Some stone surfaces are more durable than others, please see our short guide below for suitability of certain materials.
Marble & Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Some limestones contain fossils and fragments of bone.
Marble is a hard crystalline metamorphic form of limestone, typically containing veining or streaks, which may be polished and extensively used in sculpture and architecture.
Marble may be used in bathrooms and areas not subject to large amounts of chemical contact, we do not recommend marble for use in kitchens due to staining and etching by acid substances, i.e. citric acid etc.
Granite
Granite is a common type of igneous rock that is granular and phaneritic in texture. Granites can be predominantly white, pink, or gray in color, depending on their mineralogy. Dark colours maybe gabbro or diorite but are still generally referred to as granite.
It is mainly composed of silicon dioxide and is therefore more resistant to chemical attack than marble or limestone. Due to way granite was formed it not as permeable as other types of stone.
We would recommed it for use in kitchens and areas subject to high wear and tear.
Engineered / Quartz Stone
Engineered stone sometimes referred to as quartz is man made. Generally made from 93% stone aggregate/silica and 7% polyester resin. The slabs have been compressed under vacuum to remove air pockets, making the surface fairly impermeable to household chemicals and more resistant to staining.
Quartz surfaces have gained popularity in recent years and new developments have allow it to mimic marble and limestone.
Quartz can be used in kitchens or bathrooms and areas subject to high wear and tear.