The Beauty of Natural Stones for Your Table: Marble, Granite and Quartzite
When we talk about marble, granite and quartzite, you might often think of them as materials mainly used for kitchen countertops. Here at Marblelous, we offer all three options for your bespoke dining table instead. Each of these natural stones is an exceptional choice if you are looking for a durable piece of nature's marvel for your home. Among the myriad choices available, marble, granite, and quartzite stand out for their unique beauty and practical benefits. Let’s explore the unique qualities of these stunning natural stones and why they are perfect for your table.
Marble: Timeless Elegance and Classic Beauty
1. Formation Process
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from recrystallised limestone under the influence of heat and pressure in the earth’s crust. It consists of carbonate minerals, mainly calcite and dolomite. Impurities such as clay minerals, iron oxides, or bituminous material contribute to a variety of colours, patterns, and veining of the stone.
2. Aesthetic Appeal
Marble is synonymous with luxury and timeless elegance. Known for its beautiful veining and smooth, polished surface, marble adds a touch of sophistication to any space. The stone’s natural patterns, ranging from delicate lines to dramatic streaks, make each piece unique. Available in a variety of colours including classic white, black, and more exotic greens and blues, marble can complement any interior design style.
3. Durability and Maintenance
Rated 3 on the Mohs hardness scale, marble is a softer stone compared to granite and quartzite, yet it remains a durable option for tables. It is resistant to heat, so you do not need to worry about putting hot dishes on it. However, marble is more prone to scratching and staining, which requires regular sealing and proper care to maintain its pristine appearance. Fortunately, with Marblelous’ permanent stain-proof COPALCLEAR coating, all it takes is a wipe with damp cloth to keep your marble dining table stain-free.
Granite: Robust Durability and Versatility
1. Formation Process
Granite is an intrusive igneous rock formed from the slow crystallisation of molten magma deep beneath the Earth’s surface. This slow cooling process allows large crystals to form, giving granite its coarse-grained texture. Granite is composed of quartz, feldspar and mica which contribute to its varied colour and intricate patterns.
2. Aesthetic Appeal
Granite offers a stunning variety of colours and patterns, from subtle earth tones to bold, vibrant hues. The granular appearance of granite, combined with its polished finish, can bring both depth and visual interest to your table. Granite’s versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into both traditional and contemporary settings.
3. Durability and Maintenance
Granite is one of the hardest natural stones with a rating of 6 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it highly resistant to scratches, heat, and stains. This robustness makes granite an excellent choice for tables that will see a lot of use. While granite tables typically require periodic sealing to protect against staining, Marblelous' stain-proof COPALCLEAR coating ensures that your granite table requires no special maintenance.
Quartzite: The Best of Both Worlds
1. Formation Process
Not to be confused with quartz, an engineered stone, quartzite is a natural metamorphic rock composed primarily of quartz. It forms from the recrystallisation of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure, binding the quartz grains together and resulting in a remarkably hard and dense rock.
2. Aesthetic Appeal
Quartzite offers the perfect blend of marble’s elegance and granite’s durability. With its delicate veining and wide range of colours, quartzite can mimic the look of marble while providing greater durability. Its natural beauty and unique patterns make quartzite a stunning choice for any table.
3. Durability and Maintenance
Quartzite is rated 7 in the Mohs hardness scale which is harder than granite, making it extremely durable and resistant to scratches and heat. It requires less maintenance than marble and can handle heavy use without compromising its appearance. Like granite, quartzite tables should be sealed periodically to protect against stains. However, that is not necessary with a Marblelous’ Quartzite table, as it is protected with the stain-proof and FDA compliant COPALCLEAR coating.
Embrace the Beauty of Natural Stone
Marble, granite, and quartzite each offer unique advantages and stunning beauty that can elevate the look of your home. By understanding the characteristics of each stone, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your design vision and practical needs. With the added benefit of Marblelous' COPALCLEAR coating, staining is not an issue for any of these materials, ensuring that your natural stone dining table remains beautiful and easy to maintain.
Whether you choose the timeless elegance of marble, the robust versatility of granite, or the balanced beauty of quartzite, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your space by customising your own Marblelous dining table. Discover the beauty and variety of our natural stones at our showroom.