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Nearly everyone loves to gaze at marble. It adds character and class to any setting. Augustus proudly said he found Rome made of bricks and left it marble. The Pantheon is made of marble, as well as the Lincoln Memorial. Time has shown marble to be long lasting, durable, beautiful and unique because of its veins. Marble countertops make any setting beautiful. Last year brought the trend of white marble.

When you choose marble countertops you are making an elegant statement that your presence will last decades. Small wonder the trend is to bring back marble in residential and commercial settings. Wherever marble is found, it always gives us pause, as we never tire seeing it.

In the world of white marble countertops, there are many variances, at least 27 in fact. Some tend toward the gray. Others are a bit more creamy or granular. Those in the most pure form are without a doubt the hardest to procure and therefore the most expensive. White marble can be found on many continents. However, the most sought after types are from the quarries in Barry, Vermont and Carrara, Italy.

Quartz and Quartzite countertops are indeed an excellent choice. At Marble and Granite, we work hard to bring you the best in materials and help bring your projects to fruition.

Quartzite                                            

This is an amazing material. It is naturally strong, resists heat and is hard to stain. Quartzite is formed from sandstone and quartz together under a great deal of heat and pressure. The empty grains of sandstone are filled with quartz. This process makes quartzite harder than quartz. On the Mohs scale of hardness (1-10), with 10 the hardest, granite measures between 6 and 6.5; whereas quartzite measures around 7.

However, there is a chance for etching to occur on its surface. Quartzite is considered an exceptional material for use in countertops. This can be literally found all over the world, as it is a very common material formed in the crust of the earth. You will notice the more sought after material originates in Brazil and India. The difference in price for the material in either slabs or tiles will be reflected through the availability of colors and location.

When it comes to kitchen renovations, one of the most popular upgrades among homeowners is the installation of stone countertops in marble or granite. Stone is an incredibly versatile material that helps to not only improve the aesthetic quality of the kitchen, but can also increase the value of your home.

Common real estate wisdom holds that much of a home's value is centered in the bathrooms and kitchen. These spaces can be both functional and beautiful, and are excellent places for upgrading to high quality materials and fixtures. A great way to add both beauty and durability to your home is by installing stone countertops in the kitchens and bathrooms. Stone and granite countertops help add visual interest to your home by providing color and pattern to the interior design.

Marble And Granite, Inc. in keeping with her long tradition of staying ahead of the curve by providing the latest surfaces for countertop, flooring and other vertical applications has once again introduced this wonderful and eco-friendly product called NEOLITH. This is probably the only product of its kind which is eventually going to find an application in every conceivable form of space. It is because of this versatility that we will not define this product strictly in terms of a countertop material only.

The appreciation of the beauty of marble has been in evidence for centuries. From treasured marble sculptures to marble countertops, this material is one of the most prized for artisans and artists alike. Marble has lasted through the ages and has been associated with fine art, higher culture and as a lasting material. At Marble and Granite, Inc., we are pleased to include this in our inventory.   

Each marble has its own characteristic. Green marbles tend to be much harder and lacking pores; whereas the white is softer. But even amongst the whites, characteristics can be different, so each is truly unique. And though granite has its own rightful place, having been used a lot in the past fifty years, marble is the one that has stood the test of time. It is softer on the eyes, and even though it is stone, it is soft to the touch. It requires a more skilled craftsman to work with marble over granite, as it is a more delicate type of stone. Marble and Granite, Inc., can help you find yours.

Marble countertops are ideal for those who love to bake. It is a perfect surface on which to roll out dough for pastries or bread. Plus, it is resistant to scorching from hot items placed on the surface. However, because it is soft and porous, scratches and stains may occur rather easily. This is where maintenance makes all the difference. When cleaning, use a damp cloth that has a neutral pH and is specifically designed for sensitive stone. Use nothing that is abrasive - this will scratch and dimple the surface. Refrain from cutting acidic fruits on it, such as tomatoes, lemons, oranges and the like, or anything with vinegar. Follow the directions of the manufacturer and reseal the marble countertops on a specific timeline.

Marble countertops require specific care. However, properly maintained surfaces will only become more beautiful. Often during visits, folks end up in the kitchen for a cup of coffee or a snack. Marble lends a distinctive and rich character to the setting.

Granite countertops are in high demand because people love its beautiful appearance and it is extremely durable. But as great as granite is, it does get dirty and because it is a significant investment, it's important to follow proper cleaning practices when maintaining your counters.