Natural Stone
Granite Worktops & Colours
As one of the toughest natural stone worktop surfaces, granite is highly resistant and durable, suitable for flooring and external use.
Stone Surface Guide
Natural Stone
Worktop Material Comparison
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Last updated: 26 March 2026
Comparing Natural Granite, Marble, Quartzite & Slate
Natural stone worktops and surfaces are highly sought after for many applications throughout the home and public spaces.
Natural stone has strong weather resistance which allows them to be used both internally and externally. It is a versatile choice for many projects and available in a wide range of colours and patterns that cannot yet be matched by engineered stone.
Viewing Natural Stone Materials
Viewing natural stone slabs are strongly advised due to variations in veins and patterning. With natural materials, the colouration and veining can be substantially different from each end of the slab, this can occasionally be true also for engineered materials, especially those with veins.
Orientation of the slab, direction of veins, and pattern positioning is all very important, as in many cases, the slab can be cut in at least 2 different orientations. Naturally, we match veins as closely as possible during fabrication whilst maximising materials to keep costs within a budget. If you have the time, our stone worktop fabricators would be happy to see you at time of cutting to ensure you get the cuts just the way you want them.
Natural Stone
Marble Worktops & Colours
Adds luxury to any home project, its wide diversity of colour, patterning, and veining makes it perfect for worktops, flooring and cladding.
Natural Stone
Quartzite Worktops & Colours
A very hard natural stone with strikng veins and colours great for indoor and outdoor applications.
Natural Stone
Slate Surfaces
Durable, heat-resistant, timeless, and naturally rustic slate is particularly well known for roofing, floor tiles, and coping.
Other Natural Stone Materials
We also fabricate a wider range of natural stone surface materials including: Onyx, Limestone, Sandstone and Travertine - Contact us if you require an estimate or would like to discuss stone options.
Natural Stone Resistances & Hardness
Resistances of a natural stone kitchen worktop are paramount when it comes to choosing a solid stone for your kitchen.
Pores & Fissures
Natural stone contains a network of pores and, in some materials, natural fissures that can allow fluids to penetrate the surface. Heavily veined stones such as quartzite may contain natural fissures where dirt and moisture can collect.
Liquids can carry staining substances into these areas, potentially affecting the appearance of the stone. Appropriate sealing reduces fluid absorption and helps protect the surface from staining and everyday moisture.
The level of porosity and sealing required varies between stone types, so maintenance should be matched to the specific material and its application.
Natural Stone Comparison
Quartz mineral content directly relates to a natural work surface scratch resistance
Scratch resistant
- Marble: 30% Average Quartz Content - 4/10 hardness
- Slate: 30% Average Quartz Content . 5/10 hardness
Highly scratch resistant
- Granite: 40% Average Quartz Content - 7/10 hardness
- Quartzite: 85% Average Quartz Content - 8/10 hardness
Environmental Conditions
Natural stone forms over long periods under extreme heat and pressure deep within the Earth.
Geological processes such as tectonic plate movement, volcanic activity, and ocean floor sedimentation determine how different rock types form. Over unthinkably long times, weathering and erosion recycle existing rock material in a process known as the rock cycle.
Quartz Mineral Content & Colour
The colour and pattern of natural stone are determined by the minerals present during its formation and the environmental conditions at that time. These minerals create a wide range of unique combinations and patterns, ranging from plain tones to highly veined designs, from white to black.
Explore our articles that explain the natural processess involved in the formation of natural stone:
How material clarity and colour affects costs
Several factors influence the cost of slabs used for fabricating natural stone worktops and natural surfaces. A clean white marble slab with evenly spaced, desirable veins is usually graded as high-end material, making it more expensive than an uneven grey background or complex veining. Material type, slab size, and thickness also affect cost — for example, large granite and quartzite slabs tend to be more expensive than smaller ones or slate slabs.