Guide
The Stone Reserve Guide
Natural Stone
GRANITE
What it is:
Granite is a natural igneous stone, quarried from the earth, and prized for its durability and one-of-a-kind appearance.
Durability & resilience:
Granite rates between about 6 and 7 on the Mohs hardness scale meaning it’s highly resistant to scratches, scuffs, and everyday wear. It handles heat well and is less likely to be damaged by hot pots or pans compared to more delicate materials.
Versatility of use:
Granite works beautifully for kitchen countertops, islands, fireplaces, bathrooms, shower surrounds, and even outdoor applications including outdoor kitchens.
Why clients like it:
Every slab is unique, with its own pattern, veining, and character, giving a natural, timeless look.
Best for:
High-traffic kitchens, islands, fireplaces, indoor and outdoor use; clients who want natural stone with low repair likelihood and high heat/stain resilience.
Quartzite
What it is:
Quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone, formed when quartz-rich sandstone is exposed to heat and pressure, fusing into a dense, hard slab.
Durability & resilience:
Quartzite is among the hardest natural stones used for countertops, often rating around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very resistant to scratching and impact. It is also heat- and UV-resistant, which helps retain color and structural integrity.
Versatility of use:
Quartzite often offers dramatic, flowing veining and natural patterns similar to marble, but tougher.
Why clients like it:
Ideal for kitchen countertops and islands, luxurious bathrooms, and any area where you want natural stone elegance with extra toughness.
Best for:
Clients who want the high-end, natural-stone look (similar to marble) with high durability kitchens, islands, luxury baths.
Marble
What it is:
Marble is a classic, natural metamorphic stone known for its elegance, veining, and timeless beauty.
Durability & resilience:
Marble offers distinctive veining and a “luxury look.” Often used where aesthetics are a top priority.
Versatility of use:
Marble is softer than granite or quartzite, making it more susceptible to scratching, etching, and staining.
Why clients like it:
Best for areas where impact, heavy cooking, or rough use is minimal: bathrooms, vanity tops, accent areas, or zones where beauty and elegance matter more than heavy wear.
Best for:
Clients seeking refined, classic aesthetics and willing to trade some durability for timeless, luxurious appearance.
Engineered Surfaces
Quartz (Engineered Quartz)
What it is:
Quartz countertops are engineered surfaces made from crushed natural quartz crystals, bound together with resins and pigments to create a stable, uniform slab.
Durability & resilience:
Quartz is non-porous and resists stains, bacteria, and moisture. It is scratch-resistant and extremely low-maintenance.
Versatility of use:
Quartz offers a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes from solid colors to marble-look veining; giving you the ability to match many design aesthetics.
Why clients like it:
Quartz is sensitive to extreme heat, so very hot pots or pans should not be placed directly on the surface.
Best for:
Busy kitchens and bathrooms where low maintenance, stain resistance, and consistent design are priorities.
Porcelain (Porcelain Slabs / Sintered Stone)
What it is:
Porcelain slabs are man-made by firing refined clays and minerals at very high temperatures producing dense, hard, non-porous slabs.
Durability & resilience:
Porcelain is extremely durable, highly resistant to heat, scratches, stains, UV light, and moisture. It performs well in direct sunlight and outdoor environments.
Versatility of use:
Porcelain can replicate the look of natural stones like marble and quartzite. It offers a wide range of design options, from natural-stone looks to modern finishes.
Why clients like it:
Porcelain is available in thinner slabs (6mm,12mm, & 20mm), making it excellent for shower walls, wall cladding, waterfall islands, and countertops.
Best for:
Modern kitchens and bathrooms, shower walls, indoor/outdoor installations, and clients who want a lightweight, low-maintenance, versatile surface with design flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
We combine decades of industry experience with direct relationships at the world’s top quarries to hand-select only the highest-quality, unique slabs. Our curated selection, exceptional inventory, and attention to detail ensure an unparalleled experience for fabricators, designers, builders, and clients.
We work with both. While our team has deep insight into what fabricators need, we also guide homeowners and designers to select the perfect slabs for their projects, ensuring beauty and practicality every step of the way.
Our slabs are imported directly from the world’s finest quarries in Brazil, Italy, and beyond. Every piece is personally selected for its character, quality, and suitability for your project.
With over 35 years of industry expertise, long-standing international quarry relationships, and the region’s largest curated inventory, we provide both exceptional materials and guidance you can rely on—making every project seamless and extraordinary.