Natural stone could be classified into two general categories: siliceous and calcareous.

Siliceous class (from silica) includes granite, quartz-based stone, serpentine, slate, and soapstone. These stones tend to be durable and easy to maintain under normal conditions of use.

Calcareous class (from calcium) includes marble, limestone, onyx, and travertine. These stones are also durable, but are relatively more sensitive to acids and strong alkaline compounds. Neutral cleansers (PH 7 approx) are recommended for regular maintenance.

Granite is an igneous rock, which means it was once molten and formed as it cooled deep inside the earth. Minerals within granite typically appear as small flecks throughout the stone creating the salt-and-pepper look. Granite is primarily composed of mica, graphite, feldspar, and the most resilient of all common minerals: quartz.

Used in a wide array of commercial and residential applications, granite is ideal for tile floors, walls and countertops, as well as exterior applications such as pavers and wall cladding.

Geologically, marble was once limestone that achieved metamorphosis from intense pressures and high temperatures within the earth. This process altered its crystalline structure and introduced other minerals that produced the valuable colors and veining so coveted.

Commercially, any stone capable of taking a polish – with the exception of granite – is known as marble. This includes travertine, onyx, serpentine, and limestone.

The most common uses of marble include interior and exterior wall cladding, paving, fireplace and hearth, lavatory tops, counter tops, table tops, statuary, and novelty items. It also has many non-architectural uses such as paint whitening and agricultural lime.

Onyx marble is a translucent, layered calcitic stone in pastel shades. It is typically formed in caves as stalactites and stalagmites by the slow precipitation of cold, mineral-rich water.

Onyx is commonly used for interior wall coverings. It can also be used on the exterior in warm environments or for light duty residential flooring. Onyx table tops and other novelty items such as lamps and vases exhibit unusual beauty, and are very popular in many parts of the world.