ALL ABOUT NATURAL STONE

INTRODUCTION OF NATURAL STONE

Natural stone is a material that time has made strong and man has made beautiful. Because of these qualities, you may use natural stones for floors, countertops, fireplaces, tables, window sills, and many other applications.

There is growing interest in creating beautiful, timeless, homes that are also sustainable. In today’s marketplace, with many materials and design options fighting for your attention, natural stone stands out as the perfect choice for meeting all of your needs while also enhancing the sustainability of your home.  Natural stone is versatile enough to achieve the aesthetic, performance, and cost goals on both the exterior and interior of your home over the long term.

SOME KEY FEATURES OF NATURAL STONE

• NATURAL STONE IS LOW MAINTENANCE
• HIGHLY DURABLE
• LEAVES LESS CARBON FOOTPRINT
• 100% NATURAL
• QUARRIES ARE EASILY RECLAIMABLE

How long does natural stone last?

One of the reasons natural stone countertops are such a great investment is because they last. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), stone countertops are rated as able to last a lifetime, over 100 years, and more.

Are Stones durable?

Stone, in general, is considered a durable material; however, not all stones are as durable as one might anticipate. Stone durability is dependent on its composition, which can affect strength and appearance, and environmental exposure factors. Stone durability is greatly influenced by its use and exposure.

What is meant by the durability of stone?

When we are going to define the durability of a material, it is the term used for an ability of a material to stay for a service life within the surrounding milieu, even without any damage or unforeseen maintenance requirement.

What is the strongest type of stone?

Granite - Although diamond is probably the hardest natural material with a rating of 10 on the Mohs scale, granite is by far the strongest and most durable of natural stones measuring 6 on the Mohs scale that is used as a construction material. In fact, it is the most-popular dimension stone that is widely used all over the world.

BENEFITS OF NATURAL STONE

1. Stone is a natural material.

Stone is a natural product of the Earth, the original green building material. It does not require other materials or resources to create it. There is an abundant supply with different veining, textures, colors, shapes, and technical characteristics that make it possible for the stone to be used in a wide range of applications. Stone’s varying appearance is the result of millions of years of geologic change and mineral composition. The natural stone contains no harmful chemicals or toxins, so you can rest assured that your interior environment will be healthy, an important component of sustainable design. Stone is also available regionally and locally. Regionally manufactured and extracted materials reduce environmental impacts by reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses during transportation of the materials. 

2. Stone is very durable.

Stone stands the test of time, which means the choice to use natural stone will only enhance the value of your home while reducing the need to replace materials over a longer period of time. Stones such as slate, limestone, travertine, and granite will all age beautifully and gracefully, providing years of use and enjoyment. Stone can easily stand up to high traffic and use in areas such as courtyards, foyers, kitchens, and baths and may be designed to last for 50 or even 100 years. Durability is especially important when choosing sustainable materials so that resources aren’t used to create new materials as often.

When you compare materials, consider them from a life-cycle cost perspective. Even if the stone is more expensive initially, it will more than pay for itself and reduce future costs compared to other materials that need to be repaired or replaced frequently.

3. Stone offers ease of care and maintenance

If maintained properly, the stone will last for years and reward you with its beauty. There is a wide range of fabrication options and finishes that can be applied to natural stone that will also enhance its performance, including extending its life, resisting weather and wear and tear, or making the stone more slip-resistant. Most stones can simply be cleaned with mild dish soap and water. There are also cleaners made specifically for natural stone that are affordable and easy to use. Many of these cleaners are approved to meet sustainability standards, which means they contain no harmful chemicals and won’t pollute the environment. 

4. Stone is Recyclable

Stone is completely recyclable and has the potential to serve many different uses and purposes over its lifetime. Salvaging and recycling stone is a very viable option and a sustainable way to ensure that the useful life of the material will be lived out to its fullest. Environmentally, utilizing recycled stone can eliminate the energy, water, and other resources needed to generate new products from virgin or raw material sources, ultimately reducing or avoiding impacts to ecosystems and resource supplies.

There are many potential uses and applications for recycled and salvaged stone. For instance, an old stone building can be disassembled and the stone reformed or refinished for use as paving materials, retaining walls, or an exterior facade. Small flat stones can be repurposed and strategically designed to create a mosaic floor or wall design. Stone fragments can also be adhered together to create a completely new design or appearance. These materials can also provide a sense of history or nostalgia in a home.

5. Stone is quarried and manufactured sustainably

Advancements in technology, including improved methods of quarrying, extraction, and fabrication have led to increased options and reduced costs of stone products, making natural stone easier to use and more desirable than ever before. Conserving resources, preventing pollution, and minimizing waste are some ways the stone industry is working to be eco-friendly through practices that support sustainable design requirements.  Through your selection of natural stone, you can be a part of using a material that is natural and is handled in a sustainable manner from the quarrying stage through to its installation and useful long life. Discuss these practices and options with your stone supplier or contractor and contribute to this green practice for your modern home design elements.

ADD BY EXPERT AND EXPORT TEAM OF BHANDARI MARBLE GROUP KISHANGARH CONTACT 9829040013

 

ITALIAN MARBLE PRICES AND USES

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Italian marble is one of the oldest and most minimalist decorative and adorable materials in the World. Italian Marble has been quarried in Italy and in many other European countries for centuries. In ancient times, people used marble as a building block and tombstone in ancient Rome and Asia Minor. Due to the proximity of old quarries like White Carrara and Afyon White (two of the oldest quarries in the World); buildings in surrounding areas use marble blocks to dress and construct various buildings. Eventually, at last, Romans were able to cut Italian marble blocks in thinner size to use in marble flooring and marble countertops.

How Marble cutting technology emitted?
Late 18th-century Italian marble cutting technology improved and marble became more effective as a decorative interior element in various forms. Thin cutting machinery with diamond types of equipment improved the process and ¾” thick marble slabs were seen. Various diamond equipment was also used in polishing the surface and give it a smooth finish.

Most popular Italian Marbles and their Prices

Calacatta Arabescato Marble

Today some of the most famous well-known marble are Italian White Carrara, Italian Calacatta, Crema Marfil, and Statuario white Marble. These marble are also known by a variety of different names in Italian and other languages. Calacatta Marble price starts from 350rs per sqft and ranges up to 4-5k rs per sqft.

White Carrara

White Carrara is also known as Bianco Carrara and so on. In addition, each marble quarry produces various styles of marble distinguished by its veins, background color, and markings. All of these unique elements make each slab of marble an exclusive piece of stone. White Carrara marble starts from 300rs per sqft and goes up to 4000rs per sqft.

Starting prices of some most famous Italian Marble

 

• ARABESCATTO MARBLE 300rs sqft

• BOTTOCHINO MARBLE 250rs sqft

• RED VERONA MARBLE 275rs sqft

• STATUARIO MARBLE 1000rs sqft

• DYNA MARBLE 225rs sqft

• GREY WILLIAMS 280rs sqft

• BRECCIA AURORA 800rs sqft

Some Interesting facts about Italian Marble

Italian Marble, like all-natural minerals, varies from shipment to shipment and from block to block. Different quarries generate more or less desirable look and veins from time to time. The Carrara region of Italy is particularly rich in magnificent marble quarries. White Carrara Marble, Statuario, Classic Statuario, Calacatta Gold, Calacatta Arabescato, Calacatta Caldia, Vagli Oro, and Zebrino are some of the most desired stones in the World.
Snow white marble, Dolomite marbles, and Volakas are some of the well-known Italian Marble. Marble from this area are a little softer but have a dramatic look and feel.

Thinner and Better Marbles

Marble tiles or thin tiles became available in the late ’80s and it is one of the most popular forms and shapes of natural marble. Tiles generally come 3/8” thick and thin form makes them easy to transport and install. Italian Marble tiles are a tremendous way of decorating kitchen floors, kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, and bathroom floors. Italian Marble floor tiles are easy to install and last forever. Not like other forms of material, marble tiles can be re-polished over time. The most popular sizes are 12×12 tiles, 18×18 tiles, and 12×24 wall and floor tiles. A good and fine sealer is always recommended to seal marble tiles after installation.

Usage of Italian Marble

Kitchen backsplashes use a merger of small size marble tiles or mosaics. 3×6 subway tile can be installed in a straight joint or stumble joint. Water-jet cut marble tiles also add a feature of dimension to any kitchen installation. You can use several combinations of colors mixed or solid to achieve a highly decorative element in your kitchen.
The effects of Italian Marble on temperature
One of the less known qualities of Italian marble is its capability to keep indoor temperatures cool. In general, Italian marble is lower than room temperature and keeps cool. This particular quality is important in warm areas since it reflects the sun and keeps the room cool. Builders in Resort areas like Miami and the Caribbean Islands applied the entire floor with Italian marble. Large-format tiles like 24×24 or 36×36 marble tiles are used on the entire floor to give a rich and elegant look.

Italian Marble as Mosaic tiles

Italian Marble mosaics are another popular form of this material. Mosaic art has been around for centuries. Mosaic art was mostly hand clipped with artisans and laid on cement beds. Today modern technology and machinery enable us to cut marble mosaics almost into any shape and size. They are usually mounted on mesh or plastic net for ease of implementation. One of the most practical installations of mosaic tiles is shower floors. Especially with small format marble mosaics like 1×1 you can create a slope inside showers. Furthermore, mortar joints in these mosaics create a natural non-slip surface.

Italian Marble Slabs

Italian Marble Slabs are the most challenging shape of marble. A fine marble slab comes in smaller sizes and shapes. In order to get the best perfect marble slab for marble countertops, you have to look for a slab that has good color distribution, without any cracks, and has good contrast between the background and veins. An average marble slab is 8 ft by 4 ft and you can easily get two pieces of countertops from it. The most popular surface is a polished surface. However, honed marble slabs are preferred to make wear and tear less visible. Honing marble slabs is usually done by skilled and expert marble finishers or marble factories.

SKILLED SEALER

A high-quality sealer is a must
We recommend sealing all marble floors and countertops with a good quality sealer after application marble. There are many types of sealers such as oil-based or water-based sealers as well as color-enhanced or plain sealers. Some of these sealers provide a wet look which brings out all the colors and veins in marble to the surface. One can also achieve what is called a book match or diamond figure pattern veins by polishing the opposite sides of alternating tiles to give a dramatic look.

If you are looking to apply Italian Marble in your new home, Villa, Hotel, Resort, etc. Contact us at BHANDARI MARBLE GROUP and we would look forward, make your task easy and hassle-free. We also offer doorstep delivery where we make it certain that the best quality products reach you.

ADD BY EXPERT AND EXPORT TEAM OF BHANDARI MARBLE GROUP CONTACT 9829040013