Oldcastle Surfaces only stocks certain granite colors, but we can fabricate and install any natural stone material. If you would like marble, travertine, limestone, onyx or a granite color that we don’t stock you can make an appointment at one of our suppliers, pick out material and we can give you a quote. There is a 30 sq ft minimum on all special order stone.
According to The Marble Institute of America, natural stone can be classified into two main categories according to its mineral composition: siliceous stone or calcareous stone.
Siliceous stone is composed mainly of silica or quartz-like particles. Types of siliceous stone include granite, slate, sandstone and soapstone. These stones have a greater resistance to acids, such as citrus products and carbonated beverages. They’re durable, easy to maintain, and don’t etch or show marks as easily as calcareous stone.
Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. Types of calcareous stone include marble, travertine, limestone and onyx. These stones are more sensitive to the acids found in alcohol, citrus products and vinegar as well as certain cleaning products. They tend to etch and show dull spots over time. Therefore they are generally not the best material to use in kitchens or areas with high traffic. Nonetheless, many people choose to use them which is perfectly fine. These types of stones just require a gentler cleaner and more care and maintenance then their counterpart.
Types of Natural Stone:
♦Limestone
Limestone comes in very neutral tones; typically light gray, tan or buff. Certain types of limestone are even available with visible fossils in its surface. Limestone is not often used for kitchen countertops. They’re very porous and require very frequent sealing. Also due to its light color it’s next to impossible to prevent staining. No matter how well you maintain it, it will show wear and tear. Still, many homeowners want that weathered look.
♦Marble
Both granite and marble have a unique appearance compared to other natural stone products, which is why they are popular. Marble is usually chosen for its beautiful smooth vein-like texture. Because it is softer and more porous than granite it is much more susceptible to staining and scratching. Frequent sealing is required. However it is the traditional favorite for making pastries and rolling out dough. Some people include just a small section of marble in their kitchen for this purpose instead of doing their entire countertops.
♦Onyx
Onyx is a translucent stone available in shades of yellow, brown, green, orange and white. It’s similar to limestone and can scratch and stain easily. Due to its translucent nature it’s often backlit enabling the stone to ‘glow’.
♦Sandstone
Sandstone countertops are the product of sand and sediment having been squeezed together for millions of years and held together by silica. It’s available in a variety of colors and can also have visible fossils similar to limestone. Sandstone is more porous than granite so it needs to be sealed regularly.
♦Soapstone
Soapstone is composed primarily of talc and generally has a gray, black, blue or green hue. It has a unique ‘soft’ feel. Unlike marble soapstone won't etch from acids, and stains can be rubbed out easily. It’s a softer stone than granite but less porous. So it can scratch and chip easily but doesn’t necessarily have to be sealed. Mineral oil can bring out a darker richer color.
♦Slate
Slate is formed from ancient clay beds and silt. Slate is generally gray or black in nature, but there are red, green, blue and purple varieties available. Its nature is very similar to soapstone.
♦Travertine
Travertine has many of the same characteristics as marble. It’s beautiful and unique but not as durable as granite. The stone comes in earth tones ranging from ivory to brown and is known for its textured, slightly pitted surface. Some slabs can be found with these pits filled in with resin.
