Marble, Granite, and Quartzite – Shane Griffin Tells a Tale of Three Homes
Marble, granite, and quartzite are beautiful natural stones, frequently used in well designed and appointed homes and businesses. Although each of these stones is natural and quarried from the earth, marble, granite, and quartzite have some distinctly varied attributes.
Marble in Baton Rouge
Marble is composed primarily of calcium, lending to it’s often “milky” look. Calcium is a soft, porous substance. Marble is, thus, more susceptible to damage from acidic substances, food staining, or liquid spills, however the “lived-in” qualities of marble counters or tabletops offer up a desirable, familiar feeling likened to that of a New Orleans cafe. Some homeowners and builders opt to use marble for countertops, walls, flooring, or accent pieces outside of the kitchen to avoid possible issues.
Despite the perception that marble is unsuitable for kitchen counters, STONE does frequently install marble kitchen countertops, especially with the huge surge in popularity of the white kitchen look right now, as is reiterated by Shane Griffin of Shane Griffin Designs. “I love white marble in the kitchen! It has a classic simplicity to it. I’m not scared of marble in the kitchen with all the incredible products they have now to seal, maintain, and clean.”
Another major draw for homeowners and contractors is the ability to either stick to a tight budget or to achieve ultra-opulent outfitting- both with marble. Griffin states, “Marble has a big range in cost, allowing some clients to achieve that really high end look for just a fraction of the cost.”
Granite in Baton Rouge
Granite is composed of strong crystalized minerals from molten magma, allowing it to be an extremely durable stone. The dense, sturdy material is resistant to heat, stains and abrasions, making it a great choice for everyday use in high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Aside from diamond, granite is the hardest stone in the world and has one of the longest lifespans of any household building material.
STONE has extensive experience with outfitting Baton Rouge homes with granite countertops. Local designer, Shane Griffin, states, “The last granite job that we did was a large-scale patterned granite in blacks and amber tones with a chiseled edge. We were going for a more rustic look. That is the beauty of stone! There’s something for everyone.”
Quartzite in Baton Rouge
Quartzite is also a metamorphic stone, like granite, that is formed when quartz sandstone is subjected to forces of heat and pressure in the earth, converting it to mainly whites and greys, but can present in other colors depending on the minerals involved in the formation.
Quartzite is the new “it” material for countertops due to its resilience to wear and tear whilst being a gorgeous addition to a lighter colored space. The lighter colored spaces evoke serenity and clean sensations, so the utilization of quartzite in white kitchens, spa inspired bathrooms, or comfy master closets has become the choice of many. Griffin states, “Currently, the stone of choice is quartzite. It provides the aesthetic that most clients are looking for along with incredible durability. It just makes a statement.”
STONE Knows Stone
Marble, granite, and quartzite are beautiful, natural, versatile, and durable stones. Each of these stones is formed naturally and contains unique variations in each slab. This uniqueness is one of the features that make natural stone so beautiful and sought-after. The price of any natural stone slab can vary widely depending on its rarity, how difficult it is to extract, and where it is quarried/sourced.
If natural stone countertops are part of your next project, make an appointment to visit STONE to see each of these materials in person and to consult with one of our skilled team members in how to best incorporate all flooring, tile, and countertop materials in your next new construction or renovation project.