A metamorphic stone with the beauty of marble and far more hardness; bold veining, wide color range.
Heat
Generally very heat-tolerant
Scratch
Very hard; highly scratch-resistant
Etch & stain
Resists etching (unlike marble)
Sealing
Porosity varies; most benefit from periodic sealing
Maintenance
Low to moderate
Best for
High-use kitchens, islands, baths, feature walls
Igneous stone with a granular, speckled look and an enormous range of colors and movement.
Scratch
Very hard and scratch-resistant
Etch & stain
Does not etch
Sealing
Many varieties benefit from periodic sealing
Best for
Kitchens, high-traffic and outdoor areas
A timeless metamorphic stone prized for soft, elegant veining; softer and more reactive than quartzite.
Heat
Tolerant, but best protected from direct heat
Scratch
Softer; can scratch
Etch & stain
Etches with acids (lemon, wine, vinegar) and can stain
Sealing
More porous; sealing recommended
Maintenance
Higher; develops a patina many people love
Best for
Baths, vanities, fireplaces, and kitchens for those who love the look
Sits between marble and quartzite — a marble-like look with more hardness.
Scratch
Harder than marble, softer than quartzite
Etch & stain
Can etch (contains calcite)
Sealing
Sealing recommended
Best for
A marble look with more everyday durability
Soft, warm, and matte with a soul of its own; darkens gracefully over time.
Heat
Excellent heat resistance (long used for hearths)
Scratch
Soft — scratches show but can be sanded out
Etch & stain
Non-porous; does not stain or etch
Sealing
No sealing needed (mineral oil optional, to darken)
Best for
Kitchens, hearths, and warm, lived-in looks
A translucent, dramatic natural stone with luminous banding — often backlit so it glows from within.
Heat
Tolerant, but best protected from direct heat
Scratch
Soft; scratches and chips more easily than most stone
Etch & stain
Etches with acids and can stain
Sealing
Porous; sealing recommended
Maintenance
Higher — a delicate, statement material
Best for
Backlit features, bar tops, vanities, and accent walls — lower-traffic showpieces
A warm, earthy natural stone with a naturally pitted, textured surface; timeless and a little rustic.
Scratch
Softer; can scratch
Etch & stain
Porous; can etch and stain
Sealing
Porous; sealing (and often filling the pits) recommended
Maintenance
Moderate to higher
Best for
Floors, walls, outdoor spaces, and warm Old-World looks
Engineered from ground natural quartz and resin for highly consistent color and pattern.
Heat
Moderate — the resin can be damaged by high heat; use trivets
Scratch
Hard and scratch-resistant
Etch & stain
Non-porous and stain-resistant
Sealing
Never needs sealing
Best for
Indoor kitchens and baths (not UV-stable for outdoors)
Porcelain
Engineered surface
Ultra-compact, large-format slabs that can convincingly mimic stone, concrete, or wood; often thin.
Heat
Excellent heat resistance
Scratch
Very hard and scratch-resistant
Etch & stain
Non-porous, stain- and UV-resistant
Sealing
Never needs sealing
Best for
Countertops, wall cladding, floors, and outdoor applications
