Granite, Quartz and Marble worksurface specialists
t: +44 (0)1376 553088
e: info@anglianstone.co.uk
Granite, Quartz and Marble worksurface specialists
t: +44 (0)1376 553088
e: info@anglianstone.co.uk
Choosing the right natural stone for you is essential. Anglian Stone are here to help and guide you through the important decision of what stone is right for you. Leaving you with the fun decision of what texture, colour stone to use.
We guarantee to beat or at least price match any like for like quote providing the same top quality stone and craftmanship. We can source almost any stone product so please contact us for more information and a free estimate on 01376 553088.
The term granite comes from the latin root word "granum" meaning "grain". It is formed from liquid magma, the molten rock found at the core of the earth It has cooled slowly to form a substance which is hard and durable. It is an igneous rock.
Granite is formed of an aggregate of crystals which are molded together without any interspace between them or which enclose one another. It has three essential minerals within it; felspar, quartz and mica. These minerals occur in different amounts, which gives each piece of granite its own colour, texture and structural characteristics, making each piece unique!
Granite resists strains and scratches. It stands up to warm pans, water and wear. We at Anglian stone can tailor your self-chosen piece of granite to match your specific requirements. Granite is perfect for use throughout the house and we can design pieces for kitchens, bathrooms, tiling, fireplaces, tables, vanities, islands etc
*DISCLAIMER: All granite and quartz slabs are produced from natural stone that has been quarried from mountains all over the world. As a natural product they are prone to variations in color, pattern and density. As a result all pictures and images provided on our site should be treated as representational information only and not an exact copy of the products to be purchased.
For those who love the look of granite but are wanting an exact pattern, colour or something different quartz could be the answer. Quartz is the most common mineral found on the earth’s surface. It is present in nearly every geological environment and is a component of almost every rock type. It exists in an impressive range of varieties and colours. it ranks 7.0 on Moh’s Hardness Scale, which is used to measure the scratch-resistance of a material. Only the diamond (at 10), topaz and sapphire (at 9) are harder than quartz. Quartz does not form in huge stone blocks like granite does. It grows in clusters and which contain 40% – 60% quartz, limestone or other types of rock, it is not suitable in its natural state to make into countertops or other large slabs.
A process was developed and patented by an Italian company which involved using raw quartz crystals ranging in size from coarse grains to the size of rock salt. Once the quartz is ground and selected, the crystals are combined with bonding agents, resin, and colour, then heated and vibro-compacted to form an impenetrable surface. The result is a slab made up of about 93 percent quartz and 7 percent resin binders and pigments. Making it free of fissures and cracks and impervious to water, moisture and bacteria.
The appearance of the quartz surface varies depending on the size and mix of the granules. Smaller, finer crystals give a more uniform appearance, while larger ones give a more mottled look. The colours that quartz are available in also vary as pigment can be added. Most of these colours can suit modern design but can’t be found in nature! Quartz is ideal for use in countertops, flooring, shower and tub enclosures, fireplace surrounds and furniture.
*DISCLAIMER: All granite and quartz slabs are produced from natural stone that has been quarried from mountains all over the world. As a natural product they are prone to variations in color, pattern and density. As a result all pictures and images provided on our site should be treated as representational information only and not an exact copy of the products to be purchased.
The term marble has both a geological and commercial definition. Geologically marble is a metamorphic rock consisting of fine to coarse grained recrystallised calcite and or dolomite. Commercially the term marble is used to describe any crystallized carbonate rock including true marble and certain limestone that is capable of taking a polish.
Marbles are available in a vast array of colours, and the variety of colours is a result of impurities found in the marbles such as iron oxides, carbonaceous minerals, mica, chlorite or silicate.
There is a wide variation of physical properties in the stones that make up the marble group. generally the flexural strength, compressive strength, and abrasion resistance are lower than what is typically found in the granite group. This may result in either reduced spans or increased thicknesses for cladding, or increased wear in high traffic areas. As long as the material is properly selected for the application, the performance should be satisfactory.
The type of stone used needs to depend on the use of the stone. Marble may not be considered strong enough to be used in the kitchen but looks and suits bathroom perfectly.
Slate is a fine grained metamorphic rock. Its derived from an original shale type sedimentary rock composed of clay or volcanic ash. Its mostly made up of quartz and muscovite. Because of its natural ability to resist heat, slate can be used in the household. It isn't as hard and durable as granite or quartz but with the right amount of care it can provide a hygienic, heat proof and beautiful surface.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of Calcium Carbonate. It often contains variable amounts or silica as well as clay, silt and sand. Limestone constitutes approximately 10 percent of the sedimentary rocks exposed on the earth's surface. It forms either by direct crystallization from water (usually seawater) or by accumulation of shell and shell fragments.
Limestone usually forms in shallow water less than 20 m (70 ft) deep and thus also provides important geological information on the variation in sea level in the past. Limestone is widely used in bathrooms and for flooring and often comes with fossils embedded in it. Being more porous than granite, if you are planning to have a limestone worktop or countertop on your kitchen, you will need to take greater care.
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