosives, and cranes. It is constructed by cutting and polishing it into slabs for different uses, mostly as Kitchen benchtops or wall features. Some of natural stone choices and their rating on MOhs hardness scale are: Granite (6) , Marble (3), Quartzite (7), Dolomite (3.5 - 4), Limestone (2 -3) and Travertine (3-4).
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Granite
Granite is a coarse-grained igneous rock that is made up of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica. It forms when magma cools and solidifies underground, and is the most common igneous rock on the Earth's surface. Granite is known for its durability, resistance to scratches and impacts, and ability to be used in a variety of applications.
Marble
Marble benchtops are made of crystallized limestone, which is a natural, metamorphic rock. It is primarily made up of calcium and dolomite, and contains a variety of minerals that give it its unique color, patterns, and textures. It is formed over hundreds of years when limestone, a sedimentary rock made of calcite, is subjected to intense heat and pressure. Marble's tight crystalline structure and smooth surface make it a popular choice for architectural and sculptural uses.
Quartzite
is a metamorphic rock that's made up of over 90% quartz and is formed when sandstone is subjected to high heat and pressure. Quartzite is formed when sandstone comes into contact with magma buried deep within the earth's surface. The interlocking quartz grains in quartzite make it very hard and resistant to heat, cracks, and scratches. It's also more resistant to everyday chemicals than marble, which is why it's often used for kitchen countertops.
Dolomite
is formed when magnesium-rich groundwater alters limestone or lime mud, replacing the calcium with magnesium. This process is called dolomitization. It's a sedimentary rock that's primarily made up of the mineral dolomite, CaMg (CO3)2 and a popular choice for countertops and other building materials because it's harder than marble and has a similar appearance.
Travertine
a sedimentary limestone with a natural look. It is formed when calcium carbonate precipitates from water. Travertine is a popular choice for its earthy appearance, which can create a clean and textured design. It is durable, cheaper than marble and granite, and comes in many colors. It is often white in color, but it can also be yellowish brown, pink, orange, green, or brown. The color depends on the presence of microorganisms and living bacteria in the water.
