Understanding Efflorescence on Natural Stone
When installing stone materials with wet cement mortar, alkaline substances in the cement can migrate to the surface of the stone through its joints or capillaries. As the mortar dries, these substances can crystallize and leave a white powdery residue known as efflorescence.Characteristics of EfflorescenceEfflorescence appears as white streaks that flow downward from the joints of the stone.It seeps out from the coarser capillaries in the stone's surface, creating irregular white powdery pa...
Analysis of Common Stone Defects: Water Stains
Characteristics of water stainsWater stains occur when hygroscopic substances penetrate the stone, resulting in moisture marks on the surface that are difficult to dry naturally. The main characteristics include:Visible moisture stains: To the naked eye, there appear to be traces similar to wetness.Resistance to drying: These moisture stains remain wet or are difficult to dry completely. Even when exposed to sunlight or heated, the moisture stains persist.Water stains are one of the most commonl...
Pros and Cons of Quartz vs. Granite Countertops
When selecting the ideal countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, it is important to consider both the material characteristics and various environmental factors, including temperature, moisture, and the types of items that will be placed on the surface.Quartz, an engineered stone, is known for its high durability and low maintenance requirements. It also offers a wide range of colors and patterns, making it a versatile choice for different design aesthetics. In contrast, granite is a natural st...
The Factors Contributing to Stone Deterioration
What is stone deterioration?Stone deterioration refers to the various phenomena that affect the appearance, intrinsic quality, and functional use of stone as a building and decorative material. These issues arise due to a range of natural and human-induced factors, resulting in surface manifestations such as rust stains, water marks, salt efflorescence, organic discoloration, oil stains, reduced surface gloss, fading, color enhancement, delamination, and powdering.Stone material deterioration ca...
How Stone Slabs are Made: the Stone Slab Manufacturing Process
In this article, we will explore the stone slab manufacturing process, detailing the procedures and methods in stone extraction and processing.Stone ExtractionThe raw materials used for processing decorative stone are rectangular stone blocks with specific dimensions, commonly known as rough blocks. Traditionally, these rough blocks were extracted from stone quarries using manual methods, now the process has largely transitioned to mechanization.Process flowRaw rock separation: drilling and blas...
Differences Between Marble, Granite, and Synthetic Stones
To identify marble and granite, as well as natural stones and synthetic stones, one should start by the inherent characteristics of the stones. By understanding the fundamental ones of the major categories of stone, distinguishing between different stone types becomes much easier.Differences between marble and graniteDifferentiate from stone chemical and mineral compositionMarble is primarily composed of carbonates, specifically calcite (calcium carbonate) or dolomite (calcium magnesium carbonat...
How to Choose the Right Stones: Key Physical Properties
This is Part Two of our series on choosing stones. In this article, we explore essential physical properties of stones, including density, water absorption rate, hardness, compressive strength, and flexural strength.The physical properties of stone are determined by its chemical composition, mineral constituents, and crystallization methods. With a vast array of stone types available, understanding these properties is essential for making informed decisions in choosing stones for applications su...
Choosing the Right Stones: Key Chemical Properties to Consider
This is Part One of our series on how to choose stones, exploring the key characteristics and stability of chemical compositions that influence stone selection, ensuring optimal performance and durability for your projects.The chemical composition determines the chemical reactivity of the stone. Stones primarily composed of carbonate minerals, known as carbonate stones, have relatively poor chemical stability, while those mainly composed of silicate minerals exhibit strong chemical stability.Car...
Maintenance Tips for Marble, Granite, and Other Natural Stones
After the installation of natural stone products such as marble, granite, limestone, regular inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and care should be conducted to preserve their decorative effect. Here are some tips to consider for the daily maintenance and care of the natural stones.Avoid contact with acidic or basic substancesAll types of stone are sensitive to acids and bases. For instance, fresh pyrite has a brassy yellow color, but upon oxidation, it can lose its luster and colo...