At present, natural stone slabs are one of the most ancient and reliable building materials available in the market. It offers a unique design with plenty of benefits. People have been using natural stone as a preferred building material for centuries. Natural stone possesses some characteristics, and there is a reason it has been used as a go-to material for building for thousands of years. In this article, we will discuss some things that you must know about natural stone, which is why the article is named “natural stone 101”. So let’s begin whit a fundamental question.
What is Natural Stone?
The earth produces natural stones due to geological changes and mineral compositions that have been undergoing for millions of years. These materials are then extracted from the earth and are used in plenty of places. For example, countertops, fireplaces, and flooring, etc. are some applications of natural stone. Natural stone has different products, and they are more than just rocks. Natural stone is handpicked from the most excellent, most reliable sources to maintain it’s beauty and toughness. The natural stone products usually differ in colour, texture, and composition, even if they are from the same source. It is considered a benefit of natural stone as it allows you to use different designs in different places.
What Are Different Types of Natural Stone?
The natural stone exists in a number of types, and each of its types has it’s own unique characteristics. Let’s have a look at them one by one.
1. Marble
Marble is one of the metamorphic rocks. Although marble is softer and more prosperous as compared to other stones, but still, it attracts a lot of homeowners, and they prefer marble over other stones. It is made up of calcite and dolomite, the minerals found in limestone. It is crystallized and morphed from the limestone into marble. The base of marble is calcium; therefore, it reacts to acidic substances and causes etching. Marble can be easily polished, leathered, and honed. This classic natural stone has been a go-to choice for architectural buildings for several years.
2. Travertine
This natural stone is often found near hot springs, and it is one of the types of limestone. This natural stone requires a little maintenance similar to marble, but it comes in warmer color tone, and usually, it has a non-shiny finish. It is relatively shorter in touch and is mainly used for construction purposes.
3. Onyx
It is one of the unique and rare natural stones. This stone is not as durable as compared to other stones. It has the ability to back-lit, which makes it a very suitable choice for fireplaces and art pieces.
4. Limestone
Limestone possesses many durable features, and it has a unique appearance. It is known to be the foundation of many of our favorite stones, including marble and travertine. It is a sedimentary rock, and it is composed of aragonite, clay, calcite, and crystallized calcium. Skeletal fragments and fossils are very commonly found in the limestone. Limestone is available in plenty of colors, which makes it an excellent choice for your home. The patterns of limestone are usually very simple without any fancy variations. Once you install it in your home, then it does not require any maintenance at all.
5. Granite
Granite is said to be one of the most popular natural stones available in the market. Granite is famous because it is one of the hardest and most durable materials that is easy to maintain. Granite is often mined from volcanic basalts, and it is an igneous rock. There is a reason why this stone is tough. It gets its durability and toughness from the extreme heating and cooling of the magma. Granite is ideal to use on a number of places, including countertops, fireplaces, floors, and many other outdoor projects. It comes in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes.
6. Soapstone
It is also one of the metamorphic rocks. This natural stone also has a softer touch. It has an ultra-low absorbancy rate. It is available in plenty of colors like white, black, and charcoal, etc., which makes it suitable for different design applications. As this natural stone has a softer touch so, therefore, it is more prone to scratches. However, you can quickly repair it by using mineral oils.
7. Quartzite
It is very suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens. It is also among the hardest and most durable stones. It means that it is not vulnerable to scratches easily, and wear and tear is not a problem. It has unique hues, and it can add extra value to your space.
Where Can Natural Stone Be Used?
Natural stone slabs have become a go-to choice for many homeowners. These unique materials can be used in construction for both indoor and outdoor purposes. You can use these stones in multiple places like landscapes, flooring, countertops, fireplaces, walkaways, vanities, and many other places. There is no limit to the applications of natural stone.
Why Should I Use Natural Stone?
There are numerous benefits of natural stone. These stones are unique and beautiful, and they are very easy to maintain at the same time. They are available in multiple colors, textures, and qualities, which makes them versatile and environmentally friendly. If you want to add value to your home, then they should be your go-to choice.
At Spacestone, we help our customers to choose the best natural stone that suits their style, preference, and personal choice. We will help you to achieve the look that you want for your house.
Why Is Natural Stone Mostly Imported?
Natural stone resources are present in all over the world. But the difference is that some resources are better than others due to their climatic conditions. In some places, the stones are better in toughness, quality, and appearance. Therefore, these stones are usually extracted from Turkey, Italy, Spain, Portugal, China, India, Africa, South America, and some other parts of the world. Check our ethical importing guidelines.
What is the quality difference in stone from different countries?
Natural stone comes from different parts of the world, varying in the mixture of minerals and rock formation. This is the reason that some countries extract more marble and limestone while some extract more granite and quartzite. We all know that all these stones are different in properties and have different applications and qualities.
These are somethings that you should know about natural stone. In this article, we discussed that the natural stone exists in different varieties and qualities. When you are planning to buy natural stone, then you must remember that not every kind of stone is suitable for every kind of environment. Some stones are suitable for interior, and some stones are suitable for exteriors. So you have to be very careful when choosing your building material.
If you are not sure which stone is suitable for you, then you can always visit Spacestone. We will help you to choose a suitable natural stone for your place according to your needs. We will also provide you with the best quality stones available in plenty of colors and textures.
