When choosing natural stone for a project, whether for a kitchen or a bathroom, as flooring or exterior façade cladding, several factors must be considered. Marmi Rossi offers a wide range of materials to natural stone traders, stonemasons, and other experts of the stone industry, including marble, granite, quartzite and dolomite. However, each natural stone has specific characteristics that makes it suitable for certain applications.
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Choosing the right material for your project
The characteristics of a natural stone are decisive for its intended use. From an aesthetic point of view, marble, granite, quartzite, and dolomite differ in colour, texture, and natural geometric patterns, which make each slab unique. In terms of hardness, granite is more resistant than marble, which means that granite suits better for strongly stressed surfaces, i.e. as kitchen countertops or outdoor flooring. Quartzite and dolomite are almost as resistant as granite, but the latter is generally considered best for outdoor use.
Resistance to atmospheric agents and the location, where the material will be placed, are important variables: a typical example is travertine, which has often been used for architectural artworks in Rome, but which would not have been as long-lasting in another setting under extreme climatic conditions.
The surface finishing also influences the decision whether to choose one or another natural stone, because certain types of finishing highlight the surface and improve not only the stone’s aesthetics but also its performance. The surface finishing depends on the intended use: some are suitable for indoor use, while others fit well outdoor, since they are longer lasting and of greater safety.
In the following, we will analyse in detail the most important criteria for a proficient and sustainable material choice.
Factors that influence the choice of natural stone
1. Optics: the decisive factor
Thanks to its special and unique beauty, natural stone is usually the first choice, especially since each slab is characterised by individual patterns and shades, adding exclusivity to every setting.
Marble, such as Bianco Carrara or Calacatta, is particularly appreciated thanks to the elegant veining and refined colours, both fit perfectly into any luxurious setting.
The coarse-grained surface of granite is more homogenous than marble. Classic examples for granite are Bianco Sardo and Bianco Cristal, but darker stones, such as Nero Assoluto Zimbabwe, are very popular on the market, too.
Quartzite combines the sophisticated aesthetics of marble with the resistance of granite. Marmi Rossi offers a wide range of quartzites in all colours and shades: from intense green to botanical green, including the delicate colours of the quartzite Splendido Rosa.
Dolomite looks very similar to marble but has a higher wear-resistance. In our material catalogue you will find different types of dolomites, such as Australian Calacatta Gold, Australian Cream, Calacatta Matarazzo, and many others.
2. Hardness and abrasion resistance
When natural stone is used in outdoor areas, it must be resistant to scratches, impacts and abrasion. That means:
- granite and quartzite are the harder and more resistant natural stones, which are particularly suitable as flooring in high-traffic areas, but also as kitchen countertops or for outdoor application;
- marble is more delicate and scratches easily, therefore it is recommended for interior cladding or decorative surfaces;
- dolomite is a well-balanced choice: the traditional aspect of marble is combined with higher resistance.
3. Indoor and outdoor application
As already mentioned, the setting in which the natural stone is applicated, is decisive.
Indoors, marble is suitable as wall decoration or wall cladding in bathrooms, while quartzite is an excellent material for kitchen countertops.
Outdoors, the high-strength granite is the best choice for flooring and façade cladding. If you are looking for a more sophisticated surface, quartzite is an interesting alternative.
4. Weather resistance and resistance to external agents
Under certain climatic conditions, some natural stones are more resistant than others:
- in wet and coastal areas: granite and quartzite are highly resistant to salt and moisture;
- areas with extreme temperature fluctuations: granite is ideal since it won’t be damaged by frost or high temperatures;
- areas with heavy soiling: you’ll better avoid marble as exterior façade cladding, as it will get dirty easily.
5. Finishing
Surface treatment not only affects the aesthetics of a natural stone, but also its functionality. Here are examples:
- polish: a polished surface makes any natural stone glossier while emphasizing the colours, but it can be slippery when wet (therefore this finishing is not recommended for outdoor floors).
- brushing and flaming: it increases abrasion resistance, perfect for floors and outdoor areas.
- sandblasting and bush-hammering: usually only used for marble to obtain a rough surface for areas that require high slip resistance for safety reasons.
- satin finishing: all natural stones can be satined, the surface appears then matt.
6. Price: a key factor
The price of natural stone is another factor that should not be underestimated. The cost varies depending on the rarity, finishing type, and availability of the stone. Precious marbles, such as Calacatta or Statuario, are more expensive, while Bianco Carrara has a more affordable price.
Granite and quartzite are in the middle to high price range, but it is an excellent investment thanks to the material’s durability.
Conclusion: which natural stone should you choose?
The decision for a particular natural stone is determined by a combination of these factors: aesthetics, strength, intended use, and budget. If you are looking for elegance and are willing to treat the surface with care, then marble is the perfect choice. If resistance and durability are more important to you, granite and quartzite are good alternatives. Whereas dolomite offers a good compromise between beauty and durability.
Visit our material catalogue and discover the natural stones on stock at Marmi Rossi’s.