As a leading natural stone supplier, we often get asked, “What is the most durable natural stone?” While there are some top contenders in terms of durability, the answer ultimately depends on several factors. As experts in the industry, we believe that when it comes to both strength and beauty, Marble is by far the best choice.

Durability plays a crucial role in selecting a natural stone for any project. It refers to a material’s ability to withstand wear and tear over time without losing its aesthetic appeal or functionality. Factors like hardness, density, porosity levels (water absorption), and resistance to weathering all contribute to determining the durability of a particular type of natural stone.

We also highly recommend Quartzite as a highly durable natural stone option. This metamorphic rock formed from sandstone under intense heat and pressure contains crystals that give it an eye-catching sparkly appearance.

Slate is another popular stone, which is not as hard as granite or quartzite; however, its layered structure allows it to handle heavy loads. Some downsides of slate are it’s propensity to chip during installation, making permanent flaws in your installation. Sealers should be reapplied every year or so as well to keep it from staining and becoming saturated with moisture in bathroom areas as well.

Granite is also a popular choice, but its tendency to also stain easily makes it a maintenance routine homeowners don’t always realize. Granite must be sealed annually and it can be expensive- not to mention will disrupt your daily lives in busy areas like the Kitchen or Bathroom.

Marble, in our professional opinion, is the perfect balance when choosing durable natural stones due to its notable sturdiness against impact damage coupled with elegant aesthetics unmatched by other stones. Its high density and low porosity make it a popular choice for kitchen countertops or flooring where durability is paramount, as well as adding a touch of luxury to any space.

When it comes to choosing the right natural stone supplier, consider these factors:

• Range of Products: A reliable supplier should offer a diverse range of natural stones to cater to different tastes and requirements.
• Quality Assurance: Make sure the supplier guarantees the quality of their products through regular checks and thorough inspections.
• Expertise: Look for suppliers with extensive knowledge about various types of natural stones who can guide you in selecting the best option for your specific needs.
• After-Sales Service: It’s crucial to choose a supplier that offers after-sales services such as installation guidance or maintenance tips, ensuring your project’s success from start to finish.

In conclusion, while granite, quartzite, slate, and marble all possess good durability properties and unique characteristics, marble and quartzite are the stones most experienced contractors recommend due to their low maintenance, beauty, and long lasting durability. As leading experts in natural stone sourcing and supply, we offer an extensive collection along with our expert advice to assist you in making an informed decision. Contact us today to explore our selection and find the perfect natural stone for your project needs.

If you’re updating your home and love the look of marble, you must decide if you prefer cultured marble vs. natural marble for your kitchen or bathroom. We know that you may not know the differences between the two options at Terra Stone Gallery, so we’ve broken them down for you below.

• Real marble is naturally occurring, while cultured marble is manufactured.
• The underside of a countertop will reveal whether the marble is real or not.
• Natural and cultured marble countertops each require some maintenance but in different ways.

Real and Cultured Marble Are Not the Same Thing

Real marble is a high-end luxury addition to any space. Real marble is naturally occurring in quarries. While the word marble encompasses several types of rocks with similar features, the most common types of marble in residential and commercial spaces are calcite, serpentine, and dolomite. Manufacturers polish these marble stones to the mirror-like high shine of marble.

Cultured marble is created by blending crushed natural marble with synthetic resins. Manufacturers swirl the mixture with dyes to create a naturally marbled appearance and then form it into countertops, backsplashes, sinks, and bathtubs. A hard protective gel coating gives cultured marble its durability.

How Can You Distinguish Between Real Marble and Cultured Marble?

What is the difference between natural and cultured marble? One of the first ways to tell the difference between real and cultured marble is the higher price tag of real marble. But there are other telltale signs. Natural marble countertops have seams in them and don’t include integrated sinks. Cultured marble countertops have sinks and backsplashes molded right in.

Look underneath the countertop if you’re still wondering how to tell if the marble is real. The underside of cultured marble is a flat gray color. In contrast, the underside of natural marble has a faint pattern that matches the top of the slab.

What Is the Difference Between Cultured Marble and Real Marble?

Real marble comes from the earth — natural stones from stone quarries. Cultured marble is an artificial material created to look like marble. Designers consider natural marble a high-end or luxury addition to your decor, while cultured “faux” marble resembles a more budget-friendly synthetic Corian or quartz material.

When looking at a slab, look for the following differences between cultured marble and natural marble.

Appearance

Natural marble has unique colors and irregular patterns. When polished, natural marble has a high shine and visual depth. Still, the depth of the colors is flatter, and the clear protective coat often appears plastic. Cultured marble also has colors similar to real marble.

Durability and Resistance

Both natural and cultured marble are durable, but cultured marble tends to be more durable overall. Both types of material are susceptible to scratches, chips, cracks, and stains, and certain cleaners or chemicals may also damage both surfaces. Natural marble is more heat resistant than cultured marble, which burns easily. However, you can repair and restore damaged cultured and real marble.

Cost

A natural marble countertop requires lots of work to source, cut, and polish the marble. While this makes real marble more attractive and higher-end, it is also more expensive. Installing natural marble is also pricier, depending on how many slabs the project requires and how much cutting is necessary.

Fabricated to fit the exact specifications of your space, cultured marble countertops require little to no extra cutting or complicated installation. Thanks to the lower materials cost, cultured marble countertops often cost nearly 50% less than natural marble countertops.

Maintenance

Natural and cultured marble countertops each require some maintenance but in different ways.

Both types of material require cleaning with gentle, non-abrasive cleansers. Natural marble is porous and requires sealing every six months to keep it more resistant to staining and other damage. Cultured marble has a protective top coat, so there’s no need for ongoing maintenance.

Environmental Impact

Real marble is a natural resource found in abundant supply across the earth. While using natural marble may create some waste, cultured marble countertops put that waste to good use. The crushed stone in cultured marble comes from real marble, keeping the waste from natural marble projects to a minimum. Both natural and cultured marble are environmentally friendly choices.

Color and Design

Real marble comes in a wide variety of beautiful natural colors. Natural marble features unique veining and color combinations and a beautiful finish when polished. Cultured marble offers a similar earthy color palette and still provides a clean and classic look for a lower price.

What to Consider When Choosing Between Cultured and Natural Marbles

Ultimately, choosing between cultured and natural marble depends on your budget, desired aesthetic, and material preferences. Choosing the right material for your home is a big investment and one you’ll live with for years to come. Consider the factors above, and consult with your contractor or interior decorator to help you decide which option works best for your space.

Cultured vs. Natural Marble: Which Is the Better Option?

At Terra Stone Gallery, our commitment to quality shows in every job we do. From hand-picking stones to creating a beautiful and original design, we customize your project every step of the way. While we believe that natural marble is the better option, we understand that the decision between cultured marble and natural marble relies on your taste and needs.

Let us help you create a beautiful space! Call Terra Stone Gallery today at 847-721-1519 to discover the best natural marble.

When updating or remodeling your home, choosing the materials that reflect your taste and fit your desired aesthetic is essential. Finding the right marble often becomes daunting, from floors to countertops to backsplashes.

If you’re looking for gorgeous luxury marble to elevate the look of your home, Thassos marble is the answer. But what is Thassos marble, and what sets it apart from other marbles? Learn everything you need to know about this unique stone in this guide by Terra Stone Gallery.

• Thassos white marble is dolomite marble, which you can recognize by its pure crystalline white color.
• Thassos marble is a hard type of marble that is extremely durable.
• Thassos marble has lasting durability and a wide range of uses for both residential and commercial use.

What Is Thassos Marble?

Named for the Greek island where it’s quarried, Thassos marble boasts a rich history. As far back as the sixth century B.C., architects and artists used this marble to create and construct temples and sculptures that last to this day. Sculptors used Thassos marble for many of the most recognizable statues and buildings of Ancient Greece.

Characteristics of Thassos: A Unique Natural Stone

Thassos white marble is dolomite marble, which you can recognize by its pure crystalline white color. The white marble’s incredible reflection of sunlight is unique in that no other white marble reflects light quite as brightly. Thassos marble has a lower heat absorbance than any other natural stone on Earth, so it keeps a cool surface temperature for extended periods.

Thassos marble comes in three varieties:

• A1: This variety is the brightest white.
• A2: This variety, while still very white, may have light veins and spots.
• A3: This variety features more shading and veins and may have visible pores and micro-fissures.

Choosing the variety of Thassos marble is purely a question of personal taste. Some designers love the pure, pristine look of the A1 variety for the entire project. In contrast, others prefer the other varieties to add depth and character.

Where Is Thassos Marble Used?

The possibilities are endless. Thassos marble tiles are perfect for walls, mosaic floors, or backsplashes. You can also create eye-catching designs by incorporating Thassos marble into a fireplace surround or staircase area. Use a slab of Thassos marble for kitchen or bathroom countertops for a stunning worktop and conversation piece.

Thassos marble’s white background complements any color palette, and you can take advantage of its reflectivity and brightness to create the illusion of a bigger space.

Thassos Marble Tile

Thassos marble tile comes in several finishes, the most popular of which include:

Thassos Polished Marble Tile

Polished marble tiles are so shiny because manufacturers use an abrasive to smooth the surface and give the tiles a polished, luminous finish. The high-gloss polished tiles reflect light and offer a bright white finish.

Thassos Honed Marble Tile

Honed marble tiles feature a smooth matte finish with much less light reflection than a polished marble surface. Honed tiles work well for flooring, as the rougher surface offers more slip resistance. Because the surface appears duller than polished tiles, honed marble tiles don’t show scratches or etching as easily.

How Durable Is Thassos Marble?

Because Thassos marble contains quartzite, it is a very dense, hard type of marble that is extremely durable. The use of Thassos marble in ancient buildings and art that have stood the test of time is a testament to this marble’s quality and lasting durability.

With proper maintenance and care, Thassos marble lasts for years. Sealing your marble every one to three years helps prevent staining. Keeping the surface free of spills keeps stains from seeping into the marble and helps prevent damage from etching.

To keep your Thassos marble clean, avoid using chemical or abrasive cleaners. Acidic cleaners may etch the surface of the marble, and other chemical cleaners may leave dull spots or spray marks, marring the polished finish. You may occasionally want to hire professional stone cleaners for peace of mind when maintaining your high-end Thassos marble.

Why Should You Consider Thassos Marble?

Thassos marble elevates the beauty and quality of any home project. Ten quarries in Thassos contain the only Thassos marble in the entire world, making it both rare and coveted. Because of its scarcity, Thassos marble is one of the most expensive marble, making it the definition of high class and luxury. Coupled with its lasting durability and wide range of uses, Thassos marble is the perfect choice to upgrade your home.

What To Look For When Purchasing Thassos Marble

When you want the highest quality Thassos marble for your project, look no further than Terra Stone Gallery. We’re the sole official importer of authentic Thassos marble in the Midwest, and we know how to utilize this gorgeous and rare marble in beautiful custom stone designs.

Our top-quality craftsmanship and the utmost attention to every detail of your project ensure that you receive premium service every time. Call us today at 847-721-1519 to ask, “What is Thassos marble?” and learn more about our services.

When homeowners remodel rooms or choose new interior decor, they often feel drawn to marble’s unique luxury and timelessness. But not all types of marble perform the same under different circumstances. How can you choose the best natural stone sample for function and fashion?

Terra Stone Gallery developed a brief guide to help you understand how honed vs. polished marble works in different home settings. After all, home improvement and design is about more than refining the look and feel of the interior. Your project should also improve the way you use each space.

Read below to understand the differences between these two marble finishes.

At a Glance

• The term honed marble refers to a matte, unreflective finish, while polished marble has a smooth, shiny surface.
• Both finishes boast equal durability.
• Honed marble works best in high-traffic, regularly used spaces, while polished marble works better in decorative environments.
• If you utilize them appropriately, you can use both types of marble in kitchens and bathrooms.

What Is a Honed Marble?

Some people think all marbles look and function the same. However, honed marble has some distinguishing features, such as:

• Matte finish
• Unreflective surface
• Natural, organic aesthetic

A slab of honed marble typically looks like it survived years of exposure to harsh elements. This characteristic lends to its uniqueness. No two slabs of honed marble look or feel the same.

However, some homeowners find honed marble’s porous, rough-hewn surface off-putting. It also requires maintenance sealing to prevent substances from tainting and damaging the stone slabs or tile’s surface. Professional fabricators should always handle this task to protect the stone surface.

What Is a Polished Marble?

You are probably familiar with classic polished marble. This smooth, shiny surface decorates numerous surfaces like walls. Polished marble features:

• Brilliant reflective shine
• Stylish, luxury aesthetic
• Eye-catching glossiness

Although many people love these glamorous marble surfaces, few enjoy how quickly the slabs show wear and tear. Polished natural stone falls victim to scratches and etches. Using it on floors or countertops that receive regular use results in a scratched-up, damaged surface.

Honed vs. Polished Marble for Bathrooms

Honed marble works perfectly for bathroom floors and countertops in a bathroom setting. You’ll constantly use these surfaces every day. Therefore, you need a gorgeous natural stone that supports your activities without easily succumbing to etching or scratching.

You can use polished marble for bathroom backsplash, wall tiles, vanity tops, and other surfaces you use less frequently. It’ll blend perfectly with honed marble to create a serene, spa-like atmosphere.

Honed vs. Polished Marble For Kitchens

Much like the bathroom, the kitchen receives heavy traffic daily. You likely put the area through even more intense paces than the bathroom.

Instead of walking into the room and taking a shower, you might pace back and forth as you clang heavy pots and pans, cut vegetables, and cook nourishing creations for your family. With this in mind, you should choose honed marble for all your kitchen surfaces.

Polished marble slabs might have a place in your kitchen as:

• Lightly used countertops
• Kitchen backsplash and wall tiles
• Dining tables

Using polished stone on floors or utilitarian countertops can be dangerous and needlessly damaging. If you spill something on a polished marble floor, you risk slipping and falling since polished marble is not slip-resistant. You can maintain your footing more easily on honed marble floors.

Is Honed Or Polished Marble Better?

As you weigh the pros and cons of this decorative choice, you might wonder, “Is honed or polished marble better?” Examine the pros and cons of both options to understand how to use them for your renovation project.

Polished marble offers a stylish advantage. It combines the charm of natural stone with the luxurious look and feel of a smooth, glossy surface. Polished surfaces show marble veins and other details in greater contrast without displaying stains. However, it still has a few pitfalls:

• Slippery when wet
• More costly than other options
• Prone to scratches and etches
• Needs regular cleaning with specialized products

On the other hand, honed marble is more affordable than polished marble. Its surface has slip-resistant qualities, making it preferable and safer for areas with lots of activity. Its rough texture lends an organic quality to any space it graces. But it also has a few cons:

• Stains more readily
• Needs occasional sealing services from professionals
• Lacks the lustrous appearance of its glossy counterpart
• Has a more porous surface

Both products have their strengths and weaknesses. How they’ll perform all depends on how and where you use them. Ultimately, neither type of marble is better than the other.

How to Use Honed and Polished Marble at Home?

The difference between honed and polished marble is similar to that of silk and velvet. One surface has more texture, yet it doesn’t have as many visual details. The other stone surface displays visual intricacies in sharp detail and evidence of regular use.

Use velvet and honed marble as the core components of an outfit or design. Save silk and polished marble as decorative accessories. You can use these two design options to complement or contrast each other with assistance from an expert designer.

For example, neutral or beige colors work beautifully for honed marble surfaces. They blend well with the matte, textured surface.

Polished marble, on the other hand, looks best in brilliant whites, striking blacks, or shades of gray in between. These dramatic colors elevate the veins characteristic of natural marble surfaces.

You could experiment with stately black polished marble backsplashes and softer, warmer natural tones for honed marble surfaces. Explore different types of marble for each surface, including:

• Subtle Thassos marble
• Sophisticated Calacatta marble
• Delicate Arabascato marble
• Dramatic Paonazzo marble
• Striking graphite marble

You can also shop for different tile styles to accent your kitchen or bathroom. For example, combining light, honed marble subway tile with dark polished marble accent tiles creates an open, tidy atmosphere in most kitchens. Bathrooms benefit from deeper, more tranquil designs. Explore tiles with softer, more rounded edges for a gentler vibe.

Find Your Perfect Marble Match at Terra Stone Gallery

At Terra Stone Gallery, our inventory features quality natural stone products in various attractive finishes, colors, styles, and cuts. If you can’t decide on honed vs. polished marble, let us help you choose what works best for your daily needs. We’ll introduce you to some spectacular kitchen and bathroom options. Give us a call today at 847-721-1519.