Natural Stone.

Natural stone is a popular option for kitchen countertops, and there are many reasons why going with a natural stone is a great choice. There are several options for natural stone countertops, such as marble, granite and quartzite, and each type of material is unique in how it can serve its purpose. Natural stone is also unique because each slab is one of a kind, giving each project its own aesthetic with distinctive mineral patterns — so you’ll have a countertop like no other.

The downside to natural stone materials is that they’re sensitive to stains because of their porous composition. But with proper preventative measures like consistent cleaning and annual resealing, your countertops will maintain their beauty for years to come. Accidents happen — objects fall on countertops, dishes can fall out of cabinets and spills happen often in the kitchen, but most minor scratches and dings can be filled in.

Moral of the story: you’ll have to be a bit more careful with your countertops should you choose natural stone, but if you’re looking for beauty and don’t mind the maintenance, it’s a great choice.

What is the main difference between the natural stones?

Granite: Granite is the most common igneous rock with grains large enough to be visible with the unaided eye. It is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other minerals. Granite is hard enough to resist abrasion, strong enough to bear significant weight, and accepts a brilliant polish. With a variety of colors to choose from, it is a popular choice for countertops.

Quartzite: Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed when quartz-rich sandstone has been exposed to high temperatures and pressures. Such conditions fuse the quartz grains together forming a dense, hard, rock. Quartzite has a range of porosities. Some quartzite have been highly metamorphosed and are less porous while others have been exposed to less intense pressure and are more porous. Quartzite is scratch resistant and not “scratch proof.” Consider quartzite countertops for its strength, beauty, and overall durability.

Marble: Marble is a granular metamorphic rock, it is derived from limestone or dolomite and consists of a mass of interlocking grains of calcite or the mineral dolomite. Being composed of calcium carbonate, marble will react in contact with many acids. Therefore, it is not stain resistant. Marble is a porous material and requires more maintenance.