Marble
Marble is a metamorphic stone that forms when limestone is subjected to heat and pressure. It is composed primarily of calcite, however, it can contain other minerals.
Properties
- Comes In A Variety of Colours
- Fire Resistant
- Abrasion Resistant
- Low Moisture-Absorption
- Unique Appearance
- Porous, Dense & Durable
- Weather-Resistant
- Can Be Shaped Easily
Maintenance
- Reacts To Acidic Substances
- It Can Stain Permanently
- Can Become Scratched Easily
- Needs To Be Renovated
- Long-Lasting If Well-Cared For
- It Can Degrade Over Time
- Can Chip Or Crack Easily
- Needs To Be Resealed
Uses
- Back Splash
- Tiles
- Countertops
- Stairs
- Walls
- Columns
- Fountains
- Tombstones
Quartz
Quartz is made using a mixture of man-made resin and quartz stone. They are a favoured option among many home-owners for kitchen countertops.
Properties
- Strong
- Less Likely To Chip
- Non-Porous
- Stain-Resistant
- Colour Variations
- Less Carbon Footprint
- Does Not Crack Or Scratch
- Low Maintenance
Maintenance
- Does Not Need Sealing
- Less Likely To Chip Or Crack
- May Discolour If Exposed To UV
- Visible Seams On Lighter Stones
- Not Heat Resistant
- Spotting & Cloudiness
- Laborious Installation
- Made For Indoor Use Only
Uses
- Cabinets
- Back Splash
- Flooring
- Tables
- Walls
- Fire Places
- Bathrooms
- Countertops
Travertine
Travertine is composed of calcium carbonates as if formed in limestone caves which are exposed to hot springs over time. It comes in a range of colours which is affected by iron content.
Properties
- Impact Resistant
- Heat Resistant
- Easy To Cut
- Various Colours
- Easy To Replace
- Distinctive Features
- Versatile
- Durable
Maintenance
- Needs To Be Resealed
- Extremely Porous
- Heavy On Texture
- Easy To Stain & Scratch
- Reacts To Acids
- Easy To Clean
- May Change In Colour
- Needs To Be Cleaned Quickly
Uses
- Flooring
- Pool Decks
- Bathrooms
- Shower Walls
- Garden Patios
- Driveways
- Stairways
- Lobbies & Foyers
- Fireplaces
Sandstone
A sedimentary rock created thanks to depositing formations from ocean floors, sand, quartz and calcite. Over time, it is formed due to the compression of these elements grouped together.
Properties
- Highly Porous
- Stains Easily
- Elegant Appearance
- Low Absorption
- Slippery
- Beautiful Colour Choices
- Highly Individual Patterns
- Ages Over Time
Maintenance
- Needs To Be Sealed Regularly
- Easy To Replace
- Scratches Easily
- Needs Immediate Cleaning
- Vulnerable To Mould
- Needs Regular Brushing
- Prone To Algae Growth
- Vulnerable To Warping
Uses
- Paving
- Sculpture
- Ornaments
- Interior Paving
- Facades
- Stairs
- Tombstones
- Fountains
Limestone
This sedimentary rock is composed of calcium carbonate. The limestone found on the Maltese islands is softer. Two different varieties can be found – Globigerina and Coralline.
Properties
- Particular Texture
- Warm, Earthy Tones
- Unique Patterns
- Vulnerable To Acids
- Porous
- Susceptible To Water Damage
- Easily Chips, Scratches & Breaks
- Medium Durability
Maintenance
- Needs To Be Sealed Immediately
- Needs Neutral Cleaning Products
- Varies In Density
- Not Suitable For High-Traffic Areas
- Clean Up Spills Immediately
- Use Steamer For Deep Cleanse
Uses
- Outdoor Use
- Pathways
- Fireplaces
- Flooring
- Walls
- Patios
Granite
This sedimentary rock is composed of calcium carbonate. The limestone found on the Maltese islands is softer. Two different varieties can be found – Globigerina and Coralline.
Properties
- Colour Variations
- Durable
- Heat Resistant
- Scratch Resistant
- Porous
- Stain Resistant
- Acid Resistant
- Heavy Weight
Maintenance
- Needs To Be Sealed
- Sealer Last Up To 10 Years
Uses
- Sink Undermounts
- Back Splashes
- Tiles
- Kitchen Countertops
- Elevator Casing
- Foyers
- Showrooms
- Tombstones
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a man-made material that consists of prefabricated precasts that include chips of marble, granite, glass, quartz, shell or other materials. In order for these substances to coagulate, cement or epoxy matrix can be used.
Properties
- Seamless Surface
- Sustainable
- Slippery
- Durable
- Various Designs
- Non-Porous
- Water-Resistant
Maintenance
- Easy To Clean
- Low Maintenance
- Professional Installation Needed
- Can Crack Or Break
Uses
- Flooring
- Wall Cladding
- Commercial Spaces
- Healthcare Premises
- Corporate Spaces
- Outdoor
- Lobbies
- Offices