Frequently Asked Questions

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What is each material made of, and is it natural or engineered?

- Marble Natural metamorphic rock, primarily calcium carbonate (from limestone under heat/pressure). Elegant veining.

- Dolomite or dolomite marble is natural sedimentary/metamorphic rock, mainly calcium magnesium carbonate. Often sold as a "harder marble" lookalike; forms when limestone reacts with magnesium-rich water.

- Granite is natural igneous rock, formed from cooled magma; mostly quartz, feldspar, and mica.

- Quartz is engineered/ Man-made and is ~90-95% ground natural quartz crystals bound with resins and pigments. Consistent patterns

- Quartzite is natural metamorphic rock; sandstone transformed under extreme heat/pressure into mostly quartz (very hard, often veined like marble).

- Soapstone: Natural metamorphic rock; primarily talc, with chlorite, magnesite, and dolomite (soft, soapy feel; often gray/green/black).

- Onyx is Natural but soft. Often carbonate-based (like travertine/limestone) in slab form for countertops (translucent, colorful banding); true onyx is a banded calcite variety.

- Quartzite is extremely durable (Mohs ~7); scratch-, heat-, and chip-resistant; often the toughest natural stone.

- Granite is very durable (Mohs 6-7); excellent for heavy use.

- Quartz highly durable (Mohs ~7); non-porous. Is not heat resistant.

- Dolomite is moderately durable (Mohs ~3.5-4); harder than marble but softer than granite/quartzite.

- Marble is softer (Mohs ~3); prone to scratches, chips, and etching (dull spots from acids).

- Soapstone Soft (Mohs 1-2, talc-based); scratches/dents easily but non-porous; develops a patina (darkens/ages beautifully over time).

- Onyx is very soft and fragile (Mohs ~3 or less); often needs reinforcement; prone to cracking/etching.

- Natural stones handle heat well (don't scorch from hot pots); quartz is not heat resistant so avoid extreme direct heat to prevent resin damage.

- Stain/etching resistance

- Quartz is not scratch proof, stain proof, or heat resistant.

- Granite and quartzite: Good (seal periodically).

- Dolomite: Better than marble but still etches/stains if not sealed.

- Marble, dolomite, onyx: Prone to etching from acids (lemon, vinegar, wine) and staining; require frequent sealing.

- Soapstone uniquely develops a natural patina.

Maintenance requirements?

- No sealing/low maintenance: Quartz; soapstone (optional oiling for look).

- Periodic sealing (every 6-24 months): Granite, quartzite, marble, dolomite, onyx (to prevent stains/etching).

- All benefit from gentle cleaners (avoid acids/abrasives).