Compare Stone
Numerous stone options offer a perfect look for every application.
Today's consumer has more stone options than ever before. The stone you choose should depend on what your application is. Each stone has unique features and properties that when chosen carefully, will provide many years of functional and durable beauty. Granite-Tops has experience working with the various types of stone listed below. If you see something that captures your interest, or have a question about what stone would work best for your building project, we encourage you to contact your builder or remodeler, or feel free to contact us.
As you would expect, some stones are more suitable than others in specific applications. We encourage you to take the time to learn what stone will best serve your needs.

Granite—The Earth’s Oldest Building Material
Granite is—quite literally—as old as the earth. It is formed from liquid magma, the molten rock still found at the core of the planet, cooled slowly to form a substance approaching the hardness and durability of diamond. Granite is an igneous rock, the name reflecting its fiery beginnings. The chemical composition of granite is similar to that of lava. However, granite owes its hardness and density to the fact that it has been solidified deep within the earth, under extreme pressure. Over the eons, seismic activity has changed the crust of the planet, forcing veins of granite to the surface. Glaciers scraped off layers of dirt, sand and rock to expose granite formations. Typically revealed by outcrops, the deposits have been discovered on all the continents.
"Granites are formed of an aggregate of crystals which are molded together without any interspace between them or which enclose one another. The magnificent crystallinity of granite is a striking characteristic." Geology of Granite, E. Raguin, London, 1965 p.3
It is accurate to speak of "granites," because many varieties of the stone exist. While they differ in color, texture and crystalline structure, the granites have three essential minerals in common:
  • Feldspar (50% or greater)
  • Quartz (25-40%)
  • Mica (3-10%)

These minerals occur in different proportions, giving each granite its own color, texture and structural characteristics. In addition, hornblende, magnetite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet, corundum and other minerals may be present in smaller amounts, adding to the unique coloration and texture of each granite deposit. In supplying granite for a large building or complex of buildings, it is essential that the stone be consistent in color and texture. To assure this, each granite color must be quarried from the same deposit. With natural material like granite, a certain amount of "movement" or grain in the stone must be expected. Many people find this flow and blending of colors to be the most compelling reason for using granite.
Granite, quarried from the mountains of Italy; Brazil, India and the U.S., and dozens of other countries is one of the most popular natural stones on the market.
Available in a striking array of colors, granite's durability and longevity make it ideal for kitchen countertops and other heavily used surfaces, including table tops and floors.
While some synthetic surfaces scratch easily and melt under hot cookware, granite resists heat. Granite is also one of the most bacteria-resistant kitchen surfaces, and it is not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol, or wine. It is also nearly impossible to scratch, and with proper cleaning, will not stain under normal use (ask your stone specialist about sealants available to further improve resistance to staining).

A leading consumer magazine recently compared granite with engineered stone, ceramic tile, laminate, butcher block, and other manufactured surfaces. Granite received the highest overall performance rating as a kitchen countertop material.
Because of its exceptional strength, granite is well suited for exterior applications such as cladding, paving, and curbing.

Engineered Quartz Stone Surfaces
Engineered quartz stone surfaces are man-made stone surfaces that are comprised of 93% quartz. Quartz is naturally scratch-resistant, and when engineered through a proprietary manufacturing process, it achieves greater beauty and durability. Quartz surfaces are unique in the fact that because they are manufactured, they have a more consistent color and pattern, which many homeowners appreciate.

Marble
Ideal for foyers, bathrooms, floors, and hearths
Marble is found in the mountainous regions of Canada, Italy, Germany, Spain, the U.S., and other countries worldwide. Because of its beauty and elegance, marble is a popular choice for countertops, floors, foyers, fireplace facings and hearths, walls, and windowsills.
Marble adds a sophisticated element to your home, and its wonderful appearance, superior engineering characteristics, and ease of maintenance makes it a natural choice for floors, wall coverings, table tops, and bathroom walls, floors, vanity tops, tub decks, and showers.
Another option for marble-loving homeowners is using another natural stone – serpentine – for kitchen counters. Sometimes called the "green" marble, serpentine is not a true marble but offers a marble-like look. And, because it is magnesium-silicate based, it is not sensitive to citric acid and other kitchen spills.

Travertine, Limestone, Sandstone & Slate
Beautiful enhancements for your home, inside and out
Travertine, limestone, sandstone, and slate are other examples of natural stone frequently used in residential applications. Travertine is a type of limestone and one of the most popular natural stones for interior and exterior wall cladding, interior and exterior paving, statuary, and curbing.

Limestone is widely used as a building stone because it is readily available and easy to handle. Popular applications include countertops, flooring, interior and exterior wall cladding, and exterior paving.

Slate is a popular flooring material and sandstone and slate are often used for exterior paving stones, or pavers. Other sandstone applications include fireplace facings, chimneys, garden walls, patio benches, and poolside. Additional slate applications include kitchen countertops, fireplace facings, tabletops, and roofing.

Sources:
Cold Spring Granite -http://www.coldspringgranite.com/what_is_granite.htm
Marble Insititute of America - http://www.marble-institute.com/