Natural Materials as Work Surfaces

We are thrilled you are considering a natural material for your work surfaces; every solid surface on the market has its own merit, but naturals bring a uniqueness to the table that man-made materials cannot.

While we think all granite, marbles and quartzites look sensational in kitchens, bathrooms, bars and hotel receptions – some of Mother Nature’s creations are more practical for your living space than others.

When it comes to choosing solid surfaces, it is important to know that natural materials are formed by a unique set of circumstances including heat, pressure and time. Granite, quartzite and marble have many variations and differences from quarry to quarry, slab to slab. Each slab is unique – it is what the Earth has created. You may find variations and differences in the form of colour, crystal structure, mineral formation and texture.

Below we have broken down what we know to be true about these incredible stones, so that you can be informed of their characteristics and make your choices based on your habits and lifestyle.

Granite

Granite is an igneous rock and is formed when molten rock, magma, cools slowly. Magma is found between the mantle and the crust of the earth and as it rises to the surface it starts to cool down and can take millions of years to solidify.

A popular choice for kitchen worksurfaces for many years due to durability, granite worktops never go out of fashion. Granite is hard wearing and depending on certain factors during its creation can have very low porosity.

Acid sensitivity – granite is not a calcite-based stone and is not generally acid sensitive, although as with all natural work surface materials, care must be taken when cleaning and using granite.

Care – we recommend the use of clean water for general cleaning. As with all natural stone surfaces, spills should be wiped up as soon as possible and we recommend the use of a trivet for hot pots and pans. Chopping boards should be used when using knives.

It is typical for granite slabs to contain natural fissures which can open during fabrication and installation. The fissures are noticeable to the eye and to the touch. Some fissures may have been filled prior to delivery by the supplier, and some can be filled by the fabricator during the fabrication and installation processes. This characteristic is inherent in the nature of the product and is not to be considered a latent defect.

Quartzite

Not to be confused with Quartz or ‘engineered stone’, quartzite is a metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone and been converted into quartzite through Earth’s heat and pressure over time. It is then extracted from a quarry, formed into finished slabs and is considered to be a high-end countertop material.

Quartzite is often compared to granite in terms of hardness and durability. It combines that toughness with the patterning of marble, which makes for a desirable combination and increasingly popular choice.

Rated 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, true quartzite is one the hardest natural worktop materials available, harder than granite which is rated around 6.0 to 6.5. Depending on how tightly the minerals bonded together during the mineral metamorphic process, some quartzites can be porous and prone to staining, so while much less maintenance than marble, it is important to use chopping boards and wipe up spills and water.

Acid sensitivity – some quartzites are acid sensitive meaning any acids will etch the surface.

It is typical for quartzite slabs to contain natural fissures which can open during fabrication and installation. The fissures are noticeable to the eye and to the touch. Some fissures may have been filled prior to delivery by the supplier, and some can be filled by the fabricator during the fabrication and installation processes. This characteristic is inherent in the nature of the product and is not to be considered a latent defect.

Marble

Marble starts out as limestone rock, which is made of hardened fossils, and then heat and pressure change it into marble. Sometimes, small amounts of other minerals like iron oxides and mica are found in marble, which gives it various natural colours, patterns, or designs.

Different types of marble vary in density, porosity and mineral content but they all have the same thing in common – open pores. Open pores mean marble will absorb liquids and is prone to staining. There is no product available to stop this process, we apply a professional sealant which can slow the rate of absorption but spills should always be wiped up immediately.

Acid sensitivity – all marbles are acid sensitive meaning any acids will etch the surface.

Being one of the softer natural stones, marble will scratch and wear over time, and it is vulnerable to cracks and chips. The surface will wear particularly in areas of heavy use, for instance standing at the sink. Edges may become duller while anything rubbing against the marble surface (belt buckles etc.) may cause scratching. Sharp objects such as knives on the marble surface will also leave marks.

Whether you consider this kind of wear and tear a pro or a con depends on your personal taste. Many homeowners relish the sense of history that marble can bring to a kitchen – its imperfectly perfect nature. However, if you expect a perfectly polished and gleaming surface, marble is not the worktop material for you.

County Stone does not recommend the use of marble for kitchen worktops.

County Stone Ltd cannot be held responsible for, and makes no guarantee of, the geological composition of any product of nature in any form and accept no liability for any indirect or consequential damages relating to the use of the material chosen by the homeowner/builder.