What’s the difference between marble, granite, dolomite and quartzite?

Marble

• Softer, more porous, and more prone to etching from acids
• Loved for its luxury veining and natural variation
• Best for vanities, feature walls, low-use kitchens, and furniture pieces

Granite

• An igneous stone — extremely hard and durable
• Highly resistant to heat and scratching
• Excellent choice for busy kitchens and outdoor areas

Dolomite

• Sits between marble and granite in strength
• Softer than quartzite but harder than classic marble
• Better stain resistance than marble, yet still can etch
• Popular for kitchen benchtops where clients want a marble look with more durability

Quartzite

• A natural stone, not to be confused with engineered quartz • Extremely hard, heat-resistant and scratch-resistant
• More resilient to etching compared to marble and dolomite • One of the best natural-stone options for kitchens

Are natural stones porous? Do they stain easily?

Most natural stones are porous to some degree.
• Granite & quartzite → low porosity, less prone to staining
• Marble & dolomite → more porous, require sealing and careful maintenance

With a high-quality penetrating sealer, staining is significantly reduced. However, spills like red wine, coffee, oil and lemon juice should still be wiped up promptly.

How often should I seal my stone?

It depends on the stone type and the sealer used: • Marble & dolomite → every 6–12 months
• Granite & quartzite → every 6–12 months
• High-traffic kitchens → consider annual sealing

Which stone is best for kitchen benchtops?

Top performers for durability:
✓ Quartzite
✓ Granite
✓ High-quality porcelain surfaces (Dekton / Neolith) ✓ Zero-silica engineered surfaces (new formulations)

Still usable but requires care:

• Dolomite (moderate durability, can etch) • Marble (luxurious but high-maintenance)

It ultimately comes down to the client’s lifestyle, expectations and willingness to maintain.

Can I use marble in the bathroom or shower area?

Yes — marble looks incredible in bathrooms.
But keep in mind:
• It can etch from shampoos, soaps and cleaning agents
• Shower floors require extra sealing and anti-slip consideration • Daily squeegeeing helps maintain appearance

What is the best stone for outdoor use?

Best options:

✓ Granite
✓ Quartzite
✓ Porcelain (Dekton, Neolith)
✓ Certain volcanic / basalt stones

✗ Engineered quartz (can discolour or warp in UV)

✗ Most marbles (weathering + etching)

What are porcelain surfaces like Dekton / Neolith?

Porcelain or sintered-stone surfaces are:
• Man-made using extreme heat and pressure
• Extremely resistant to heat, scratches, UV, stains and etching • Suitable for indoor & outdoor applications, including BBQs
• Available in ultra-thin or standard thicknesses
• Very stable for large-format panels

They’re one of the best choices for clients wanting durability with modern, consistent finishes.

Is engineered quartz still safe to use in Australia? What is the zero-silica replacement material?

As of 2024–2025, Australia has moved away from high-silica engineered quartz due to safety concerns in fabrication.

The new generation of products now available are:

Not recommended outdoors:

ZERO-SILICA or LOW-SILICA engineered stones

These are completely reformulated surfaces that:
• Contain 0–1% crystalline silica
• Use alternative binders (recycled glass, porcelain, alumina, natural minerals)
• Meet new Australian safety regulations
• Offer similar colour consistency and performance to classic engineered quartz

Are they safe?

Yes — zero-silica surfaces eliminate the health risks associated with silica dust during fabrication.
They are fully compliant and safe for both fabrication and residential use.

Performance comparison

• Heat resistance → slightly better than old quartz but still not as good as porcelain • Scratch resistance → very good
• Stain resistance → excellent
• UV resistance → varies by brand

These products are becoming the new standard in the market.

Is engineered quartz still safe to use in Australia? What is the zero-silica replacement material?

Etching happens when acids react with calcium carbonate. Most sensitive:
• Marble
• Dolomite

Less sensitive but still possible:

• Some limestones

Highly resistant:

✓ Granite
✓ Quartzite
✓ Porcelain (Dekton / Neolith)
✓ Zero-silica engineered surfaces

If acid-resistance is a priority, choose quartzite, granite, or porcelain.

What thickness should I choose — 20mm or 40mm?

20mm

• Standard thickness
• Modern, sleek look
• Suitable for most kitchens and vanities • More cost-effective

40mm (Mitred edge)

• Creates a thicker, more luxurious appearance

• Ideal for waterfall edges and high-end designs • More labour-intensive → higher cost