Natural stone such as granite, marble, or limestone are beautiful and popular options for kitchen countertops, offering a timeless quality that never goes out of style. They offer a large variety of options in colors, finishes and textures, ensuring you will find one that best fits your wants and needs. These natural stone options are durable and when properly sealed, are simple to care for and maintain.<\/p>\n
Pores develop over the course of the stone\u2019s formation process \u2013 the size and structure of the pores are determined by the type of stone and the way in which it was formed millions of years ago. Stones such as granite and quartz are formed from igneous rock, under extreme heat and pressure, and have very minimal porosity. . Limestone and marble are typically softer and more porous than granite . When limestone turns to marble, the crystal structure goes through growth and compression phases which cause different sizes of pores throughout the marble. Quartz, granite, limestone, and marble change form over time, altering the composition of the stone.<\/p>\n
Acidic foods and brightly colored fruits and vegetables are common culprits (think vinegar, lemon juice, tomatoes, blueberry juice, and wine) that may etch or stain countertops made of softer stones such as marble and limestone. The installer will seal the countertops to protect food oils, acids and dyes from penetrating into the stone.<\/p>\n
If a stain should occur, Arizona Tile\u2019s Stone Preserve stain removers can be used to gently clean all natural stone surfaces including granite, marble, and limestone – even quartz and cultured marble. Both a food stain remover and an oil stain remover are available. Both are poultice powders which are designed to safely remove deep stains that cannot be removed with liquid cleaners. They do not require any scrubbing \u2013 just mix with water and apply.<\/p>\n
While homeowners try to be careful, life (and spills) get in the way. To protect your investment from damage, we recommend a regular maintenance regimen to help keep your stone looking its best. resealing your natural stone countertop periodically. Different types of stone require different maintenance schedules. Between sealing jobs, always clean spills immediately with a non-abrasive cleaner. Hot objects, such as pots and pans, should not be placed directly on natural stones. As a safety precaution, use coasters or trivets on countertop areas.<\/p>\n