Granite – Origin and Uses

Granite – Origin and Uses

Granite is a very common type of felsic intrusive igneous rock that is characterized by its granular and phaneritic texture. Granite can be defined as an igneous rock that comprises of at least 20 percent quartz and up to 65 percent feldspar by volume.

The word 'granite' came from the Latin word 'granum'. Granite is usually massive, tough and hard. For these qualities, granite has gained widespread use over the time. For use in home, office etc. in India,  granite is used as a construction stone. It is noteworthy that granite has poor permeability but on the other hand strong secondary permeability.

In India, there are varieties of granite. The granites in India can be found in over 200 shades. The granite reserves of India, as of the year 2005, were more than 37000 million cubic meters and were ranked fifth in the export of processed product. In India, resources of granite are found in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Origin of Granite

A theory says that granite in place due to extreme metasomatism by fluids that bring in elements, like potassium, and by removing other elements, like calcium, in order to transform the metamorphic rock into granite. This theory is called granitization. This was believed to occur across a migrating front. 

The formation of granite by metamorphic heat is hard but is seen to occur in certain granulite and amphibolite terrains. In the original place, granitization or melting by metamorphic heat is difficult to identify except where melanosome and leucosome textures are present in migmatites. As soon as a metamorphic rock is melted, it becomes magma, therefore, these rocks are considered as a transition between the two, but technically are not granites as they do not intrude into the other rocks. In all the cases, in order to melt solid rocks, a high temperature is required along with water & other volatiles, which act as a catalyst by bringing down the solidus temperature of the rock.

Uses of Granite

Granite & related marble industries are one of the oldest industries in the world and date back to Ancient Egypt. Over the time, the uses of granite have increased. Granite is used for use in home, office etc. in India and also in sculpting and memorials. Following are some of the important uses of granite.

•    Buildings

Granite is seen to be used extensively as flooring tiles in public & commercial buildings. Aberdeen, a place in Scotland, is constructed primarily from local granite. Aberdeen is also known as The Granite City. Polished granite is used for kitchen counterparts because of its high durability and aesthetic properties.

•    Engineering

Engineers have been using polished granite since a long time in order to establish a plane of reference. Due to granite's rigidity, outstanding vibration characteristics & high dimensional stability, granite tables are used popularly as a base for optical instruments.

•    Rock Climbing

Granite is used by climbers due to its steepness, crack systems, soundness and friction. Interestingly, 

granite rock climbing is so famous that many of the artificial rock climbing walls that are found in theme parks and gyms are made in such a way that they feel & look like granite.

Using Marble in Office Decoration

Using Marble in Office Decoration

Marble is a metamorphic rock for use in home, office, etc in India and it is formed when limestone is exposed to extreme temperatures and pressures. Marble forms under such extreme conditions because the calcite forming the limestone recrystallizes, forming a denser rock comprising of roughly equigranular calcite crystals.

Why use marble in office?

The best reason why marble remains in heavy demand of countertops is because of its elegant good looks! This igneous stone comes in a wonderful display of color. Our choice of hues includes solid white, solid black and a range of colors in the rose, yellow, gray, green, white and black spectrums. No two slabs are alike. So, you will be assured of having a unique countertop for your home.

How to choose a right marble for office?

While choosing between vitrified tiles and marble in office - your budget, design requirement, space location, and the utility will be your basic judgment criteria. Marble offers durability at a higher price whereas the other offers a huge variety of design options at a comparatively lower price. Remember, flooring is the decor element that lives long run. So, choose wisely!

Which one is better – Marble or Vitrified Tiles?

Marble is life-long while vitrified tiles have a coating like a colour-coating if u have seen in the malls, offices, showrooms etc where more people come with their shoes and sandals, sometimes coating comes out and mud like surface becomes visible on the surface. But for an average, if you use it in your home it stays for around 10 to 15 years.

Vitrified tiles can be used just after 1 hour of fixing it. There is absolutely no need to polish it like Marble. Vitrified tiles come in various designs and colors. It has a glossy effect and thus it looks good even at home and also in office and showrooms.

What are the advantages of using marble in office?

 In terms of maintenance and durability, natural marbles are best but it is costlier compared to the ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles may tend to crack, color, glossiness goes off during prolonged exposure after 2-3 years but marble is really durable. Marble is highly durable and resistance to water and grease.

We are all aware that flooring plays a vital role in home decor. Professionals like architects, builders choose perfect types of material to be used as flooring but when it is time to replace or upgrade to the higher level of the flooring, you need to choose the best decor for your house.

Marble occupies a unique position in decorations. Marble stone is composed of limestone that has undergone extreme heat and pressure. Because it is a natural stone, marble has a porous surface. To help keep it looking beautiful, the marble flooring must be refurbished every 6 to 12 months with a quality stone sealer made for marble.

Unfortunately, marble also has a bad reputation for staining. Orange juice, harsh cleaners, and the acidic substances should be cleaned up immediately. Some homeowners report that even water causes staining on it. The best way to live with marble flooring is by assuming that, over time, the floors will develop a unique patina.

Maintaining Marble and Kitchen Countertops

Maintaining marble and kitchen countertops

It is nice to know what marble is, in order to understand how it behaves. It is a metamorphic stone, which is formed when sediments crystallize under extreme heat and pressure to form very hard rock. Marble is not the hardest of these stones, however, making it porous and thus susceptible to staining. Granite is also metamorphic and much harder (no staining), whereas soapstone is lesser in hardness (but more staining). Marble is also formed of calcium carbonate, giving it a chemical structure which reacts easily with acids and leads to etching on its surface.

Maintaining marbles

Marble stones are mainly for use in home, office, etc in India. Marble & kitchen countertops require some maintenance required to keep it pristine, though one may prefer the gradually aged surface with etches and stains that blend into the gray veins with time.

What types of finishes does marble come in?

There are basically two main types of finishes you can get, but I would recommend the "honed" finish since it is the easiest wearing. Before I knew the difference, I had a polished finish installed in my kitchen, and it is great, but it feels messy more easily and makes me want to clean it more often. The shiny finish is the more uptight of the two:-

1. Honed Finish - 

Made by sanding the surface so that it has a soft, matte finish, the honed marble will not show scratches as much, shows the stone off as a little lesser in brightness and is more susceptible to staining because the pores are open. Sealing is, therefore, the answer.

2. Polished Finish - 

Polished to a shiny exterior, this finish will not stain easily but it can scratch and etch. Polished surfaces are shiny and bright, but they will be worn down with time. If you prefer the worn look, go right for honed and skip the polished.

Marble & kitchen countertop care and maintenance

When it comes to keeping Marble & kitchen countertops looking new, a little prevention goes a long way: Place trivets under hot pots and as well pans, set coasters under glasses, use cutting boards when slicing food and wipe up the spills immediately. Marble is prone to etching, so be extra careful with acids—that mean pouring orange juice carefully and not wiping down the counters with vinegar.

Wipe the Marble & kitchen countertops with a soft cloth and warm water daily. Mild household cleansers are suitable, but in the market, you can also find cleaning products specific to marble. Certain oils and acids can stain. Marble must be resealed periodically.

Why marble & kitchen countertops are affordable?

Being clear, not all marbles are affordable, but ‘Carrara’ marble, though it comes from Italy, it is one of the cheapest stones due to its grayer coloring (luxury marbles, like Calacatta, are brighter white with darker veins) and its porous nature. Some people do not like the gray cast, and because it requires maintenance, it is never specified for rental homes, making it a slow seller and therefore lower in price. 

How to Choose the Best Marble Company in India?

How to Choose the Best Marble Company in India              

Flooring

An important part of the civil work is the flooring. Flooring is one of the most important decisions that should be made before moving in and the reason behind that is that flooring cannot be changed once people start living in the house. In addition to that, it will improve the overall appearance of the house. It is, therefore, advised that the flooring should be done well prior to any interior designing under the guidance of the best marble company in India. Because of the fact that flooring cannot be changed again, it requires a good budget to ensure long-lasting flooring.

Though there are primarily two options for flooring, using natural stones like marbles or using tiles, using marble in the flooring guarantees a long lasting solution and minimum maintenance.

Using Marbles for Flooring

In some cases, the marble will cost more than tiles. However, in many cases with the advent of imported tiles being available in the Indian market sometimes choosing a marble for flooring will be more economic from one of the best marble companies in India. Here is a list of marbles that can be considered for flooring,

Abree: The Abree from Oman and some Middle Eastern countries is a cream colored marble. This kind of marble is not expensive. It usually costs somewhere between Rs 250 per square feet and Rs 350 per square feet. The Abree marble has been around for almost 10 years.

Rajasthan Marbles: A few years ago, the Makrana marble was a popular white marble but the availability of the Makrana marble is scarce. Therefore, it is difficult to get the Makrana marble at a reasonable rate. Another reason for the Makrana marble's scarcity is the fact that the mines have been mined extensively. In that case, Banswada could be considered as an alternative.

Italian Marble: Though Italian marbles are normally pretty expensive but these marbles are often found to be worthy of their price. Italian marbles price range starts from Rs 700 per square feet. Some popular examples of Italian marbles are Travertino, Carrara and Dyna or Diana.

Australian White Marble: The Australian White marble originates from Australia, as the name suggests. These marbles start from Rs 300 per square feet and are known for their whiteness. Another marble that also comes almost at the same price range and is very white too is the Vietnam-marble.

Choosing the Best Marble Company in India

Apart from the price of the different types of marbles for use in home, office, etc in India. One must consider all the expenses that involve every step from purchasing to the installation. In order to choose the best marble company, there are few more factors to be considered apart from the types of marbles and their price. Some of those important factors are as follows,

1. Unloading -  Unloading of marble to the site could cost depending upon the floor. Higher the floor, higher will be the rate.

2. Laying: The cost of laying marble is costlier than laying tiles.

3. Polishing: Polishing is needed for marbles and it costs around Rs 40 per square feet.

Therefore, while purchasing marbles for flooring it will be worthwhile to consider all the above expenses and depending upon the prices one can choose the best marble company in India.

4 Easy Tips To Clean Your Marble Bright And Shine

4  Easy Tips  To Clean Your Marble Bright And Shine

Marble is one of the most incredibly beautiful materials, with proper care and maintenance it will last long. Marble surface is smooth elegant and classic. So marble requires special care and maintenance to retain their lustre. In order to prevent staining and erosion you have to maintain in proper ways, all you need to do is to keep in mind some easy important tips.

Follow our tips to keep your marble floor, countertops clean, shiny, and free from stain.

1. Marble Sealer

After your marble is installed, you can also go for sealer for protection. But sealer does not completely prevent from stain and scratches. Marble can easily absorb liquid and stain very fast so installing sealer will help you avoid damage and expensive marble repair and plus it keeps your marble floors and countertops looks beautiful and shine longer.

2. Polishing

Marble should be clean on a regular basis if you want to retain luster. Polishing to some extent decreases the absorbency of marble. So avoid using cleaners that are not right for marble. Always use good quality cleaners available in the market.

3. Clean up spill

Do not let dust sit for long as marble gets stained quickly and it is so sensitive when substances are placed for even a short period of time. Do not use any acids on marble and place door mats in high traffic areas. Wipe out and clean spills like wine, coffee, sodas, and juices immediately after spilled. For quick cleaning use a vacuum cleaner.

4. Cleaning the floor

In case, when you use vacuum cleaner you have to be careful because grit jammed in the wheels or ragged, worn parts can scratch the surface. Also use a dry clean non-treated dust-mop and for daily regular cleaning use only hot water for cleaning the floor.

By following these simple tips you will find cleaning your marble easier and time-saving. These will solve all your difficulties of cleaning marble floor and also keep your home, offices alive with and a timeless beauty.

For more tips about maintaining your marble floor, hook to S K Marble blog for regular updates about marble and granite for use in home and office. You may also visit www.skmarble.com for more information about buying a suitable marble for flooring.

Uses of Marble for Glamorous Bathrooms

Uses of Marble for Glamorous Bathrooms

1. Flooring

.     Marble flooring can create a stunning shower design in your bathroom. Marble comes in a variety of colors and pattern, each slab of stone has different styles along with attractive colors. White marble flooring for the bathroom is attractive; it gives easy visibility of dirt, calm look and also easy to clean. It gives bright effect when you open your windows, vanity or when you turn on the light.

2. Bathtubs

Bathtubs is the main element of any bathroom,  so get a marble bathtub and chose a color which is suited to the wall, this will make your bathroom clean and more welcoming, it holds heat longer so you can spend time and take a good long relaxation.

3. Marble Shower

A marble does not always come in white. There are many good combinations of colors available. Black marble for wall also gives glamorous looks, it will give you feelings of relaxation and turns your bathroom into a place like you never want to leave.

4. Shelves

The most and the simplest way to get the marble into your bathroom is to create marble open selves. This is a creative addition to more beauty to your bathroom by adding marble toothbrush holder, soap ledge, dispensers. It allows you to put anything you like such as towel, magazine, flower vase, and many other decorative items.

Adding a marble to your bathroom immediately adds value, classic style, and timeless beauty to the room. Use these four inspirational ideas to start planning how you can add the elegance of marble to your design, and you'll end up with a truly breathtaking marble bathroom.

In case you are looking for more help in decorating your bathroom with marble flooring, shelves, etc and not able to find the right supplier or advisor, simply talk to us at S K Marble and we would be glad to assist you with further details free of cost. Visit our website here at www.skmarble.com for more details and send us an enquiry.

5 Tips for choosing the right granite colour for your home

5 Tips for choosing the right granite colour for your home

Granite is a popular building material; it can withstand heat, weight, water. Granite has unique patterns, ultimate durability and commonly used by homeowners for modern kitchen countertops.

Considering the right granite for your home kitchen is an important decision. Since granite comes in great varieties of colour sometimes it is difficult to find out the right one. Do not be alarm here we got a few simple tips to help you select the right granite for your home.

1. Customizing Light

Choose a colour depending on your surrounding elements. If your space is little dark then select granite that colour is light and bright. Since you're spending money so need to be careful, if you want to consider the benefit of using contrast colour by not wasting it. Dark colour like black and blue look best in a kitchen.

2. Trends

Follow up a magazine or online sites, you can get the ideas, designs, styles, or by simply watching television. Collect all the important details and ideas about interior designs which are done by professional designers. Consider the overall theme of your home to make sure your new kitchen fits in.

3. Samples

If you’re not convenient to home online shopping, just check out personally in some showrooms. It is important to have samples for your kitchen. So if samples are available you can take a few back home, test them out by covering your existing countertops by placing the samples. By doing so, you will be able to find out the exact balance and colour for your surrounding elements.

4. Considering styles and colour

Especially cotton white granite and black granite is popularly used for modern home. Every piece of granite is truly unique and there are not exactly alike. Just make sure that you choose the colours and designs that it blends well with your entire space.

5. Materials

The countertops you choose should look good and balance with your other surrounding elements like the colour of the cabinet or the paint in the kitchen. So take a sample of your appliances or if you don’t have a sample then take some picture with you.

However, granite is a bit expensive, but granite lasts for a very long time. Hopefully, now you know better how to choose the right granite for your home. By following our easy tips we are sure you will find exactly the right granite for your home and enjoy for a lifetime with your family and friends.

In case, you are still confused about which granite to use in your home, simply talk to experts at SKMarble.com and we shall be happy to assist you further. 

Everything you want to know about Italian Marble

Everything You Want to Know about Italian Marble

Italian Marble is basically originated from Italy. Carrara is a place in Italy known as marble and granite capital of the world. The most popular variety is white Carrara, which is extracted in the Apuan Alps in north-central Italy. It is very popular around the world. China and India are the biggest markets for Italian raw stone material.

The Italian marble is widely popular for high luster and appearance appeal to the area and produces unique cream colour, white and pink. Italian marble is extremely good quality stone. It is available in various sizes, designs, and patterns and highly demanded in offices, multinational companies, schools, hotels, and other industries because of their glamorous appearance. Long lasting luster, durability and wear resistance are it's other prominent features.

Difference between Indian marble and Italian Marble

Have you ever wondered and have difficulties choosing between Indian marble and Italian marble. Well, let’s find out the differences below.

Indian Marble

Indian marble is quarried in the northern part of India making it great effective and available in all variety patterns, designs and styles. Different prices and qualities are available in the market, thanks to resources fields, modern machine, equipment and tools which helps producing and serving across India.  Indian marble comes in different of colours such as pink, black white, green. Some of the well-known marbles are-

- Makrana Marble - The finest and oldest known marble which is famously used in the Taj Mahal

- Ambaji Marble - The natural high-quality Ambaji white marble, is the pride of India

Italian Marble

Italian Marble is quarried in a place called Carrara in Italy. Italian marble stones are excellent for making sculptures because of its white pureness and crystal-like appearance and are available in the same colour range. Now, in India it is also been started using as an imported marble, the pricing is high while comparing to Indian marble.

Here are some of the famous Italian Marble:

• Emporio Marble
• Botticino Marble
• Diana Marble
• Serpeggiante Marble
• Red Verona Marble
• Italian Travertine
• Perlato Sicilia Marble

Advantages of using Italian Marbles

1. Italian marble is free from allergens and heat resistant, cleaning and maintenance are simple.

2. The durability is longer than other stone tiles it can withstand possibly all kinds of heavy material and substances.

3. It gives natural high classy looks and appearance which make the room extra bright.

4. Italian marble can be use anywhere countertops kitchen, bathroom, dining room bedroom it offers limitless design option.

S K Marble is a leading supplier of Italian marble in India. We offer you finest quality Italian marble at best prices in India. To get the pricing and best quote for Italian marble in India, simply submit your enquiry here at www.skmarble.com

Ambaji Marble Flooring : Why it’s high on demand in India?

Ambaji Marble Flooring: Why it’s High on Demand in India?

Ambaji white marble is the finest and purest in the world. It also called as Amba white. Ambaji white marble is famous for its best quality, appearance, unique design, smoothness, and color. Unlike many others marble, Ambaji marble is a pure natural product. Ambaji marble because of its looks and fine quality is serving across the world and widely use for residential and other projects. For ages, people have used this stone of wonder to decorate their floor into marble masterpiece.

Ambaji Marble Flooring - Why it is so popular ?

India has major resources of marble and granite sandstone. Rajasthan is the major producer of marble in India. Ambaji white marble is high on demand not only in India but internationally too serving the very best to the foreign countries. Due to its natural properties and attractive look, it is used in many ways for flooring, design, wall capping, bordering and other purposes.

With Ambaji white marble, one can customize the order beautiful design, styles and color. Ambaji white marble can be used for interior and exteriors of bungalows for providing graceful looks, splendid appearances, amazing fit it in every design and styles.

It can also be placed in dinning halls, kitchen, store room, parking, common room, pool, and stairs. The best of all is flooring because it gives amazing finishing and looks very attractive and beautiful. Being a natural marble, it provides beautiful patterns and mesmerizing designs.

Advantages of Ambaji Marble Flooring

1. Ambaji Marble is well known for its natural beauty and famous for all types of flooring, home, offices, hall, etc.

2. Ambaji marble flooring can complete all your desires of your dream home. It is extremely good and gives luxurious feel making the attractiveness of the floor overflow.

3. Ambaji marble flooring is durable and is very long lasting. One time flooring can go many decades. It can also be re-polished to maintain the classy look and luxury.

4. Unlike carpeting, it is scratch free and water resistant. Because of its smoothness is easy to clean and also gives the shining effect.

S K Marble is the leading producer of Ambaji white marble in India. S K Marble is also a reputed Ambaji marble exporter in India since last 30 years located at Abu Road, Rajasthan, India. In case, you are a home owner or an importer or a businessman looking to buy Ambaji white marble at best prices in India, talk to S K Marble and you shall get the best deal. 

5 Tips to Consider For Granite Flooring in India

5 Tips to Consider For Granite Flooring in India

Granite is a light-colored and the best-known igneous rock. Many people recognize igneous rock because it is the most common rock found at earth’s surface and used all around the world to make many object in daily life include counter tops, floor tiles, paving stone, curbing, stair treads, building veneer, and cemetery monuments.

Despite many other objects, Granite is best known for flooring that gives a luxurious look after finishing both interiors and exteriors. Here are the five tips which you will find easy considering it for flooring in house or office.

1. Determining Granite Quality

The first and the most importing is to check the visual appearance, take a quick inspect check whether there are no uneven surface and crack, even minor can lead to a bigger one. 

Thickness is also another important factor because Granite that has more thickness is considered as a better quality. Also, check that whether the granite will be of long lasting or not after frequent used, try scratch with a sharp object and if it leaves scratch than it is considered as the polishing done is of poor quality.  

2. Considering the right Shape and size

There are tons of varieties of tiles in the market. Offer luxurious and stylish look. Select what suit the best at your home. Figure out the size of the tiles, using of bigger size tiles will make the room looks wider. Pre- place the granite tiles in your room and observe first. It is better to choose minimum thickness because it is perfect for flooring and chose the tiles that are of small in size and of square shape.

3. Opt for right Color

Granite because of mineral composition produce different color; red, pink, gray or white color gives glamorous looks. Buy the most stylist tiles to make your flooring look attractive, grab attention from people and also buy modern flooring tile that suit with the wall color. Tiles with dark color always give good contrast and look brighter.

4. Maintenance

After granite flooring, it required lots of maintenance to make it still shine and bright for making it last long for many years, so to make it less effort choose your flooring based on how much effort you are able to give to maintaining it. The maintenance of granite flooring is not an easy task and also expensive if it is done by a professional.

5. Finalize budget

There is a reason why people did not go for granite flooring but it can be solved. Before buying, keep your mind clear and first decide carefully, visit the market and study different prices, seek for consultancy to get a reasonable price for your limited budget.   

The above five tips should definitely help in choosing the best granite flooring in India. In case, you are looking for more help in choosing the appropriate granite for your home of office, you may visit  S K Marble for more details. They are one of the leading granite and marble manufacturers and suppliers in India.