Introduction

Natural stone is gathered from around the globe and is available in a wide variety of colors and types. We created this guide to assist you in choosing the ideal stone for your needs, ensuring your satisfaction for years to come.

When choosing stone, two main factors should be taken into account. The initial aspect is the aesthetics, specifically focusing on the color and “patterning” of the stone. This encompasses specks, streaks, or stripes that could be there. The next consideration is the durability of the stone and its performance in the designated use. Finding the right balance between aesthetics and durability is key in choosing a stone that will last a lifetime while still looking beautiful.

The main goal of this manual is to provide you with information on the various types of stones, their color options, and how durable and effective they are in different uses. This guide aims to give you the necessary knowledge to make well-informed choices, but we advise consulting with a knowledgeable stone provider when selecting stones. However, do not fret as the procedure is not complicated or overwhelming with the correct information, so let’s begin.

Rock naming in the United States

Regrettably, there are no laws in place regarding the official naming of stones in the United States. This is relevant for both the kind of stone (such as granite, marble, travertine, etc.) and particular stone shades (such as “Pearl” and “Ivory”). Two stones that look alike can be given distinct names, while two stones with identical names can be very dissimilar. This might cause some confusion, but let’s begin by talking about the most prevalent types of rocks below. Seek guidance from a skilled stone supplier in your locality to identify the exact type of stone you are examining among various options.

Different kinds of rock

Rock formed from sandstone and subjected to high heat and pressure.

Quartzite has experienced increased popularity in recent years. It is a stone that occurs naturally, different from manufactured or “engineered” quartz surfacing. Quartzite originated from silica sand, which underwent intense heat and pressure in nature to become a sturdy arrangement of quartz crystals. This process is known as “metamorphosis”; thus, Quartzite is classified as a “metamorphic” stone. Quartzite is an extremely tough material that is resistant to staining and abrasion and can typically achieve a high polish. The usual color range is from white to grey shades, with some variations like beige, pink, and blue. Due to sedimentary processes, veins similar to marble are commonly found in quartzite formed initially.

Quartzite can be seen as a mix of granite and marble, with a similar hardness to granite and the appearance of marble. If you enjoy the appearance of marble but seek the strength of granite, quartzite could be the ideal option for you.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.

Granite rock

Granite has been utilized for millennia, valued for its attractiveness and durability. Solid slab countertops typically utilize this common traditional stone as the primary material. Granite is a type of rock that is created through the slow cooling and solidification of magma deep within the Earth, making it one of the most durable stones commonly found in commercial use. Its durability and wide range of colors make it a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, being highly resistant to stains and scratches. Granites frequently display various patterns and could consist of an array of colors, resulting in a mosaic-like appearance. While some granites may contain veins, the majority have a mottled or flecked appearance, making it easy to differentiate them from marble, which typically has veins. Frequently, granite is composed of very different colors, enhancing the attractiveness and uniqueness of specific rocks. The stone may also have reflective colors, creating a delightful sparkling effect. Granite comes in a variety of colors, from pitch black to a white base with speckles, as well as many other color combinations. Various shades of brown, pink, and red, as well as green and blue can be found. Granite is a favorite due to its durability and wide range of colors.

A type of metamorphic rock.

Slate is a metamorphic rock with a fine-grained texture. Slate originated as sediment made of clay or volcanic ash. It subsequently experienced metamorphism at low temperatures and pressures to create the rock we observe now. Slate frequently breaks easily into thin slabs when it is cleaved. The untouched areas of these fracture lines are usually preserved and contribute to the slate’s distinctive textured “natural” look.

Throughout history, slate has been widely utilized as a roofing material because of its ability to be formed into thin and strong tiles known as “slates”. In the same way, slate is frequently used for flooring, especially outdoors as natural-looking stepping stones or pavers. Slate is not commonly used as a countertop material due to its high level of porosity and rough surfaces. Slate is predominantly used as flooring and for walls. The rarity of large slate slabs is attributed to the stone’s lacking strength properties.

Slate quality can vary greatly, with certain stones being very fragile and prone to “spalling,” which is when surface chips break off. In outdoor spaces, this is typically not a problem and usually does not significantly affect the stone’s appearance. A lot of slates have a rough texture that can be beneficial when used as flooring in slippery areas like outdoor patios. However, the slate may not be durable enough for high-traffic areas where heavy use can lead to excessive wear. This is particularly accurate when heavy items will be moved over the surface.

Slate cannot achieve a high shine through polishing, but a surface sealer can be applied to create a glossy or semi-gloss finish. Keep in mind that surface sealers make the sealer itself the exposed surface, not the stone, so they are limited by the sealer’s capabilities (for more information, check out our Stone Sealing and Care Guide). Slate comes in a limited range of colors, mostly different shades of gray. Slate can be discovered in variations of grayish tan, along with rusty red tones. Certain slates exhibit a variety of colors within a specific range, depending on how the stone breaks along its cleavage lines. Slate can also vary greatly in color and surface texture from one piece to another. Slate’s cost can vary greatly based on its unique quality and rarity, and it is recognized for its capacity to bring a natural and calming ambiance to living spaces.

Sculptors prefer to work with marble due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Out of the three stones in the limestone category, marble is the singular metamorphic rock (transformed limestone). However, within the stone industry, unmetamorphosed limestone may also be referred to as “marble.” It is created when limestone experiences high temperatures and pressure. This results in the material becoming more compact and resilient.

Since marble originated as a sedimentary rock, it often contains veins or striations. Numerous hues can be found as a result of different impurities found in the stone. Light-hued marbles might also possess a see-through characteristic. Marble’s beauty has been highly valued over time and the majority of top-notch marbles can achieve a brilliant polish. As mentioned earlier, high-polished marbles commonly used for countertops are susceptible to acid damage and staining. Staining can be particularly troublesome on light-colored stones. Considering these characteristics, marble might not be the most suitable option for kitchen countertops or bathroom sinks due to the possibility of staining. Correctly sealing marble can assist in solving these problems, however, marble typically will not function as effectively as quartzite or granite in these specific uses.

Marble floors are frequently seen, but they are prone to scratching when a shiny finish is applied. Polished flooring provides a sturdy surface with a maintained aesthetic appeal of the stone. Explore our “Stone Finish Selection Guide” for more details. Marble is unmatched for decorative areas that do not require durability. Many sculptors prefer marble due to its workability and beauty, while its translucent attributes make it popular for back-lit decor. Marble comes in various colors and patterns, from pure white to pure black and everything in between. Common colors like greys and browns are frequently seen, yet unique shades such as vibrant greens are also present. Certain marbles display a variety of colors that starkly contrast with each other, giving them the appearance of being made up of separate stones fused. The mosaic effect can be extremely attractive, with countless possibilities for color combinations and patterns.

Rock is composed mainly of calcium carbonate, commonly used in construction.

Despite its similarity in composition to travertine, limestone is frequently made up of marine organism skeletal fragments through a sedimentary process. Following heat and pressure, a stone is formed that is typically tougher than travertine and has a high level of durability.

Throughout history, limestone has been a preferred material for architectural purposes because of its optimal combination of workability and durability. Limestone was commonly used in the construction of historical buildings and continues to be a popular choice for building exteriors today. Limestone floors are widely used, especially in bathrooms and showers. Limestone is used to make numerous ornamental stone pieces like columns, mantelpieces, banisters, and more. While limestone can be polished, it generally doesn’t achieve as high of polish as quartzite, granite, or marble.

Limestones have a color range comparable to travertines, but their patterning is typically less noticeable. The most prevalent colors are very light neutrals, such as different shades of beige and grey. Limestone often displays shades of pink as well. Like travertine, limestone is an affordable option that can offer a long-lasting and visually appealing surface in suitable contexts.

Black agate

The term “onyx” can be particularly tricky since Onyx for architectural surfaces is sometimes referred to as Onyx Marble, Egyptian Alabaster, Cave Onyx, and Mexican Onyx. The onyx utilized for surfaces should not be mistaken for the semi-precious stone of the identical name commonly seen in jewelry, as it is a variation of chalcedony. Onyx is created in a way that closely resembles travertine and shares a comparable composition. In a way, onyx can be seen as an excellent type of travertine but unfortunately, it usually comes with a high price due to its beauty and rarity.

Travertine typically has a porous surface with pits or voids, while onyx is smooth and not very porous. It is famous for its capacity to achieve a smooth finish, particularly for its remarkable transparent properties. Due to these factors, (in addition to its expensive price), onyx is frequently utilized solely for decorative reasons, occasionally being back-lit to enhance its appearance. Onyx frequently displays prominent bands and can exhibit stark color variations. Colors vary from extremely pale, nearly white, to tan and dark brown. If you want to make a bold statement, consider using onyx, which can also be seen in light green with white and purple bands.

PICKING OUT STONE FROM EXAMPLES

An experienced stone supplier can aid in choosing a stone that is both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting for your project. An alternative is to begin by selecting a specific color, then examine the variety of stones in that color, comparing their durability and prices while staying within your color preference. On the other hand, you can choose a suitable stone type for your needs and then choose an appealing color. Regardless of your choice, a typical starting point is to examine samples of stones. These could appear as tiles showcased in a showroom, or as small portions of solid slabs serving as samples of the stone.

Even though choosing stones from showroom samples is a good way to begin, it’s important to remember that picking a final selection from a sample can have its drawbacks.

When it comes to stones with patterns, it may be difficult to fully grasp the overall appearance of the stone. An example would be the marble slab below, which contains a high amount of veins. It is impossible to fully represent the stone’s overall appearance with a limited sample size. The cutaway display demonstrates the appearance of a small sample and how it differs from the entire slab.

Travertine.

Frequently, the filled spots blend in seamlessly, appearing as a natural aspect of the stone’s color variation. If the outcome is not preferred, travertines with holes and fissures will attract dirt and debris which can be troublesome for flooring and countertops.

Travertines are capable of being polished to a high shine, with the degree of polish dependent on the stone’s quality. Usually, travertines are unable to achieve the same high level of polish as quartzite, granite, or marble. Travertine is frequently used for flooring and paving and can be affordable, especially in popular colors. Travertine may not be the first choice for kitchen and bath countertops because it can stain and be damaged by acid, but with proper sealing and maintenance, it can still work well in these areas. Travertine tiles are more prevalent than solid travertine slabs for these uses. Travertines usually come in a more limited range of colors than other stones, often in hues of tan to light chocolate brown and different tones of gray. Surface design is usual, however, certain stones have minimal patterns. Travertine shows veins less frequently than marble does. Travertine is frequently cost-effective and offers a natural, organic appearance to any area, which is why it is a highly popular choice of stone.

Travertine forms when calcium carbonate precipitates near mineral springs, particularly hot springs or caves (like stalactites and stalagmites). It is classified as a sedimentary stone, unlike marble which is categorized as a metamorphic rock. Several travertines have holes on the exterior, despite being polished. These could be “loaded” with a synthetic material while being made to produce a sleek surface, or left in their original state.