Natural Stone
Granite
As one of the toughest natural stone worktop surfaces, granite is highly resistant and durable, also 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, making natural stone a versatile choice for many projects.
A natural stone worktop provides a wide range of colours with natural patterning that cannot yet be matched by man-made stone. Granite kitchen worktops, marble and quartzite all offer luxurious appearances that enhance contrast and design. Slate is particularly well known for roofing, floor tiles, and coping.
Natural Stone
Marble
Adds a touch of luxury to any project within the home, its wide diversity of colour, patterning, and veining makes it perfect for flooring and cladding as well as natural worktops.
Natural Stone
Quartzite
True natural quartzite has a quartz content of over 90%, making it the hardest natural stone worktop available.
Natural Stone
Slate
Durable, heat-resistant, timeless, and naturally rustic slate is an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor surfaces and provides good insulation.
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 liek 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.
Each natural stone worktop type forms under certain conditions and according to its environment. Both heat and pressure play a major role in the formation of the quartz crystal content which contributes to the hardness of each stone type.
All natural stones slabs contain tiny holes; larger pores allow fluids to enter the surface. Porosity is closely related to staining because liquids can carry staining substances beneath the surface. Periodic sealing fills these tiny holes or pores and helps prevent fluid ingress. For example, marble is typically sealed twice yearly to maintain its resistance.
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 hardnesst
- QUARTZITE. 85% Average Quartz Content - 8/10 hardness
Environmental Conditions
Resistances of natural stone worktops and natural surfaces are paramount when it comes to choosing a natural stone kitchen.
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:
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Marble Surfaces
Metamorphic marble forms from limestone when expose to high heat and pressure.
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Quartzite Surfaces
Formed when quartz-rich sandstone forms quartzite when subjected to extreme heat and pressure.
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.