NATURAL STONE

At Euro Stone America International we offer an endless selection of natural stone tiles, mosaics and slabs. Natural stone is quarried from blocks of granite, marble, limestone, state, or other rocks. Available polished (the smoothest stone finish, highly reflective and able to reflect light) and honed (which has been ground flat creating a smooth finish but not as shiny than polished). Everywhere it is found, natural stone expresses solidity, permanence, the power of nature and a sense of nobility—a combination possessed by no other organic building material.

GRANITE

The hardest and least porous of all the stones. Granite is heat resistant and waterproof and nearly impossible to scratch making it ideal for kitchen countertops. It is the best known of the igneous rocks, formed when the Earth’s molten crust cooled, over 500 million years ago.

MARBLE

Still the favorite of all the natural stones characterized by delicate veining and refined nature. Marble is metamorphosed, re-crystallized limestone. To be able to be classified as a marble, a stone must be able to take a polish. Pressure and intense heat through millions of years give it hardness and durability for long wear.

TRAVERTINE

Travertine is marble that is distinguished by a layered structure with pores, cavities, sand holes, voids, veins and lines of separation giving an open texture when left unfilled. These characteristics are not to be considered defects but rather appreciated as part of this natural stone that is frequently quarried near natural springs.

LIMESTONE

Sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate and having an organic appearance and subtle coloration. Like sandstone, limestone is formed by the compression of layers of mud and fossils in old sea and riverbeds, thus it can often be found containing remains of shells and fossils.

Quartzite

Quartzite is a very hard metamorphic rock which was originally quartz sandstone. Sandstone is converted into quartzite through a process of high heat and pressure usually related to tectonic compression. Quartzite is an extremely strong and durable stone ideal for countertops.

SLATE

Slate stone splits into layers, which work well for slip-resistance. Under pressure for millions of years, clay rich rocks metamorphose to form slate.

Natural stone MAINTENANCE

All natural stone must be sealed in order to protect it. The soft stones—limestone, slate, soapstone and sandstone—tend to stain easier and thus require frequent resealing. An impregnator sealer, which allows the stone to breathe, works best.

Acids, alcohol and harsh chemicals will leave a stain or etch the surface on all natural stones except granite, so care should be taken when handling these. The best way to keep natural stone looking its best is to sweep it regularly and mop it as needed with warm water and a mild, non-abrasive stone cleaner.