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• Marble: Elegant veining, great for luxury looks. Softer than granite/quartzite, can etch from acids (lemon/vinegar) and may scratch. Best for low-to-medium traffic areas or clients who accept natural patina.

• Travertine: A type of limestone with natural holes/pores (often filled). More porous, needs sealing and gentle care. Popular for bathrooms, feature walls, floors.

• Onyx: Very dramatic and often translucent (can be backlit). It’s one of the most delicate stones—more prone to scratching/etching—best for feature walls, vanities, low-use tops.

• Granite: Generally very durable, good scratch/heat resistance, typically less prone to etching than marble. Still benefits from sealing depending on the slab.

• Quartzite (natural): Often the best mix of beauty + toughness—high scratch resistance and good heat resistance. Usually better than marble for kitchens.

• Engineered Quartz: Man-made (quartz + resins). Very consistent patterns, low porosity, usually doesn’t need sealing. Not as heat-proof as granite/quartzite (hot pans can damage resin).

2. For most kitchens, top picks are:

• Quartzite (natural): Strong against scratches and heat; great for heavy cooking. Seal it to resist stains.

• Granite: Very kitchen-friendly, handles heat well, good durability; sealing depends on porosity.

• Engineered Quartz: Excellent stain resistance and easy maintenance; avoid placing hot cookware directly on it (use trivets).

• Marble / Travertine / Limestone: Usually yes. Often every 6–12 months in kitchens; bathrooms may be less frequent depending on use.

• Granite: Sometimes yes, sometimes no—depends on the slab’s porosity. Many need sealing every 1–3 years.

• Quartzite: Usually yes, often 1–2 years depending on usage.

• Onyx: Typically yes (and careful daily use).

• Engineered Quartz: No sealing in most cases.
  Tip: Do a quick water test—if water darkens the stone after 10–15 minutes, it’s time to reseal.

• Daily cleaning: Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild dish soap + water, then wipe dry.

• Avoid: Vinegar, lemon, bleach, ammonia, harsh bathroom/kitchen sprays, abrasive pads, and powdered cleaners—these can etch or dull surfaces (especially marble/onyx/travertine).

• For spills: Blot immediately (don’t wipe in circles), rinse, then dry.

• For stains: Use a stone-safe poultice (especially for oil/coffee/wine) rather than harsh chemicals.

Pricing changes based on:

• Stone type & rarity: Onyx and premium marbles often cost more than standard granite/travertine.

• Grade/selection: More uniform color, bold veining, or fewer imperfections usually increases price.

• Slab size & thickness: Larger/thicker slabs cost more; thicker edges may add fabrication cost.

• Finish: Polished/honed/leathered can differ in cost and availability.

• Fabrication details: Cutouts (sink/hob), edge profiles, waterfall sides, mitred edges, and backsplashes increase labor.

• Installation & transport: Site access, staircase carry, crane/lift needs, and long distances can affect totals.