We have SO many clients that want that unique stunning piece in their homes. They search for the perfect art piece, but are just not satisfied. In reality, they are looking in all the wrong places. How we like to bring history, culture and beauty into that unique place of dwelling is through incredible, one of a kind quartzite slabs. Today Aria Stone talks Quartzite with us.
We consulted the PRO’s on slabs of beauty to day! Aria Stone Gallery has a wealth of knowledge AND product. Check out our interview with them below!
COURTESY OF ARIA STONE GALLERY
What is your favorite go-to stone for high durability?
The Mohs Hardness Scale is a great tool to determine how different stone materials compare in terms of durability. We actually have a blog on our website that teaches you how to read the scale! (Link here)
That being said, Quartzite and Granite are both excellent options in terms of high durability. White Macaubas quartzite, Bianco Quartzite, and Taj Mahal quartzite are some of our most popular quartzite options that feature more neutral hues and patterns.
COURTESY OF ARIA STONE GALLERY
We also love our colorful Fusion quartzite collection, as well as our newest bright green arrival, Cristallo Tiffany quartzite. On the granite spectrum, we tend to favor Agata granite, White Patagonia granite and Lemurian granite. They are all so lively and unique, originating from exotic locations like Madagascar and Brazil! (and we recently recieved brand-new bundles of all three!)
COURTESY OF ARIA STONE GALLERY
What options do your stones have that can help the customer worry less about damage or use? (ex. Any types of sealant etc)
We actually have a blog on our website, called “Do You Need to Seal Your Natural Stone?” (Link here)
At Aria Stone Gallery, we typically suggest that our clients use impregnating nano sealers. Nano sealers are a new breed of impregnating sealers that consist of tiny particles. The smaller particles are able to penetrate and fill in more pores in the stone, creating a stone that is more impenetrable to stains. However, speak with your fabricator and check all fine print and warranties before deciding which sealer is best for you.
COURTESY OF ARIA STONE GALLERY
We have also worked with Designer, Traci Connell, on previous projects where she sealed with ClearStone. ClearStone is new type of topical sealer that was created in Australia over 18 years ago and recently brought to the United States. First the fabricator will paint on a primer that impregnates the stone. Then the fabricator will coat the surface with a resin solution that binds with the primer creating another layer of protection. The fabricator puts the ClearStone resin on the stone after installation and fabrication. The result is a sealer that lays over top of your stone that prevents etching and staining for 10 years.
COURTESY OF ARIA STONE GALLERY
What is the difference between quartz and quartzite?
Generally speaking, granite and quartzite are the most durable. Quartz, not to be confused with quartzite, is a man-made material. It is typically very durable, but of course, it is not indestructible and doesn’t offer the same Earth-crafted beauty and uniqueness as natural stone. Marble is a softer material when compared to granite and quartzite, but with proper care and a good sealer, it can keep its beauty for years to come!
COURTESY OF ARIA STONE GALLERY
We also have a blog on our website titled, “What Is the Difference Between Quartzite and Quartz?” that goes more in depth about the main differences between these two materials. (Link here)
COURTESY OF ARIA STONE GALLERY
Are there quartz’s that look similar to marble for those that like the marble look but don’t want the upkeep?
In our opinion, nothing can beat the look of natural stone. Quartz is man-made, so it can replicate the Earth-crafted vein patterns and colors of natural stone; however, natural stone will always be completely unique and each slab is like a fingerprint – different in its own way. The story that each slab tells after being created within the Earth after thousands of years is something that really attracts us to natural stone. Quartz slabs normally all look identical, and that repetitive, man-made patterning impacts quartz’s ability to bookmatch and quadmatch as elegantly as natural stone does.
Simply put, natural stone will always stand the test of time and will always hold its high value. Quartz is trendy, but hasn’t proven itself enough to show that it will hold its value after many years. Take “Corian” countertops, for example. They were so popular in the 90s, but after a decade everyone wanted to rip it out!
COURTESY OF ARIA STONE GALLERY
Can client hand select their own slabs?
Absolutely! At Aria Stone Gallery, we offer the unique option of hand-selecting your very own materials for your project from exotic locations, such as Brazil, Iran, China, Turkey, Portugal and even Madagascar! We are always happy to assist in sourcing materials.
Read more about our unique hand-selection program here
COURTESY OF ARIA STONE GALLERY
Anything unique about Aria our clients should know?
The constant pursuit of the perfect slab is what sets Aria’s collection apart as a unique stone boutique. Instead of trying to fulfill a predetermined stock list of standard materials, selections are made based on the uniqueness of each stone. Much like buying a diamond, materials are evaluated for their color, content, clarity, and consistency with consideration on how the vein structures lend to book match veining.
Thanks to our friends at Aria Stone Gallery for joining us today and getting down to the nitty gritty of natural stone! We LOVE seeing what they have to offer! We KNOW you guys are as obsessed as us so don’t for get to Shop Aria’s Quartzite Collection Here!