Stone Options From China Granite, Marble, & Quartz
2021-08-19
Engineered stone is a composite material made of crushed stone bound together by an adhesive, (most commonly polymer resin, with some newer versions using cement mix). The two common stones used in producing these products are marbles and quartz. The application of these products depends on the original stone used. For engineered marbles the most common application is indoor flooring and walls, while the quartz based product is used primarily for kitchen countertops. The material is factory made in either blocks or slabs, cut and polished by fabricators, and assembled at the worksite. Engineered stone is less porous, more flexible, and harder than many types of natural stone. Less porous varieties are more resistant to mould and mildew than most natural stone types. Since it has a uniform internal structure, it does not have hidden cracks or flaws that may exist in natural stone. Its polyester resin binding agents allow some flexibility, preventing cracking under flexural pressure.
Marble is a relatively soft, porous material that comes in a variety of styles, shapes, and colors. Marble is roughly a 3 on the Mohs Scale which makes it more prone to scratching. Marble is very popular in China especially when used in bathrooms and kitchens. If marble is properly taken care of and maintained, it can last a very long time. It is important to clean marble regularly with a gentle cleaner for marble. Always clean up spills quickly with a non-abrasive gentle cleaner due to the porous nature of the marble stone. Typically, marble can be re-polished to remove scratches and improve color until the marble become too thin. Engineered marbles are popular for flooring materials for large commercial projects such as hotels, shopping centers, business lobbies, where they combine the attractive appearance of marbles with more budget-friendly prices and reliable delivery times.
Quartzite is a much harder material than Marble. On the Mohs Scale, most quartz are at a level 7. This makes them very resistant to scratching; however, it also makes re-polishing a little more difficult. Quartzite is very popular in China for countertops due to its strong characteristics and depth. It is the second most abundant mineral on the earth’s crust after Feldspar, which means there are a variety of colors, styles, and shapes to choose from at a diversity of price points.
Granite is one of the most popular stones due to its beauty and strength. Granite is also a level 7 on the Mohs Scale and is composed of a combination of minerals including quartzite and Feldspar. Granite comes in a variety of colors and this makes it very popular in China Bathrooms, Kitchens, and flooring. Granite can still be stained and scratched but like quartzite it is a more durable material than other counter and flooring options.