Natural Stone Slabs and Tile
Slabs available vary in length and width, but have standard thickness of 2 cm (3/4 inch) and 3 cm (1 ¼ inch). Other special cuts can be ordered for your use. Tiles are available in 12 x 12 (inches), with 16 x 16, 18 x 18, 24 x 24, and other available sizes.
Granite
Granite is an igneous rock, formed mainly by the crystallization of once
molten material under conditions of extreme heat and pressure.
(See
Midwest Tile's Granite Colors)
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic, crystalline rock formed by the intrusion of an
igneous rock into a limestone stone mass. The heat and pressure of such
an event alters the original molecular structure of the calcite present
in the limestone and causes re-crystalization of the calcite and the formation
of new minerals. The result is marble with the much appreciated characteristics
of heavy veining and wide range of colors. Marble surfaces take a high
polish, but are not very hard and scratch easily. Its natural composition
makes marble an easy target for acids normally found in food and cleaning
products. The acids etch the marble surface, damaging the polished finish.
Marble is a porous stone and requires preventative sealing with silicone
based impregnators. With proper maintenance, such as using neutral products,
marble performs extremely well, though it is not recommended for use in
kitchens. (See
Midwest Tile's Marble Colors)
Quartzite
Quartzite (Metaquartzite), which is composed of more than 90% quartz,
is formed from the metamorphosis of sandstone. Its crystals are tightly
fused, forming a hard crystalline rock. It is an evenly textured stone,
medium to fine grain, sugary in appearance and pale in color.
Travertine
Travertine is a sedimentary rock, composed almost entirely of calcium
carbonate, which is formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate deposited
by hot springs. Many of the old Roman ‘termas’ or baths were
located in the rich travertine producing region of Tivoli, which is located
south of Rome in the Rapolano area of Tuscany. Travertine was the stone
choice of ancient Rome.
Travertine is distinguished from other sedimentary rocks by its “spongy”
texture and large number of holes, varying in size and shape. Travertine
colors are usually light ivory and beige, but impurities and iron compounds
found in the stone are responsible for the creation of reds, yellows and
dark brown colors.
Travertine is durable and performs well in all types of applications but
must be properly sealed and maintained. The distinctive holes may be filled
or left natural (unfilled) according to its proposed application and desired
aesthetic appeal. Unfilled travertine must not be used outside in cold
climates.
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary
rock formed by the cementing together of naturally accumulated rock fragments
and organic sediments via a chemical process in shallow prehistoric marine
environments. Limestone’s granular composition consists primarily
of calcite. Limestone varies in degrees of hardness; the densest stones
can be polished to a very high gloss finish. The most common colors are
beige, gray, white, yellow and brown. As with marble, acid and acidy foods
will etch the surface of limestone. Proper care and maintenance requires
the use of only neutral soaps and detergents. Limestone is also a porous
stone and requires preventative sealing with silicone based impregnators.
Limestone is quite durable, and, with proper maintenance, some types can
perform extremely well, even in high traffic areas. The new additions
to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and the Quai d’Orsay
Museum in Paris are good examples.
