NATURAL STONE

THINGS TO CONSIDER

STYLES

Note: Some of these descriptions includes a reference to the MOH (Measurement of Hardness) Scale, which determines the relative hardness of a mineral according to its scratch resistance. The hardest mineral, at 10, is Diamond, and the softest, at 1, is Talc.

Granite Tiles
This igneous rock is the hardest of all flooring stones with a very dense grain, making it virtually impervious. Ranges from 6 to 8 on the MOH Scale. Used for flooring, kitchen countertops, showers, and baths.

Marble Tiles
A very dense and easily polished metamorphic rock offering a wide range of colors. Usually heavily veined. Hardness rates from 3 to 4 on the MOH Scale. Used for vertical surfaces, vanities and flooring.

Travertine Tiles
A crystallized, partially metamorphosed limestone, formed by natural mineral springs. It has a honeycombed structure and a lot of surface pitting. Used for flooring, vanities, showers, and vertical surfaces.

Limestone Tiles
Sedimentary stone formed by the accumulation of organic materials, such as shells and coral, sand, or precipitates. Varies in hardness, and color tones are typically neutral. Used for flooring, walls, vertical surfaces, vanities and showers.

Slate Tiles
A fine-grained metamorphic rock that easily splits into sheets. It’s composed of clay, quartz and shale. It is harder and more lustrous than shale. Used for countertops, flooring, showers, and vertical surfaces.

Onyx Tiles
The only stone on the planet that is translucent, onyx is a form of marble that offers stunning luster and mesmerizing natural patterns and is laced with natural layers of amber and ivory. Used for flooring, countertops, walls and vertical surfaces.

MAINTENANCE
Granite, Limestone, Onyx, Marble, Slate, and Travertine can all be treated with a sealer like Impregnator Pro (from DuPont) and maintained with cleanser on a regular basis.