Stone Classification

The beautiful Engineered stone countertops offer an exceptional solution for those seeking an eco-friendly, visually appealing, and low-maintenance surface. These countertops are crafted by blending 90% pure quartz particles with resins and pigments, resulting in incredibly resilient surfaces that surpass other options in terms of durability, aesthetics, hygiene, and ease of upkeep. Engineered stones are particularly well-suited for areas with heavy usage, such as kitchen countertops, due to their exceptional wear resistance. They offer a desirable alternative to natural stone, as they are less prone to cracking or breaking.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

To keep your quartz surfaces in optimal condition, follow these care instructions:

• • Cleaning: Regularly clean your quartz countertops with a mild soap or pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, as they can dull the surface. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a clean cloth.
  • Stain Removal: Promptly clean up spills, especially from substances like wine, coffee, oils, and acidic liquids. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and gently go through the affected area. For stubborn stains, you can use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Ammoniac (e.g. Windex) or Alcohol and a soft nylon brush. Rinse and wipe dry. If the stain persistent please call us, and we will be happy to assist you
  • Avoid Heat and Impact: Quartz is heat resistant but not heatproof. Avoid placing hot pans or pots directly on the surface, as extreme temperature changes can cause thermal shock and potentially damage the countertop. Use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from heat. Additionally, avoid dropping heavy objects on the countertop to prevent chips or cracks. If a crack happens, keep the piece and call us.
  • Use Cutting Boards: Although quartz is highly scratch-resistant, it is still advisable to use cutting boards or chopping blocks when preparing food. This precaution helps protect both the countertop and your knives.
  • Avoid Harsh Chemicals: While quartz is resistant to household chemicals, it's best to avoid exposing the surface to harsh chemicals and solvents. Substances like bleach, abrasive cleaners, and strong acids can damage the countertop. If accidentally exposed to such substances, rinse the area immediately with water and dry it.
  • Regular Maintenance: Quartz countertops do not require sealing. However, it's recommended to periodically clean the surface with a non-abrasive cleaner and warm water to maintain its luster and cleanliness.
  • Protection from UV Light: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause color fading or discoloration over time. If your quartz countertop is installed near a window or an area with strong sunlight, consider using window coverings or UV-blocking films to minimize the effects of UV radiation.

Remember to always consult the manufacturer's guidelines and warranty information for specific care instructions and recommendations for your quartz countertop.

By industry standards, all categorious rocks capable of taking a polish, are called marble. One of the most popular stones for home interiors instilling a sophisticated feel to any decor. Used for floors, walls, fireplaces, furniture, and vanity tops.

The application of a glossy resin to fill voids and fissures is common to produce a more cosmetically attractive surface. Typical finishes: polished, honed, and brushed.

Prized for its unparalleled aesthetic beauty—to the point that many overlook its ability to scratch, stain, and etch. However, by simply using cutting boards and proper sealant, scratching and staining issues can be prevented, and etching is more of a reality.

Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and with different veining and sizes.

Natural marble is very hard, making it a versatile choice. Even so, owners must be sure to protect marble from water, spills, and stains. Your lifestyle should be considered before choosing this option. Over time, a patina will develop and give it an old-world feel.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Clean up any water or spills on marble as quickly as possible and consider adding a sealant. Do not use marble in high-traffic areas of the home where dirt, sand, or other particles may grind into the marble, which can permanently damage or mark the stone.
• Never leave a chemical, citric, or acidic item or substance on your marble.
• Clean the marble with a clean, slightly damp cloth and then dry it with a soft towel. Avoid bleach, acidic cleaners, or any abrasive household cleaners on marble, as etching and dullness may occur.

Granite is naturally occurring, dense stone consisting of mainly feldspar, mica, quartz & calcite. A popular stone for kitchen countertops due to its high density, resistance to scratches, and longevity. With unmatched durability, granite is often used as flooring in residential and commercial buildings.

Granite offers a one-of-a-kind elegance found only in nature. Its durability is unsurpassed by any man-made material, and its non-porous surface makes maintenance a breeze.

Compared to other stone products (marble, soapstone, or slate) granite offers a much wider selection thanks to its natural variations. The unique beauty of granite countertops is the perfect complement to any décor.
Granite is also the most budget-friendly stone product you can choose. Available in any size or shape, and varying thicknesses, there is sure to be a product to suit your budget.

Granite is still the most popular choice for natural stone users, due to its durability and resistance to scratching, staining, and etching. Granite can take higher heat than other natural stones but still requires a sealant because there are varying levels of absorbency. Pits should be expected with all polished surfaces; this will not affect durability or quality. Typical finishes: polished, honed, flamed, brushed, leather.

There are many different types of minerals in granite, some of which appear like small, shiny flecks or longer veins of varying colors. Granite itself comes in many different natural colors and can be polished or finished in many different ways. The stone is naturally durable and water resistant with antibacterial and stain-proof characteristics. Granite is also scratch and heat-resistant.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Use of a granite sealant for an additional layer of protection is recommended. Clean with a clean, damp cloth and use a small amount of soapy water for heavy residue or debris. Avoid ammonia, bleach, or any cleaning products with solvents or caustics, as this will remove the sealant.

Often called the “granite that looks like marble,” its durability and performance can range from that of a marble to granite, depending on the mineral content. Typically performs like granite but in some cases, its composition can allow it to scratch, stain, or etch.

Quartzite, which is predominantly silica, is a hard non-foliated metamorphic rock that was originally sandstone. Sandstone is converted into quartzite through heating and pressure related to tectonic compression. Its siliceous nature makes it a perfect choice for kitchen countertops because, chemically, it has a very high resistance to anything acidic.

Pure quartzite is usually white to gray, though quartzite often occurs in various shades of pink and red due to varying amounts of iron oxide (Fe2O3). Other colors, such as yellow and orange, are due to other mineral impurities.
Beneficial Features: Quartzite is a decorative stone that is used for kitchen countertops, to cover walls, as roofing tiles, in flooring, and for stair steps. Quartzite is extremely popular due to its marble-like appearance and granite-like properties, which make it an ideal choice to be used in kitchens. The hardness of quartzite makes it extremely resistant to water absorption, heat, & scratches.

Some softer quartzites may be sensitive to acidic products and may require special care. Typical finishes: polished, honed, and leather.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Use a stone sealant for an additional layer of protection. There are instances when a particular block of a quartzite can have traces of calcium carbonate, which can be a cause of localized etching if that particular section comes in contact with anything acidic. Quartzite, even in this situation, will give you more time to clean up before it starts to etch.

Considered one of the rarest and most beautiful materials in nature, due to its translucency, ability to be back-lit, and sleek, mainly consists of delicate layers of calcine. Onyx is created in caves from stalactite and stalagmite drippings, which form this striking stone. Because of its unique formation, Onyx generally comes in swirling, colorful patterns. Onyx is typically used in decorative applications, as it is the most vulnerable to chemical and mechanical incidents, and may scratch, stain, and etch more easily.

Onyx has low abrasion resistance and will wear rapidly when installed on a floor application. The character of onyx makes it a popular choice for walls, furniture, and vanity tops. Important color and pattern variations are typical of this material.

Requires special care. Typical finish: polished.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Since onyx can retain fluids more than some other surface materials, it’s important to wipe up spills promptly to avoid harm to your countertops. Acidic liquids, such as vinegar, wine, or natural vegetable and fruit juice may leave lasting imprints on onyx surfaces, even with mindful cleanup. Applying the proper sealant can help avoid this kind of damage, which can lead to costly and time-consuming repairs. These sealants are best applied after the countertop gets installed and before use.

When it comes to cleaning, it’s always best to wipe onyx surfaces with delicate fabric to avoid any scratches or swirling on the finish. When using any kind of cleaning product, try to avoid spraying or pouring directly onto the surface, as the porous stone can absorb them. Spray cleaners onto a soft cloth first, and be sure to wipe away any excess from the stone as soon as possible.

Onyx is translucent, which means the stone lets in more light than other characteristic stone items. While this can make for gorgeous surfaces, you could also experience challenges concealing stains and scratches. For example, it’s best to use a cutting board while prepping food on an onyx countertop. Like marble or serpentine surfaces, onyx also scratches very easily; so taking some extra care with how the surface is used is always a good idea.

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that consists primarily of talc, which is historically loved for its propensity for being anti-microbial. Because soapstone contains a high amount of talc it is softer and can scratch more easily. The material is non-porous and etch-resistant and can handle the highest amount of heat of all other natural stones. It is mainly used for kitchen countertops. sinks and fireplaces.

The color of soapstone ranges greatly depending upon the type of soapstone used. Over time, natural soapstone develops a natural patina.

The material is stain-, chemical-, and water-resistant but scratches easily. Do not seal soapstone: rub out scratches with mineral oil or lightly sand them. Typically finished: polished and honed.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• • • Put a few drops of dish soap into a bucket of warm water.
    • Using a clean sponge, wipe your soapstone countertops completely.
    • Rinse the sponge or use a clean cloth to wipe any excess soap from the countertop.
    • Allow to dry.

Once the countertop is clean and dry, you can treat it with a safe and non-toxic product specifically designed for treating and protecting stones. a product that’s been specifically designed for treating and protecting stone countertops. SimpleCoat is safe, easy to use, and comprised of non-toxic ingredients. You should apply it with a clean cloth, then wipe the excess away—it’s that simple.

Although soapstone is naturally nonporous, it will benefit from a beautifying sealer like SimpleCoat to make the colors pop and protect it from staining. Water, oil, and greasy substances can cause it to become discolored and stained. SimpleCoat may be applied as often as needed to help keep your soapstone countertops looking beautiful, and treatment with SimpleCoat will minimize the chances of your countertops becoming discolored for 3-6 months between applications, depending on use.

Travetine is characterized by the presence of holes that were formed from water flowing through the stone. These voids are often factory-filled with synthetic resins or cements but they can also remain open and unfilled.

Travertine is common for both exterior and interior purposes. Most natural travertine is dark, ranging from ecru to dark red, with a variety of vein colors. Most monuments in Rome are made from travertine, which says a lot about this stone's notoriety and longevity.

Natural travertine is softer than marble or granite and should be sealed. Travertine will take a patina and dull over time, giving it an old-world look.

Care for travertine as you would for any fine wood finish. Typical finishes: polished and honed.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

• Wipe down travertine regularly with a clean, damp cloth and then dry with a towel.
  Avoid abrasive bleach or caustic cleaners as these can stain, etch, or dull the appearance of the stone.

Sensa is a granite surface by Cosentino, a high-quality surface that offers such reliable performance that it comes with a 15-year certified guarantee.

It offers the beauty and uniqueness of granite combined with strength, durability, and unparalleled technical properties.

Every Sensa slab is different from the rest because each surface has exceptional veining that is found in no other.

A product ideal for demanding customers who require a material that is resistant to scratches and stains and that offers outstanding performance over time.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Apply neutral soap to the affected area and gently rub in a circular motion with a damp microfibre cloth.

Leave to work for a couple of minutes. Then, with a cloth, wipe off any soap residue. Finally, dry it with a kitchen roll.

Do not place very hot objects directly on the worktop. It is recommended to use trivets when placing hot objects on the surface to avoid damaging the stone.

In case metal scratches occur on the surface, then cleaning is needed to get the metal stain out. To do this, dilute a metal cleaner with water and use the mixture with a wet blue scouring pad (always in a circular motion). You can also use cleaning vinegar or an anti-limescale product.

The use of bleach or other aggressive cleaning products is not recommended.

Limestone is a softer, calcite-based stone. One of nature's oldest and most versatile building materials. Each type of Limestone has its own characteristics adding natural texture to any residential and commercial project.

Limestone has a soft and warm feel that creates a timeless and modern look. Limestone is usually gray, but it may also be white, yellow, or brown. Most limestones have low abrasion resistance and will develop a patina rapidly.

The first step you should take to protect your limestone is to have it periodically sealed to prevent any dirt from getting into the stone, causing it to stain. Limestone sealing will give your stonework a protective coating to keep any dirt or water from penetrating the stone, causing it to deteriorate. Care for limestone as you would for any fine wood finish. Typical finish: honed

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

For daily cleaning, use a damp, non-abrasive cloth to wipe off Limestone surface. Use only neutral soaps. Do not use scouring pads, acidic detergents, or abrasive cleaning products of any kind, as this may permanently scratch, stain, or damage the surface.

Slate is a stone that consists of clay-like materials that have changed into heat and pressure. In other words, slate can be recognized by its sheet-like structure. The material is usually thin, and if broken in half, will flake off into sheets. Slate is seldom highly reflective unless a coating is placed on it, and its surface is usually uneven unless machine-sanded. Slate is often a finely layered metamorphic stone that can be used in living areas, entryways, and kitchen floors for an earthy natural look. The cleft finish may temporarily chip or flake after installation as the layers even out.

Typical finishes: natural cleft, honed and brushed.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Regular Cleaning
First make sure to sweep, dust, or dry mop the surface to remove any loose dirt.
Mix a few drops of mild dish detergent in a couple of cups of warm water.
Use a soft rag (or mop) soaked in the soap solution to rub off dirt and grime.
Dry with a towel and let the surface air dry completely overnight.

Stain Removal
Mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle and spray onto any stains. Let it sit for five or ten minutes, then scrub with a soft scrub pad (not steel wool) or a soft-bristled brush. (Be careful if you have a slate floor with colored grout, as this bleach solution could damage the color of that grout.)
For tougher stains, mix peroxide and baking soda into a bubbly paste. After the bubbles die down, apply the paste to the stain and let it set. Then wipe the slate clean with a damp, warm towel.
It’s best to clean your slate with water and mild detergent at least every two or three months, even if it doesn’t appear dirty, to help avoid grimy buildup and staining. And since slate is porous (very prone to absorbing moisture and stains), it is recommended that you seal it with a stone-and-tile sealer, a product that is available from big hardware stores or tile vendors.
With regular maintenance, your slate can remain beautiful, warm, and welcoming for years to come.

Semi-precious slabs are normally agglomerated gemstone material, pieced together by hand to create a timeless and elegant look that is sure to impress.

Most commonly used for interior applications such as kitchen counters, fireplaces, and feature walls -these varieties of stones are often selected to be the focal point of any project space.

Caring for Semi-Precious slabs is similar to treating and sealing Quarzites and Granites, which require yearly maintenance depending on the level of use. Typical finish: polished.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Most stones respond well to mild detergent and warm water. Scrub them using a soft brush, preferably a baby brush with soft bristles. Avoid scrubbing too hard else you may end up scratching the stone. Rinse the stone and dry it gently with the help of a soft, lint-free cloth.