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Wondering how natural stone countertops go from the quarry to your kitchen? Get the step-by-step journey here.
Ever wonder how your natural stone countertop goes from an actual rock to a polished focal point in your room? Wonder no more! As a nod to the farm-to-table trend, this guide details all that it takes to get natural stone countertops from quarry to kitchen.
Here, we’ll cover where the most common natural stone countertops are sourced and how the raw material is transformed into pristine pieces.
So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about natural stone's journey from rock to racks, counters, and beyond!
Before we learn about the process it takes to turn natural stones into finished pieces, let’s find out more about the most common types.
Not surprisingly, granite is one of the most commonly found natural stones in homes and workplaces. Granite is made primarily by an igneous rock beneath the earth’s surface. It consists of many materials, mostly feldspar, mica, and quartz. The stone comes together from the slow crystallization of magma underneath the earth’s crust.
Some of the most tapped-in quarries for granite are located in Brazil, India, China, and the US.
Marble is the morphing of limestone and dolostone. During the metamorphosis process, mineral-rich fluids, heat, and pressure cause the original carbonate minerals in the rock to recrystallize. This makes the natural stone denser and often gives it a clear veining pattern.
Deposits of marble are found globally, too. Some of the most renowned sources of high-quality marble include:
A lesser-known natural stone countertop comes from Soapstone. This metamorphic rock is made primarily of talc, with various amounts of other minerals like:
Soapstone is mined in various world areas, where the geological environment supports its formation. Some locations with primary soapstone sources include Brazil, India, China, Canada, and the US, specifically Virginia and Vermont, which have long histories of soapstone mining.
As for appearance, soapstone is found in shades of light grey to deep charcoal and black. It will often have subtle blue, green, or brown tints. Its finish is smooth and matte and has a soft, “soapy” feel, hence its name. It can also contain veining patterns, ranging from subtle to more pronounced, adding to its aesthetic appeal.
Onyx is primarily sourced from several regions worldwide, including Mexico, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, and India. It was formed over millions of years through the crystallization of calcium carbonate minerals. Homeowners frequently choose onyx countertops due to their wide range of color variations, which include shades of white, cream, green, pink, orange, and brown. The countertops also often offer intricate veining patterns that create a dramatic and luxurious effect.
Another key aesthetic is the stone's translucent nature. This allows light to pass through and enhances its visual appeal when backlit. Overall, onyx countertops offer elegance and uniqueness but require careful handling and maintenance to preserve their beauty.
Natural stone countertops are revered for their durability, beauty, and uniqueness. Every piece, from granite to marble, quartzite to onyx, embodies its own story of formation and transformation.
These countertops involve meticulous processes and skilled craftsmanship to go from the quarry to your kitchen, bathroom, recreational space, or bar. Here’s an in-depth look at how stones are mined, processed, and ultimately installed in homes to give you a new appreciation for your chosen stone.
The journey begins at the quarry, where large blocks of natural stone are extracted from the earth. The process typically involves several key steps:
After the stone is cut into manageable blocks, heavy machinery like cranes and excavators lifts and transports the blocks to the processing facility. This step requires the utmost care to avoid damaging the stone.
Once at the processing facility, the raw stone blocks undergo several stages to be transformed into countertops. The first step, called “block dressing," involves cutting the rough blocks of natural stone into slabs of the desired thickness. The slabs are then calibrated for uniform thickness.
Once cut and calibrated, the slabs are inspected for quality, and any imperfections or cracks are repaired. Then, it’s time for surface treatments to enhance the stone’s appearance and durability. These treatments can include phases such as:
The slabs are then cut to the specific dimensions required for countertops using CNC (computer numerical control) machines. These are preferred equipment for precise cuts, including sink and faucet openings. Their advanced technology and coding allow for intricate edge profiles and custom designs.
Lastly, the finishing touches are added to the design specifications. These include edge profiles, such as beveled, bullnose, or ogee, which are added according to the design specifications. The stone is cleaned, and additional treatments are applied to achieve the desired look.
The final stage involves fabricating the countertops to fit specific designs and installing them in homes. Before fabrication, a detailed template of the countertop area is created. This can be done using traditional measuring methods or advanced laser scanning technology. The template ensures that the countertop will fit perfectly in the designated space.
Using the template, fabricators cut the stone slabs to match the exact dimensions of the countertops. This step also includes making precise cuts for sinks, cooktops, and other fixtures. Fabricators may also create custom edge profiles and finishes based on client preferences.
Each piece is thoroughly inspected to ensure it meets quality standards. Any imperfections are addressed, and final adjustments are made. Once completed, the countertops are carefully packed and transported to the installation site. Because natural stone is heavy and fragile, special handling and secure packaging are crucial to prevent damage during transport.
The installation process involves several steps:
After installation, maintaining natural stone countertops is essential to preserving their beauty and longevity. Regular cleaning with pH-neutral cleaners and periodic sealing (as recommended for specific types of stone) will help protect against stains and damage.
The journey of countertops from the quarry to your home is a complex and meticulous. Each step, from extraction to installation, involves skilled craftsmanship and advanced technology to ensure the final product is beautiful and functional.
By understanding the process, homeowners can better appreciate the artistry and effort of creating their stunning stone surfaces and make informed decisions about maintenance and care.
Now that you know more about transporting natural stone countertops from the quarry to your kitchen or space, you can appreciate their beauty that much more. Of course, now you also know it takes a keen eye to source quality stones and an exemplary source to help you select the right one.
Look no further than AP Marble for both. For over twenty years, AP Marble has been providing premium natural stone countertops to Michigan residents. We’re proud to offer a wide selection of natural stones, from the ones we discussed here today to quartzite, porcelain, and beyond.
Browse our current collection online, or send us a message to visit our showroom and see the beauty up close and personal.
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