Granite
Pros: Durable, Scatch resistant, Impervious to water and heat, Bacteria resistant
Cons: Must be sealed every 3 yrs, Can discolor by oils
Granite is an igneous rock that is formed by magma (hot liquid rock) that has cooled under pressure deep within the earth. Granite is extremely hard and heat resistant and is therefore the first choice in countertop material. You can cut food items directly on the countertop surface as it cannot be cut or damaged with a knife. You can also take dishes directly out of the oven and set them on the counter, as it cannot be burned. Granite has a glass-like surface and is virtually non-porous which makes it stain resistant. Granite is composed of quartz, feldspars, mica, hornblende, and a small amount of other minerals. Granite can be found in nearly every color and depending on how the stone was cooled within the earth, can have various patterning from a very uniform "static" look, to a random, wavy pattern which we refer to as having "movement".
Marble
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Marble is a metamorphic rock. Metamorphic means that heat and pressure deep in the earth has changed one type of rock (limestone) into a new, stronger stone called marble. One of the most common and most popular marbles is called "Carrara". This is a white marble with gray veining, however marble is available in many different colors and patterns. Marble is beautiful and versatile. Some marble, particularly the green and white marbles can even be used as kitchen counter tops as they are extremely hard, and less porous than other marbles making them less likely to stain.
Limestone
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Limestone is a sedimentary rock. It is composed mostly of calcium carbonate and is formed in layers of sediment. Most limestones are composed of the tiny skeletons of marine invertebrates like snails and trilobites from millions of years ago. Many of these "fossils" can be seen in the limestone slabs in our showroom. Limestone is generally white, but if it contains some iron oxide it can be brown, yellow, or red. If the limestone contains some carbon, it can be gray, black and even blue. Limestone is an excellent choice for bathrooms because it is "water-friendly". Limestone is a soft stone and is almost always available in a matte finish however there are a few limestones that are available with a polished finish.
Travertine
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Travertine is a type of marble with an extremely pitted surface. Iron compounds found in travertine can give this buff colored stone a beautiful striated look. Travertine is soft and porous, with or without a filling.
Soapstone
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Soapstone is a metamorphic rock. It is primarily made of talc, which gives its silky "soapy" feel. It also contains varying amounts of chlorite, magnetite, mica, tremolite, quartz, and iron compounds. Although soapstone is resistant to heat and acids, it is very easily cut with a knife which is a consideration when choosing a kitchen countertop material. Soapstone is gray or green with a smooth matte finish. Soapstone is also oiled rather than sealed like most other stones. Over time the oiling will make the stone slightly darker.