Natural stone type: A Comprehensive Guide

Natural stone continues to provide the ideal choice for all people who need durable and stylish solutions for their homes and outdoor areas. The diverse patterns and surface options in natural stone create a special beauty that makes every space look better.

People select natural stones often because of their timeless beauty, flexibility, and high quality. When choosing a natural stone for your home, you should know its varieties and special features.

Through this blog, you will learn about natural stone types, including their features and benefits. We will show you how to pick the right stone and take proper care of it. Let’s have a look below:

What is Natural Stone?

Without the use of artificial substances, natural stone is directly taken from the earth’s crust, then cut, formed, and used for a variety. Its unique colors, shapes, and textures were produced over millions of years by this natural process.

Natural stones vary in different characteristics, making them suitable for various applications. There are three main categories: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Igneous Rocks

It forms when molten rock cools and solidifies. Examples of this rock are granite, basalt, and obsidian.

Sedimentary Rocks

Formed by the deposition and compaction of sediments, like sand, silt, or the remains of animals and plants. Examples of this rock include limestone, travertine, and sandstone.

Metamorphic Rocks

This is formed by the extreme heat and pressure in the earth’s crust transforming preexisting rocks. Slate, marble, and quartzite are among examples. These natural stones aren’t made artificially, just like designed or produced stones.

Each piece is one-of-a-kind because of its distinct qualities and organic creation, which also increases its worth.

How to Choose the Right Natural Stone

Selecting the right natural stone for your project depends on the various factors:

• Style: Think about the look you wish to create. Choose from obsidian or marble for a luxurious appearance. Slate or sandstone can be more suitable for a rustic look.
• Maintenance: Stones like granite are easy to maintain, whereas marble requires regular care and sealing.
• Durability: Consider the stone’s usage when analyzing its resiliency to moisture, stains, and wear.
• Application: Check whether the stone is used indoors or outdoors, or whether it will face high traffic or exposure to elements.
• Budget: Natural stones vary widely in price. Obsidian and marble are expensive, while limestone and granite are less expensive.

Different Types of Natural Stone

There are many different types of natural stone available in the market with different applications. Let’s have a look at some of them:

Marble

People know marble as a metamorphic stone used for projects because it offers a luxuriously textured surface with polished smoothness. Its elegant finish makes marble an excellent choice. Marble exists in many color options.

Applications:

• Flooring: Enhances the elegance of living rooms, foyers, and bathrooms.
• Countertops: For aesthetic reasons, they are used in kitchens and bathrooms, although they must be sealed.
• Decorative Elements: Some examples of decorative elements feature walls, statues, and columns.

Granite

Granite stands out due to its powerful ability to withstand heat, damage from stains, and abrasion. Its basic appearance, which consists of mica, feldspar, and quartz, gives it a speckled look. Granite offers designers many color and pattern options to match any project style.

Applications:

• Countertops: It is ideal for kitchen and bathroom surfaces due to their resistance to heat and stains.
• Flooring: Offers high-traffic areas with a durable and sophisticated surface.
• Outdoor Use: Perfect for exterior wall covering, monuments, and paving.

Quartzite

Sandstone turns into quartzite when it transforms under high pressure into a tough, resistant rock. Its quartz content produces a bright appearance and many people confuse it as marble due to its similar strength to granite.

Applications:

• Countertops: Kitchen countertops are perfect since they are extremely heat and scratch-resistant.
• Wall tiles: Give spaces a sense of luxury.
• Outdoor Paving: Resilient enough to endure harsh weather.

Slate

The earthy colors of black, gray, green, and purple show in the layered structure of fine-grained metamorphic slate. This material resists water damage and has a smooth, non-absorbent surface, which benefits many different projects.

Applications:

• Roofing: Perfect for long-lasting roofs, it is weather-resistant and durable.
• Flooring: Offers a rustic charm and is appropriate for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Wall Cladding: Both classic and modern designs are improved by wall cladding.

Basalt

A volcanic rock with fine grains and a generally black shade is called basalt. It is frequently utilized in minimalist designs and is renowned for its robustness and contemporary appearance.

Applications:

• Flooring: Perfect for contemporary and industrial spaces.
• Outdoor Paving: It is frequently utilized for paths and driveways.
• Wall cladding: Gives a modern, clean appearance.

Limestone

This natural rock type shows up as sedimentary with lightly colored neutral grains. Stone is known for its multi-purpose use and gentle sophistication. Limestone often has a unique charm due to preserved imprints.

Applications:

• Facades: Common in both traditional and contemporary architectural styles.
• Patios and Paths: It gives outdoor spaces a more organic appearance.
• Interior flooring: Performs well in areas where a cozy, soft appearance is desired.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a smooth, soapy stone that is soft and resistant to heat. Usually dark gray or black, it gradually acquires a natural finish.

Applications:

• Countertops: It is ideal for kitchens and fireplaces due to its heat resistance.
• Sinks: Frequently utilized for sinks in the farmhouse design.
• Fireplace Surrounds: Effectively absorbs and emits heat.

Sandstone

Sandstone shows up as different earth tones with a rough surface made up of red, brown, yellow, or gray particles. Because of its strong weather resistance, sandstone proves suitable for open-air applications.

Applications:

• Paving Stones: They are ideal for garden areas, patios, and walkways.
• Retaining Walls: This gives landscapes a more organic appearance.
• Water Features: Frequently found in ponds and fountains.

Obsidian

The banded stone obsidian is renowned for its striking and vibrant look. Because of its transparency, it may be illuminated to produce an amazing visual effect.

Applications:

• Accent Walls: A focal point in opulent spaces.
• Countertops: Occasionally used to provide a hint of luxury.
• Decorative Features: Perfect for sculptures and backlit panels.

Travertine

Travertine is a type of stone with a porous surface and is frequently seen in warm, pastel colors like milk and beige. Because of its organic pits and holes, it has a textured look that gives any area personality.

Applications:

• Bathroom tiles: Their gentle colors evoke a spa-like ambiance.
• Pool decks and patios: Provide a non-slip surface that is perfect for damp locations.
• Feature Walls: Interiors gain depth and coziness with feature walls.

Benefits of Using Natural Stone in Australian Home

Did you know the benefits of using natural stone? No, then have a look at some of the benefits given below:

• Eco-Friendly: This natural substance has less harmful impact on the environment than other synthetic materials.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Every stone is different in its way and offers unique patterns, colors, and textures.
• Value Addition: Due to its superior appearance and texture, natural stone raises the property’s resale value.
• Versatility: The way these stones blend with various design trends can be helpful for both indoor and outdoor uses.
• Durability: Natural stones can tolerate significant wear and tear and are long-lasting.
• Low Maintenance: A lot of natural stones maintain their beauty over time with little care.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Your home will benefit from natural stone while keeping its natural beauty and needs proper care. Below are some cleaning guidelines that will help you to maintain and take care for your stone:

• Prevent Stains: Clean the spills immediately to prevent stains. Use coasters and mats to protect the stone from oil, food spills, and acid.
• Clean Regularly: Use pH-balanced, mild cleaners that are suitable for the stone. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the surfaces, especially marbles.
• Repair Damage: Avoid heavy impacts and use felt pads under furniture to prevent damage. Use a repair kit for minor cracks or consult a professional for major ones.
• Seal Surfaces: Regular sealing is important to protect against moisture and stains. Reseal every 1-3 years, like marble, requires more frequent resealing. Choose the right sealer for the specific stones.
• Protect from Extreme Temperatures: Keep hot items away from materials that react badly to heat by placing them on other surfaces first.
• Maintain Long-Term: To keep your stone looking beautiful and protect it for many years to come, consult with cleaning or restoration experts.

Also Read:- How to Choose Between Marble, Granite, and Quartz for Your Next Home Renovation

Conclusion

Natural stone is the best option for any ambiance because of its unparalleled beauty, adaptability, and durability. You may select the ideal marble for your house by knowing its varieties and advantages. Don’t forget to follow the maintenance tips to keep it looking beautiful. 

By purchasing the appropriate natural stone, you can improve your home’s beauty. MTP Stone offers every kind of stone that complements your house and meets your requirements, whether you’re building a commercial building or remodeling your home. 

Are you ready to use natural stone to update your area? Explore the extensive selection of stones and begin your project right now.

FAQs

Q:- Which is the most durable natural stone?

Ans:- Granite and quartzite are the perfect stones for high-traffic areas and outdoors.

Q:- How can I clean natural stone surfaces?

Ans:- Use a gentle, pH-neutral cleaning and avoid using harsh chemicals.

Q:- Is it possible to use natural stone in wet areas?

Ans:- Yes, stones like slate, granite, and travertine are great for kitchens, bathrooms, and pool areas because of their water resistance.

Q:- How frequently should natural stone be sealed?

Ans:- The type of stone and its intended use determine this. Sealing is usually advised every one to three years.

Q:- Is natural stone good for the environment?

Ans:- Yes, it is an environmentally friendly and sustainable substance that has a lower carbon footprint than synthetic substitutes.