Stone Varieties
Natural stones come in a variety of types, colors, and patterns. You likely know many of these stone types, but some of their unique qualities may be more subtle.
Semi-Precious
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Semi-Precious slabs are like personally curated works of art. Each Semi-Precious slab uses hand-selected gemstones that are arranged to create a dynamic aesthetic and create the most distinctive ambience. The gemstones are affixed with an epoxy or resin that creates a translucent hue that pairs perfectly with LED backlighting for a stop-you-in-your-tracks environment.
Quartzite
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Quartzite is a natural stone that is mined from pure quartz sandstone. It has interacted with magma and was converted into quartzite through heating and pressure, usually related to tectonic compression within orogenic belts. Quartzite averages a 7 on the Mohs scale making it one of the hardest, most durable choices in stone countertops.
Marble
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Marble is among the most glamorous of natural stones. After all, that is why it is used in so many of the finest sculptures. It is a high-end material that comes in a wide range of colors, with each slab having its own unique veining for the most distinctive of looks. Marble is a Metamorphic rock consisting of carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite and dolomite, that have recrystallized under the influence of heat and pressure. It has a crystalline texture.
Granite
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Granite is among the most popular natural stones due to its beauty and durability. It is available in a wide array of colors and patterns and it is strong, durable, and resistant to heat and staining. Granite is a coarse-grained intrusive phaneritic igneous rock composed mostly of quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase.
Porcelain
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Porcelain is a man-made option renowned for its extreme durability. Its remarkably durable and strong surface makes it a good option for its scratch and heat-resistant qualities. Porcelain slabs are created by compacting materials such as clays, feldspars, kaolin, and quartz sands, and baked in kilns at very high temperatures.
Petrified Wood
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Petrified Wood is a special type of fossil formed over millions of years when plant material meets unique and rare conditions, being buried by sediment and protected from decay by oxygen and organisms. Petrified Wood slabs often come in yellow, black, and brown hues as the exotic minerals found in the specimen's makeup make these colors possible. Petrified Wood slabs make for stunning countertops, backsplashes, and wall applications.
Limestone
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Limestone is an elegant stone with an almost ancient appearance and comes in a variety of textures and colors. Limestone is a type of carbonate sedimentary rock which is the main source of the material lime. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different polymorphic.
Soapstone
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Soapstone is a non-porous, natural stone that comes in a variety of colors with a marble-like veining. Soapstone has a softer look than other natural stones and develops a natural patina as it ages, giving it an antique look. Soapstone is a talc-schist, which is a type of metamorphic rock.
Dolomite
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Dolomite is typically found to come in whites and grays. With those color palettes being trendy, it is a good stone option for countertops. Dolomite is a sedimentary carbonate rock that contains a high percentage of the mineral dolomite and occurs widely, often in association with limestone and evaporites.
Onyx
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Onyx is a layered stone made from Calcite that produces highly distinctive formations and the broad and bold color palette will make a statement elevating any interior. The formations in Onyx can create a wide array of shapes, depending upon whether the stone was cross-cut or vein-cut. Onyx is often backlit for added drama and is frequently used for bar areas, bathroom vanities, and other decorative applications.
RioMar Quartz
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Quartz is an engineered material that comes in a broad range of colors and patterns. Quartz is a strong, stain-resistant material that is easy to maintain, as it does not require sealing and is resistant to stains. It comes in an array of designs and colors.