The composition of natural stone is extremely complex on a chemical and physical basis. There are immense variations in the properties of density, absorption and resilience. These factors have a tremendous impact on the necessity for specialized maintenance to protect and preserve the value and elegance of stone.

In the last 20 years, there has been a revolution in the stone industry worldwide. Natural and composite stone products are the media of choice when building a new home or re-modeling and old one. Kitchen and bathroom floors, walls and counters are completed with stone applications, as well as other areas of the home.

Natural stone is as old as the earth itself. There is a certain magic about stone that can not be reproduced by any other material. Natural stone comes from all over the world: Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, United States, France, Brazil, Mexico, and China. It is amazing to consider that in the past two years, over forty continents have produced more than 102,000 tons of Travertine, 180,000 tons of marble, and 380,000 tons of granite! There are more than twenty-thousand types of different stones. It would be impossible to list every type available but there are some common characteristics that can be identified. There are three basic geological types:

1. Igneous.Rocks (Granite) are mainly formed through molten magma. As magma is cools and condenses, it crystallizes forming the variety of colors and patterns.

2. Metamorphic Rock (marble) which is formed of calcium carbonate minerals. Over time, pressure and movement, it crystallizes forming the range of color, variety and texture.

3. Sedimentary Rocks (Limestone): This type of stone is a collection of bottom rocks, fossils, sand and silt. They were banded through time from the heavy pressure of the stone above.

MARBLE Marble is defined as any limestone that will take a polish. Limestone and therefore marbles are composed of minerals of calcite or dolomite. Colored marbles are the result of other minerals mixed with calcite or dolomite. Marble has many common characteristics. No matter what color, marble will usually have some type of veining running through it. The veins are usually different in color than the main color of the stone. There are, however, exceptions to the rule. Some marbles such as Thasos will have little or no veining. Marble is relatively soft when compared to other stones such as granite. It will scratch very easily. Marble is also very sensitive to acidic chemicals. Vinegar is acidic and will leave a dull spot on marble. Avoid the following acidic materials from coming in contact with your marble: Vinegar, lemon, tomato and tomato sauce, bleach, coffee, urine, vomit, tile cleaners, X-14, toilet bowl cleaners, and cleaners with lemon.

GRANITE Like marble, granite is also a natural stone with many colors. However, the similarities stop here. Unlike marble, granite is composed of different materials with different properties. Granite is chiefly composed of 30% Quartz and 60% Feldspar. These minerals are much harder than the calcite of marbles and for this reason granite will not scratch as easily as marble. Granite is very resistant to most acids and will not etch nor leave a dull spot on the surface, as marble does. Hydrofluoric acids, however, found in products such as rust removers, will mar the surface of Granite. Granite contains crystals, which are very distinct; appearing like small to medium stones compacted together. There are some exceptions, such as Blue Azul will have a vein like pattern, but if you look closely, the vein will also have small distinct crystals.

LIMESTONE Limestone is made of calcite from shells, coral and other debris. They are known as sedimentary rocks, because they are formed by the breakdown of other rocks, shells, etc. Limestone are usually loosely held together and may differ in porosity from marble. The course grain of some limestone gives it excellent durability. Limestone can have numerous fossil impressions that are well preserved. If a piece of stone has various shell or animal like impressions in it, there is a good chance it is limestone. To identify limestone, look for fossil like impressions and loose grain structure. Limestone comes in various colors but most are shades of brown or tan, some leaning towards gray and red. All shades seem to fall into the earth tone color range. Limestone is becoming increasingly popular in the West and Southwest.

TRAVERTINE Travertine is a type of limestone but differs in that it formed in a hot springs called karst. The water movement in this karst erodes the travertine creating holes in the stone. Polished travertine will usually have these holes filled with colored cement. These fillers typically are not polished and will give the travertine a blotchy appearance. Unfilled travertine will exhibit these holes and are commonly found on walls, floors, and building exteriors. Travertine is commonly found in tans and beige colors but can also be found in silver and reds.

SLATE Slate is commonly gray in color, although you may find green, yellow, and red hues. It is a material from metamorphosed state. That is, it consists of clay like materials that have undergone change under heat and pressure. Slate can be recognized by its sheet-like structure. The material is usually thin, and if broken, will flake off into sheets. Slate rarely is highly reflective, unless a coating is placed on top of it. Its surface is usually uneven, unless machine sanded. Slate is also prone to detonation around water areas.

SERPENTINE is a trade term that encompasses all green marbles? The names stems from the "serpent like bands" of greenish color occurring in massive varieties. Color ranges from a blackish green to a leek green; highly variegated to mottle in appearance. Some exhibit yellowish and brownish colorations. Serpentine has been classified as a"Marble" due to its capacity to take on a polished finish in varying degrees. Some green marbles are more moisture sensitive than others.

SANDSTONE / FLAGSTONE / CAMERON STONE / THREE RIVERS All of these stones are relatively consistent in age, mineral composition and geological structure. They can range in colors from tans, rose beige yellows and reds. Similar textures as a slate however containing siliceous which gives the stone a slightly sharper feel. These stone are ideal for exterior applications especially around swimming pools, patios and gardens. They can be cut square for geometrical applications or commonly used in broken random pattern. Sealing is recommended every year or two.

QUARTZITE Is distinguished by its natural high quality sparkling appearances, and its shifting aesthetics as the light reflects from the variety of its mineral patterned surfaces. A variety of colors are available; very light white to silver, medium to dark grays, light to dark gold's, soft greens to olive green, and a variety of blues. Quartz will weather well, but is highly absorbent. If used where oils from food will be present, it should be professionally treated with oil and water repellent.

CERAMIC & PORCELAIN TILE & GROUT These tiles are an excellent alternative for the value-oriented buyer. Ceramic tiles are hard, brittle, heat-resistant products that are manufactured by firing clay and other materials. Porcelain tile is a type of tile which generates a translucent effect. And though it¡¯s a man made product it to require penetrating sealer due to its slight porous nature. The patterns of these products attempt to emulate the look of natural stone products. Typically, the cost is less expensive and the color range is consistent and predictable due to the man-made nature of the product. Grout. It doesn¡¯t matter what you do Grout gets dirty! Grout lines are like miniature gutters running through you floors, showers and counter tops. We recommend using a penetrating sealer regularly of even better selecting an epoxy based grout prior to your installation. One option witch is practiced in Europe to resolve dirty grout on stone floors is to apply excess grout followed by grinding and finishing stone to where the grout and stone are completely flush giving the floor almost a seamless look. The grout and stone is easily cleaned by damp moping.

SPANISH & ANTIQUE PAVERS / TERRACOTTA TILES Terracotta, from the Italian "terra"(earth) and "cotta" (cooked) means just that¡­cooked earth! Terracotta refers to any bisque, pot, paver, etc. that is made out of natural clay and is fired in a kiln. Today, the most commonly used clay pavers in the United States come from Mexico. Other clay pavers that are sometimes used are antique pavers otherwise known as reclaimed pavers. Most of these reclaimed terracotta pavers come from Italy and France although they can sometimes be acquired from the UK and Latin America. Those choosing to use reclaimed pavers typically seek the old world charm that accompanies them. They are usually worn and have a more rustic feel to them.