Stone Information

Granite

Granite is an igneous rock, formed mainly by the crystallization of once molten material under conditions of extreme heat and pressure. Commercially, various stones of volcanic origin with different characteristics from true granites, such as pegmatite, diorite, larvikytes (labradorite) and syenites, are also sold as “granites”. The properties of granite that make it the ideal stone surface are its hardness and inherent resistance to acid – granites are not “attacked” by the acids normally present in foods and cleaning products. Yet granite is a porous stone and requires proper sealing with a silicone based impregnator to prevent staining.

Marble

Marble is a metamorphic, crystalline rock formed by the intrusion of an igneous rock into a limestone stone mass. The heat and pressure of such an event alters the original molecular structure of the calcite present in the limestone and causes re-crystallization of the calcite and the formation of new minerals. The result is marble with the much appreciated characteristics of heavy veining and wide range of colors. Marble surfaces take a high polish but are not very hard and scratch easily. Its natural composition makes marble an easy target for acids normally found in food and cleaning products. The acids etch the marble surface, damaging the polished finish. Marble is a porous stone and requires preventative sealing with silicone-based impregnators. With proper maintenance using neutral products, marble performs extremely well. It is not recommended for use in kitchens.

Quartize

Quartzite (Metaquartzite), composed of more than 90% quartz, is formed from the metamorphosis of sandstone. Its crystals are tightly fused forming a hard, crystalline rock. It is an evenly textured stone, medium to fine grain, sugary in appearance, and pale in color.

Although quartzite has an extremely hard, scratch-resistant surface, it is also very porous and absorbent. By properly sealing the surface with a silicone-based impregnator, quartzite is an excellent surface for both bathrooms and kitchens.

Travertine

Travertine is a sedimentary rock composed almost entirely of calcium carbonate and formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate deposited by hot springs. Many of the old Roman ‘termas’ or baths were located in the rich travertine-producing region of Tivoli, south of Rome in the Rapolano area in Tuscany. Travertine was the stone of choice of ancient Rome.

Travertine is distinguished from other sedimentary rocks by its ‘spongy’ texture and large number of holes varying in size and shape. Travertine colors are usually light ivory and beige, but impurities and iron compounds found in the stone are responsible for the creation of red, yellow, and dark brown colors.

Travertine is durable and performs well in all types of applications, but must be properly sealed and maintained. The distinctive holes may be filled or left natural (unfilled), according to its proposed application and desired aesthetic appeal.

Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock formed by the cementing together of naturally accumulated rock fragments and organic sediments via a chemical process in shallow prehistoric marine environments. Limestone’s granular composition consists primarily of calcite. Limestone varies in degrees of hardness; the densest stones can be polished to a very high gloss finish. The most common colors are beige, gray, white, yellow and brown. As with marble, acid and acidic foods will etch the surface of limestone. Proper care and maintenance requires the use of only neutral soaps and detergents. Limestone is also a porous stone and requires preventative sealing with silicone-based impregnators. Limestone is quite durable, and with proper installation and maintenance, some types can perform extremely well, even in high traffic areas.

Onyx

Onyx belongs to the family of chalcedony, a microcrystalline variety of quartz. Other varieties of chalcedony include Jasper, Carnelian, Agate and Tiger’s Eye. Commercially, transparent to opaque stones characterized by alternating, parallel bands of color, are known as Onyx. Most of the Onyx sold in the word today is quarried in Iran, Pakistan, Turkey and Mexico.

Onyx colors may include white, red, blue, green and brown (dark brown to very light beige). The variations of color are attributed to impurities such as iron, aluminum, and nickel present in the stone. Onyx is often used in jewelry because of its many colors and ability to polish to a high luster.

Its vitreous and brittle nature makes Onyx prone to cracking. New resins available in the marketplace today correct this problem and allow the ‘miracle of technology’ to produce slabs 10 feet long and 6 feet high, and only ¾’” thick. Onyx does not perform well under situations of intense use or in high traffic areas. Use should be limited to private areas.

Semi-Precious

We are excited to be able to offer yet another extraordinary and unique stone product. The appeal, rarity and beauty of gems have inspired legends and stories full of fantasy and adventure for centuries. Today the legend becomes a reality with the availability of these Collections. We have great pleasure in presenting to you our new Semiprecious and Gemstone Collections.

Slate

Slate deposits are formed under less temperature and pressure; therefore, they are less dense than metamorphic stone such as marble. Slate is formed out of layered stone deposits, or shale beds. Contain mica, chlorite and quartz.

Slate has an unique natural cleft face. It is available in a wide color range. It is for interior or exterior use in moderate to heavily trafficked areas, depending on the type of surface finishing. Slate is subject to scratching. Some slates are prone to surface layer delamination (spauling) in wet environments. It is available in natural cleft, honed and tumbled finishes. It is not available in a polished finish.

Factors to consider when specifying slate are the presence of pyrites, or iron, in the body which can rust when used on an exposed exterior and also that some slates are prone to fading. For exterior walkways, multi-colored slates should not be considered in areas prone to freeze/thaw.

Sandstone

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed of quartz bonded with 60% silica bonded with iron oxide, calcium carbonates or clay.

Sandstone is available in a honed surface, sometimes polished or textured.

Soapstone

Soapstone is composed of magnesite, dolomite, chlorite and talc. Talc makes it soft to the touch. It is inert and unaffected by alkalis and acids. It can be used in science classrooms and labs. It is typically sealed with mineral oil or stone sealer.

One Quartz

ONE™ Quartz Surfaces are made using 93% natural quartz, so you get the realistic, high-polished look of granite. Balanced with that is the technology that creates an extremely durable surface in an array of colors from neutral tones to bold, luminous hues. And better yet, this quality product is proudly offered and delivered with the exceptional service you can expect from Daltile.

ONE™ Quartz Surfaces Shine with Many Distinguishing Benefits

93% natural quartz stone Realistic, high-polished look of granite Consistent colors and visual movement Wide range of color options that allow for more design freedom Durable surface that is scratch-resistant and has a long-lasting, high-gloss shine Resistance to cracking and chipping since quartz is second only to diamond in hardness Heat- and scorch-resistant under normal cooking conditions (use of a trivet is recommended for extreme heat exposure) Nonporous surface that is stain-resistant and doesn’t promote the growth of bacteria Virtually maintenance-free, no sealing necessary Ten-year limited warranty .

IceStone Surfaces

IceStone is a sustainable, durable surface made of 100% recycled glass in a cement matrix. It is a combination of non-toxic pigments and various beautiful glass colors and particle sizes. IceStone surfaces are produced in slabs, just like marble and granite. It is ideal for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, shower walls, tabletops, flooring, bar tops, conference tables, window sills, and fireplace surrounds.

LEED: IceStone is the first and only "Cradle to Cradle" Gold Level Certified durable surface in the world.

IceStone can earn a project up to 7 LEED points, which includes an "Innovation in Design" credit for achieving Cradle to Cradle certification.

PROADVANCED Program

KeysGranite - Daltile has partnered with Dupont , the leader in stain protection technology, to create the PROADVANCED™ Protection Program.

The PROADVANCED™ sealer offers your natural stone countertop an invisible layer of powerful protection.

• Repels common household stain hazards, including coffee, red wine, mustard, ketchup, cooking oil, and soy sauce.

• Incorporates a Microban® antimicrobial additive, which keeps stain- and odor-causing bacteria from growing on your countertop. Microban® keeps your countertop sealer cleaner between cleanings and makes cleaning easier.

• PROADVANCED™ was independently lab-tested, and is believed to be the highest performing product of its kind.

• Created specifically to preserve the beauty of natural stone.

• Engineered by DuPont, a pioneer in stain protection.

In addition to protecting your countertop against stains, PROADVANCED™ sealer is water-based to help keep your environment free of harmful solvent-based chemicals.

The PROADVANCED™ Protection Program includes one of the industry’s best warranties.

• 15- year, fully transferable residential warranty

• Covers replacement labor and materials

• Guarantees stain protection from coffee, red wine, ketchup, mustard, and cooking oils

• Covers over 100 granite options and select marble options

• 8-year commercial and industrial warranty

• 1-year outdoor warranty on select granite options

• Warranty includes substantial discount on the purchase of all professional-grade stone care products from Dupont.

All PROADVANCED™ sealer installers are Certified PROADVANCED™ Professionals.

The PROADVANCED™ Protection Program is available only through KeysGranite – Daltile.