Natural Marble and Granite Company, Inc, Greensboro, NC

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Everything You Should Know About Granite & Marble
Although both were created deep within the earth millions of years ago, the processes that formed them were quite different.

Granite is an igneous rock, which means that at one time during its development, it was melted like volcanic lava. Unlike lava, however, this melted (or molten) rock never reached the surface. It remained trapped inside the earth, where it slowly cooled and crystallized, resulting in a very uniform, speckled stone that ranges in color from black and gray tones to pinks, browns, reds, greens and white.

Marble is a metamorphic rock. It was once limestone, but over time, the combination of intense heat and pressure caused the limestone to re-crystallize. Foreign substances often entered the stone during this process, creating an infinite variety of colors, textures and veining. Marble is a lot like people; no two are exactly alike.

Marbles and granites are quarried throughout the world in the form of huge blocks, some weighing up to 20 tons. These blocks are cut into slabs that are generally 2 cm to 3 cm thick and the faces are polished to the specified finish. These slabs are then carefully crated and shipped to the fabricators who will process them into the final product.

Which Should I Use Where?
It depends on the effect you want to achieve and how much use or abuse the stone will be subjected to.

Granite: Granite is striking, functional and the most durable. These traits make granite ideal for kitchen countertops accent islands, bar tops, everyday dining tables, and many other uses.

Marble: Marble is the most elegant and luxurious of stones. Marble’s beauty will last for generations. It is versatile enough for use throughout the home such as fireplace facings, ornamental furnishings, walls and windowsills. Marble shines best in the bath. You can use it on almost every surface, including vanities, shower walls, tub decks and flooring.

Do Marble and Granite Require Special Care?
Marble and granite are easier to maintain than you would expect. Warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth clean up most spills on both surfaces. Granite is a worry free surface, requiring few special precautions. It is extremely durable, stain-resistant and easy to care for. Hot pots and pans won’t damage it. It won’t chip, crack or scratch under normal use. Cutting boards are recommended when slicing bread, meats or vegetables to protect your knives from becoming dull.

Marble isn’t quite as worry-free as granite. It has a softer, less stain-resistant surface than granite and it should be treated like a fine piece of wood. Spills should be wiped up immediately. Coasters should be placed under beverage glasses to avoid staining and etching. Marble is especially susceptible to damage from citric acids, alcohols and oils. With proper care, its beauty will last for generations.

Granite Facts

Nearly impossible to scratch
Accepts hot pots and pans
Will not stain under normal use and will clean up after use
Does not harbor bacteria
Not affected by citric acid, coffee, tea, alcohol, wine, etc.
Generally lasts forever

Since all granites are made by nature, no two are the same and all slabs should be reviewed and approved for each project. It is recommended that before buying any countertop material, you get a sample of each and conduct your own tests for staining and heat resistance.

Maintenance
Routine maintenance should include cleaning with clear, warm water and mild (no lemon, vinegar or other acidic additives) dishwashing detergent. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.

DuPont Zodiaq™
It’s a new category of surfacing materials and a new brand from DuPont. Zodiaq™ quartz surfaces introduces new possibilities for surface applications in commercial and residential interiors. Combining rich, distinctive aesthetics with reliable performance, Zodiaq™offers expanded opportunities for creativity and design freedom.DuPont Zodiaq™ has a ten year limited installed warranty by DuPont.

NSF – 51 Food Zone Use Compliance (Applies to DuPoint Zodiaq™ only)
Public health officials often rely on guidelines developed by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) to determine appropriate materials for use around food areas. NSF Standard 51 contains guidelines for “Food Equipment Materials.”

There are three levels of compliance under Standard 51:

Nonfood Zone - Acceptable for “all exposed surfaces other than food or splash zone.”
Splash Zone – Acceptable for “surfaces other than food zone subject to routine splash, spillage or other soiling during normal use.”
Food Zone – Acceptable for “surfaces which the food normally contacts, and those surfaces from which the food may drain, drip, or splash back onto surfaces normally in contact with food.” There may be limitations regarding the types of food for which compliance is achieved.

All colors of Dupont Zodiaq™ quartz surfaces meet NSF-51 food zone compliance for all food types.

A complete statement of compliance is needed to understand which level of compliance any material provides. The statement “complies with NSF 51 requirements” is inadequate since it does not state which level of compliance (food, splash or nonfood) is provided.

*Zodiaq™is a DuPont Trademark.

Natural Marble & Granite Company, Inc. • 8303 Triad Drive • Greensboro, NC 27409 • Phone: 336.664.0700 • Fax: 336.665.9777
Hours: Monday through Friday 7:30 AM until 5:00 PM