It is always possible to scratch a surface, even a diamond, if is subjected to sufficient force. However, granite is an extremely hard surface and is very hard to scratch under normal use.

The price of granite is based on its availability; the lesser the supply the higher the cost. The color, availability and movement of the stone determine the price.

Natural Stone is produced by nature the same way regardless of geographic origin. The finishing and manufacturing process reveals the remarkable beauty of natural stone

Granite is an intrusive igneous rock composed of mostly two minerals: quartz and feldspar. An intrusive rock is crystallized from magma that cooled far below the Earth’s surface. Marble is a metamorphic rock that may be foliated or non-foliated, composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals. Most commonly calcite or dolomite. Both types are 100% natural. Granite is harder than marble and therefore harder to polish (it takes longer labor hours) and marble is softer, allowing for easier polishing and fabricating but more delicate when handling. Granite is more resistant to etching than marble.

Both are natural stone that need to be sealed to prevent staining. Cleaning is about the same, soap and water, Pledge multi-surface, liquid oxy-clean and non-ammonia based products and ph-balanced cleaners are fine.

Etching is the physical response of marble when exposed to acids. The physical contact of an acid based liquid (lime juice, lemon juice, salad dressing, wine, citrus fruits juices… etc) on top of marble causes marble to break down. One could never “burn” a hole into the marble but can easily affect a mable’s surface finish. An etch mark looks like a surface “water ring or spot” or a surface spot the is “duller looking: that the rest of the surface. That marble is easily buffed by hand with a fine steel wool, tougher etch marks can be professionally buffed if needed. The integrity of the stone is hardly compromised and sealers sit below the stone’s surface to provide continued protection from staining. A true marble lover’s kitchen will showcase its beautiful etch-markings, evidence of a life well lived and a party well worth having had.

No, the contrary is true. A commodity color/stone is abundant on earth and therefore demand and supply are within reason and pricing is therefore lower. Fashion trends have a tendency to move pricing every now and then up or down on a scale ( if demand goes up, then price goes up) however, from a durability standpoint the commodity colors are highly durable (more so than even some stones that are in the exotic or super exotic category). The durability analogy does not apply to marbles, as they have other maintenance requirements.​

The color and shade is strictly a matter of taste and what best suits your lifestyle. Dark and light colors are comparable in quality.

The price of stone depends of the capacity of the quarry and its production volume, the higher the production the less expensive the price.

Almost anywhere from flooring, kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathrooms, vanity tops, shower enclosures, tub surround, wall cladding, pools, patios, fireplaces, and even driveways. Natural stone can be cut-to-size for almost any space inside or outside your home.

Natural stone is unique and creates a one-of-a-kind environment in your home, it dramatically transforms any room or outdoor space. Its natural beauty and durability makes it an excellent investment.

Granite is resin treated at the quarry. As added protection from staining, the granite surface should be sealed. Most stains that occurred can be easily removed.  Ask about our special sealer in our Gallery.

You should never have a problem with chipping or cracking under normal kitchen conditions, you shouldn’t drop very heavy, hard objects onto your countertop, or stand on top of it either.

The natural stone industry standard is a seam width of 1/16 of an inch. Many fabricators will mix custom color epoxy to adhere the seams together which does a great job at disguising them.

Yes, however, you will quickly dull your knives. On the MOH (measure of hardness) scale, a diamond receives the highest ranking of 10, granite scores between 6-9 and stainless steel kitchen knives ranks about 5.5.

While granite can withstand heat, the use of trivets or mats is recommended.

Granite is very durable, 100% natural product. It is made up of many different elements such as quartz (the semi translucent parts that allow one to look deep into the stone), feldspar, mica (the shiny sparkles or blackish inclusions) and other minerals. Granite can have varying densities within a single slab. On the other hand quartz is deemed five times stronger than granite. With a make-up of 93% natural quartz chips and 7% resins, binder and pigments it makes it a stronger slab. Quartz is scratch, heat and stain resistant, but not scratch, heat and stain proof. Quartz is a surface emulating a modern and clean design with a color achievement and purity that mother nature rarely achieves. HansStone quartz is made in North America.

Bacteria require several things  in order to thrive and grow: oxygen, sunlight, water, nutrients and substrate on which to form. The minerals found in granite are toxic to most bacteria. As a result, granite is not habitable environment for bacteria to live and grow. The Marble Institute of America has conducted independent research on bacteria growth on all countertop materials. Granite ranked first in cleanability and was second only to stainless steel in inhibiting bacteria growth.

No. None of the research studies of granite countertops has ever identified a single stone that possess any significant health threat. There have been numerous and extensive scientific studies conducted, many funded and supervised by the U.S. government, that confirm there is no meaningful risk. Visit www.marble-institute.com for the latest information and studies on radon.