Natural stones from the quarries have been used as a prime building material for centuries by all civilizations for interior and exterior building projects. Greeks were the earliest groups of people to bring them into the homes, kitchens, sinks, bathroom worktops, fountains, etc.
Every part of the world and each layer of earth’s crust have some or other variety of stone worktops, all these varieties have a unique style, capable of adding ineradicable beauty to a place, when integrated. In this wide range, some will have huge potential to become masterpieces if explored.
Kinds of rock and how are they formed:
During the sedimentary process, the earth's surface material gets washed by rain or blown away by wind, they then settle with time and form rock under pressure. Travertine and limestone are just two of the many impressive ones which can be created through this process. Various types of sedimentary rocks, including those found in river beds and in sea beds can be polished into magnificent slabs, showing the character of the original rock.
When magma, the molten rock beneath the earth's surface, cools and solidifies, it traps complex minerals within its structure, which makes it igneous rock. The crystals in the stones may appear in layers or randomly, both resulting in beautiful effects when the surface is polished. One of the most common igneous rocks is granite, which provides a hard and incredibly beautiful work surface. Colors in granite are formed by the minerals it contains, which vary in shape and form.
When either of these rock types are subjected to intense heat and pressure below the earth's crust, metamorphic rocks are formed. Deeper the rock beneath the surface, stronger the grade and greater the possibility of stunning color combinations.
Slate, on the other hand, is formed much nearer the surface. Metamorphic rocks like marble are often characterized by striking fractures, cracks, and folds due to stretching, compression, and growing pressure.