Stone & Slab Guide: A Resource from a Top Stone Slab Supplier
Discover the perfect stone for your project with our comprehensive guide. This comprehensive list breaks down the unique characteristics, durability, and best uses of each option, straight from trusted stone slab suppliers who know what performs in real-world applications.
Calcite
Calcite, a prevalent mineral, is the main component of limestone, marble, onyx, and travertine. These slabs are usually white or nearly white, with soft veins in shades of blue, gray, green, apricot, and pink.
While they resemble quartzite due to their grain structure, calcite is a softer stone, similar to marble. They are prone to etching, scratching, and staining. Regular sealing and cleaning with a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild soap and water are essential.
Mohs Hardness Scale: 3
Best Uses: Enhance spaces needing a soft, elegant touch without high durability demands.
Dolomite
Dolomite, essentially a marble with added magnesium, is more robust than typical marble. It offers better resistance to heat and pressure.
However, it still requires annual sealing to prevent etching and staining. Dolomite begins as limestone and transforms through dolomitization, where magnesium-rich water alters its structure, increasing its density and resistance to wear.
Mohs Hardness Scale: 3.5 – 4
Best Uses: Ideal for countertops due to its improved durability over traditional marble.
Granite
Granite, an igneous rock, forms from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface. It’s a hard stone resistant to scratches, heat, and stains when correctly sealed.
While granite's small pores and fissures are not signs of weakness, care is needed to prevent chipping or cracking from heavy impacts. Use cutting boards to preserve knife edges.
Mohs Hardness Scale: 6 – 7
Best Uses: Countertops, flooring, fireplaces, bathrooms.
Limestone
Limestone forms at the bottom of oceans, rivers, and lakes from calcium carbonate, shells, and marine organisms under heat and pressure.
It’s solid throughout, which means it can resist abrasion and freeze-thaw cycles. However, it can etch and scratch similarly to marble. Its organic appearance makes it a staple among stone slab suppliers.
Mohs Hardness Scale: 3 – 4
Best Uses: Fireplaces, interior and exterior flooring, countertops, high-traffic areas.
Marble
Marble is renowned for its unparalleled beauty and elegance. As a softer, more porous stone, it requires maintenance, including resealing every 3–6 months.
It’s heat-resistant and a favorite for bakers, but use trivets to prevent damage.
Mohs Hardness Scale: 3
Best Uses: Bathroom counters, fireplaces, accent walls, backsplashes.
Onyx
Onyx is a calcareous stone formed by the redeposition of dissolved limestone, often appearing in caves as stalactites and stalagmites.
It’s fragile yet beautiful. Onyx’s ability to be backlit creates stunning, one-of-a-kind design moments.
Mohs Hardness Scale: 6 – 7
Best Uses: Bar countertops, accent walls.
Quartzite
Quartzite is one of the hardest natural stones available. It resists etching, heat, and UV rays, making it a go-to for low-maintenance, high-performance applications.
Its veining often mimics marble, offering durability with refined style.