GRANITE

Granite is dense making it durable to weather and water resistant. Great for outdoor as well as indoor use. It is a coarse-grained, hard igneous rock consisting chiefly of quartz and feldspar accompanied by one or more dark minerals. Generally ranging in color from white to black, pink or red, light or dark gray. The texture is typically homogeneous but may be gneissic or porphyritic.

Granite is a very durable and very versatile surface, making it ideal for kitchen counters and fireplace surrounds. Granite is a scratch resistant material and is one of the hardest stones on the planet. It makes up 60% of the Earth’s upper crust. In addition to being hard, granite is also stain-resistant to hot grease and oil when sealed with a silicone-based impregnator.

Best uses: kitchens, counter tops, wet bars, entry walls, floors, fireplaces, vanities, shower walls, tub decks, furniture and sculptures.

MARBLE

Marble is a carbonatic rock of metamorphic origin and some ophiolitic rocks [serpentinites and ophicalcites], formed by the alteration of limestone or dolomite, often streaked.

Marble is a historically classic stone. It was used widely by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Historically, most of the Greek statues and architecture were made from Parian and Pentelic Marble, Parian being better for statues and Pentelic better for building. The Romans later expanded on the use of marble incorporating it into their own designs.

Best uses: entry walls, floors, fireplaces, vanities, shower walls, tub decks, furniture, sculptures and courtyards. Not recommended for kitchen counters because it can be stained by fruit juices and alcohol products. Marble is an excellent choice as pastry boards because of its cold surface. Color ranges in whites, pinks, blues, and greens.

SLATE

Used for centuries to create stylish weather resistant roofs, slate’s natural beauty and strength are finding their way into the kitchen. Befitting of a roofing material, slate is durable, hard and fireproof. Luckily, it’s beautiful, too, making it a prime choice for homeowners seeking a countertop that will make a statement. Its low absorption rate keeps stains at bay, though you may want to seal regularly to add a further dose of protection.