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