| Frequently
Asked Questions
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No we do not fabricate natural stone. If you are not working with a contractor and/ or designer please feel free to write us at info@pietrafina.com, or call (510) 670-1010, and we will gladly refer you to a few fabricators nearby your job site.
The predominant physical characteristic between a marble and granite is that marbles tend to have a softer look. However, there are granites out there that somewhat resemble a marble physical feature. The best way to describe the difference between a marble and granite is by their durability and porosity.
Granite is formed deep in the earth's mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. Granite is an ideal stone for kitchen use, and is low-maintenance.
The marble family - limestone, travertine, onyx starts out as sediment (animal skeletons, shells, plant matter, and silt at the bottom of bodies of water). After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Marble, limestone and slate can be used in kitchens however, they are higher maintenance because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus juices. Thus being a higher maintenance stone.
All stone, even granite, is porous to some degree and will absorb stains over time. Some stones are more porous than others, so it is important to use a penetrating sealer to prevent stains from oil, wine, or other liquids from soaking into the surface. Consult with your fabricator for more information on sealers for natural stone.
Yes. Slabs are always sold intact. Your fabricator will lay out your job in a way that will minimize the amount of waste, while maximizing the natural beauty of pattern of the stone.
Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. It's best though that you always used a cutting board while cutting.
Yes. In fact, marbles that have a honed finish will not etch because it surface starts out with a matter finish. Because marbles (limestone and travertine) are calcium carbonate, the polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids including vinegar, citrus, and more other food related products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction which will remove the polish. We recommend sealing all natural surfaces.
The old rule of thumb is never use anything you wouldn't use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even "soft scrub" type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone, and might damage your stone countertops, and/or floors. Never use any product which is acidic; this includes substances like ammonia or many common liquid cleaners such as Windex.
Like marble, polished limestone is subject to surface changes or damage from kitchen aids including citrus juices, vinegars, mustard, and so forth. Unsealed, some of the more porous limestone can be subjected to stains. If the limestone is polished or semi polished, you will see a rough spot where the substance sat on the stone. On a honed surface, such etches will be less noticeable.
Granite & Radon Info
Marble Institute of America-http://usenaturalstone.com/radon/index.cfm