Granite contains three main minerals – quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase feldspar. These minerals make granite white, pink, or light grey. Granite also contains small amounts of dark brown, dark-green, or black minerals, such as hornblende and biotite mica.
Granite is one of the oldest, most durable and respected of building materials. It is typically the hardest of the dimensional stones and withstands the elements very well. It is great for kitchen countertops because it is scratch- and heat-resistant. While it is porous, sealing your granite countertops will help to keep it from staining. It is also suitable for flooring or paving, wall cladding, and all other types of countertops. Some granite is suitable for either exterior or interior applications.
Marble consists chiefly of calcite or dolomite, or a combination of these carbonate minerals. Marbles are basically metamorphosed limestones. It has similar characteristics to limestones and is typically used on the same applications. However, marbles are almost always more aesthetically valuable and available in much wider ranges of colours.
Marble has long been highly valued for its beauty, strength, and resistance to fire and erosion. It is a rock widely used in buildings, monuments, and sculptures. Large blocks of coloured marble are used for columns, floors, and other parts of buildings. It is suitable for wall-cladding, flooring, and other interior applications.
Quartzite is a stone composed of grains of natural quartz cemented together by silica. It is a firm and compact stone with a body harder than marble. Its color is a blend of light and dark greys and silver with flecks of quartz lending a sparkle.
Quartzite is a durable stone that can be used for interior floors, wall-cladding, roofing, and other types of interior applications.
Quartz is low maintenance and easy to clean. Spills are often easily removed, and the quartz surface can be restored to its original appearance. Some colors and finishes, such as honed or leathered, are more sensitive to grease or fingerprints and may require extra care during routine cleaning.
Quartz surfaces do not easily scratch or chip; however, we recommend using cutting boards rather than the quartz surface. To maintain the natural beauty of the quartz surface, do not place hot skillets, pans, or pots directly onto the surface – use hot pads or a trivet. For day-to-day cleaning, use a damp cloth or paper towel, and if necessary, a small amount of mild soap. Once clean, rinse and dry the surface thoroughly. For stubborn or dried spills, use a non-abrasive cleaning pad combined with a small amount of mild soap or specialized cleaner, such as MORE Stone & Quartz Cleaner or Supreme Surface Scum & Mineral Deposit Cleaner.
Quartz floors in high traffic areas should be cleaned daily with a clean, dry dust mop or soft bristle broom. Quartz floors in low traffic areas can be cleaned less frequently using the same method.
Spills should be spot treated with the use of a damp mop or cloth towel, and if necessary, a small amount of mild soap or specialized cleaner, such as Supreme Surface Stone Flooring Treatment. A floor machine, such as a low-speed buffer or walk-behind scrubber, can be used for larger commercial environments. Always rinse thoroughly to remove any haze residue that may diminish the shine and beauty of the floor.
Avoid exposing surfaces to chemicals and solvents, especially paint removers. Do not use nail polish removers, bleach, cleaners containing bleach, permanent markers, or ink on surfaces. While minimal exposure to alkaline materials will not damage quartz, alkaline (high pH) cleaners are not recommended for cleaning. If any of the substances listed above come into contact with quartz, immediately rinse the exposed surface and clean thoroughly with plenty of water.
For all quartz surfaces, do not use strong abrasive or alkaline cleaning products. When using a cleaning product, always follow the manufacturer’s dilution instructions and recommendations.
