GRANDE STONEWARE is proud to present NATURAL STONE
This boutique stone collection has been meticulously researched and complied by our purchasing department. NATURAL STONE delivers unrivalled beauty, performance and aesthetics. The material reliability is paired with style, elegance and a timeless ambiance.
Please read below for a basic overview and further details regarding NATURAL STONE panels.
Geological Origins
Natural stone originates from the Earth’s crust, where it forms through geologic processes spanning millions of years. All natural stones are classified into three primary categories based on their geological origins.
Igneous: Molten rock cooling (e.g., Granite, Basalt).
Sedimentary: Accumulated marine or mineral particles (e.g., Limestone, Sandstone, Travertine).
Metamorphic: Pre-existing rocks transformed by heat/pressure (e.g., Marble, Quartzite, Slate).
Top Sources: Italy, Brazil, India, Turkey, China and Spain.
Key Characteristics
Aesthetics: Unique, unrepeatable patterns with deep natural colour and various textures (Polished, Honed, Leathered).
Durability: Ranges from soft (Marble, Mohs 3–5) to extremely hard (Quartzite/Granite, Mohs 6–7).
Unrepeatable Patterning: Every slab is a one-of-a-kind “work of art.” No two pieces are identical due to unique mineral veining, swirls, and colour variations created by nature.
Tactile Finishes: Beyond classic high-gloss polished surfaces, current trends favour tactile textures like honed (smooth matte), leathered (textured/brushed) and flamed (rough, created by intense heat).
Natural Colour Depth: Stones like marble, granite, and quartzite offer deep, multi-dimensional colours (from soft creams to striking blues and greens) that engineered materials attempt to mimic but cannot fully embody.
Extreme Hardness: Durability is measured on the Mohs scale (1 to 10). Quartzite (Mohs 7) and granite (Mohs 6–7) are significantly harder than marble (Mohs 3–5), making them highly resistant to scratches and everyday wear.
Porosity & Absorption: All natural stone is porous to some degree. High-density stones like granite have low porosity, while “soft” stones like limestone and marble are more absorbent and susceptible to staining if not properly sealed.
Heat Resistance: Natural stone slabs are inherently fire-resistant and can withstand high temperatures. Granite, for example, can handle direct contact with hot cookware up to approximately 572°F (300°C).
Compressive Strength: This measures a stone’s resistance to crushing. Quartzite and high-density granite exhibit the highest compressive strength, often exceeding 20,000 PSI, making them ideal for load-bearing and high-traffic areas.
Repairability & Longevity: Unlike many synthetic surfaces, natural stone can be professionally refinished, re-polished, or repaired if chipped, allowing it to last for the entire life of a building.
Natural Insulation: Stone acts as a natural thermal insulator, helping to maintain consistent indoor temperatures by staying cooler in summer and retaining heat in winter.
Hygienic Surface: When properly sealed, the dense surface of many stones is resistant to bacteria and mould, particularly in wet areas.
Patina Development: Some stones, especially marble and limestone, develop a “patina” over time—a subtle change in appearance that many designers value as a sign of authenticity and age.
Attainment & Processing
Quarrying: Geologists use 3D mapping and diamond wire saws to extract massive blocks.
Slicing: Blocks are cut into 2cm or 3cm slabs using multi-wire saws.
Refinement: Slabs are often treated with epoxy resin for strength and finished with robotic polishing stages.
Block Liberation: Large “bench walls” are separated from the bedrock using diamond wire saws or high-pressure water jets, which minimize waste compared to traditional blasting.
Sizing: These sections are further cut into manageable blocks, often weighing between 7,000 and 20,000 kg, depending on the material (e.g., marble vs. granite).
Gang Saws & Multi-Wire Saws: These machines use multiple diamond-tipped wires to slice through an entire block simultaneously. A single block of stone can take anywhere from 8 hours to 3 days to be fully sliced into slabs.
Water Recirculation: Modern facilities use closed-loop water systems to recycle up to 98% of the water used to cool blades and suppress dust.
Resin Application: Slabs are often coated with high-quality epoxy resin to fill micro-fissures and enhance structural integrity. This is often followed by a vacuum process to ensure deep penetration.
Mesh Backing: For more fragile stones like marble, a fiberglass mesh is adhered to the back for additional reinforcement during shipping and installation.
Polished: High-gloss, reflective surface.
Honed: Smooth and matte, popular for a more understated look.
Leathered: A textured finish that highlights the stone’s natural contours and conceals fingerprints.
Maintenance
Use pH-Neutral Cleaners: Only use cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone or a mixture of warm water and a tiny drop of mild dish soap.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, ammonia, or abrasive scrubbing creams. These acidic or alkaline substances can “etch” (chemically burn) the stone, leaving permanent dull spots.
Soft Tools: Use microfiber cloths or soft sponges. For textured finishes like leathered granite, a soft-bristled brush may be needed to remove dust from deeper grooves.
Immediate Spill Cleanup: Blot—do not wipe—spills immediately, especially acidic substances like wine, coffee, and citrus juice, to prevent them from penetrating the surface.
Barriers: Always use coasters under glasses, trivets under hot pans (to avoid thermal shock) and cutting boards to prevent scratches.
The Water Test: Pour a few drops of water on the slab. If it beads up, the seal is intact. If the stone darkens as the water absorbs, it is time to reseal.
Frequency: Most slabs require resealing every 6 to 12 months, though high-quality penetrating sealers can last significantly longer depending on usage.
Sealer Types: Penetrating (impregnating) sealers are standard for maintaining a natural look without changing the stone’s colour or slip resistance.
Deep Cleaning & Polishing: Every 1–3 years, a professional can perform a heavy-duty clean and machine-polish the stone to restore its original lustre.
Repairing Damage: While minor chips can be fixed with stone repair kits, deep etches, cracks, or stubborn stains (like oil) often require professional poulticing or refinishing.
Common Panel Applications
Interior: Kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, laundry/scullery benchtops and splashbacks, bathroom benchtops, bathroom walls and floors, staircases, fireplace and TV surrounds, dining tables and bespoke furniture.
Exterior: Outdoor kitchens, building facades, dining tables and bespoke furniture.
Commercial: Multi residential kitchen and bathrooms benchtops, retail and hospitality spaces, food preparation areas, dining tables and bespoke furniture.
Please feel free to contact our team for further information.
Contact Details:
Email: info@grandestoneware.com
Phone: 08 9377 3385