Let’s take a look at the most common stone finish types that are available on the market. The rustic natural look of the stone makes it a favorite for outdoor tile and paver applications, and the textured surface also makes it will suited for areas such as pool decks, kitchens, or entryways where water may create a slip hazard. By expertly striking the rock to break it and separate the layers, quarries can create generally smooth and uniquely textured tiles from the stone. Slate is a sedimentary stone composed of shale and quartz which naturally forms into thin horizontal layers. Its natural texture which is similar to sandstone when given a natural cleft finish makes it an idea stone for outdoor flooring or other areas with water exposure. Quartzite has a grained texture and can contain bands of quartz crystals. Quartzite is a combination of sandstone and quartz crystals formed together by intense heat and pressure. Sandstone is a characteristically hard textured stone great for outdoor surfaces but can be worn down by sand and other abrasives. Like Limestone, Sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed by the buildup of sand, clay, and other organic materials and has a variety of earthtone shades which can exhibit fantastic bands of color some of which even resemble woodgrains. Limestone tile is popular for bathrooms, living rooms, and foyers and like marble is susceptible to staining and should be avoided in kitchens. Many limestones exhibit different colors and impurities such as clay, sand, organic materials, and even fossils trapped within them. Limestone is a sedimentary stone formed by build up of calcium and organic matter which hardened over time. Travertine is a porous stone and can be more susceptible to staining then Granite or Marbles and should be protected with a sealer. Travertine is a popular choice for foyer and bathroom flooring, walls, and bathroom vanities. This gives the stone a unique, rustic old world appearance that has been treasured as a building stone as far back as the Romans. Travertine is a rock typically formed by hot springs which dissolve the underlying limestone that eventually hardens into stone again and as a result has many small air pockets and pits in its surface. Onyx is a softer more porous stone and can be susceptible to staining. The semi-translucent nature of onyx and the vivid colored banding and crystalline nature of it make it a prized stone well suited for accenting other types of tile in flooring. ![]() Onyx is a form of quartz crystals fused together in nature to form solid stone and is most often found in caves. Marble is a softer and more porous stone, so it can be susceptible to staining and etching by acidic liquids. Marble is a great stone for bathrooms, backsplashes, and lower traffic areas. Marble is known for its beautiful colors, bands, streaks, and clouds. Marble is formed from limestone or dolomite that have been formed by great heat and pressure over time into a crystalline structure. You can also get more information about granite fountains. However, it can still be stained by oils like olive and vegetable oil. Granite also resists most scratches and shows no damage from heat such as placing hot pots and pans on it. Granite is an ideal stone for countertop and flooring application. It is known for a crystalline appearance which may be fused with quartz, feldspar, and mica. Granite is formed by intense heat and pressure giving it a very hard, non-porous surface and is not damaged by common household kitchen acids such as citrus juice, vinegar, and sodas. The main types of stone we carry for tile include Travertine, Granite, Marble, Onyx, Quartzite, Sandstone, and Limestone. We will also talk about stone sealers and enhancers. The focus of this article is to give you a better understanding of the common types of stone and finishes and their characteristics. ![]() Thinking of adding stone tile flooring to your new home or remodeling project? It’s important to first consider where you will be using stone tile and what type of finish and characteristics you are looking for.
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