Carrara
This town in the Italian region Tuscany is known for a large supply of different types of marble. The best known marble from the quarries of this region is Bianco Carrara.

Colour Intensifier
Natural stone often appears faded and dull after having been sandblasted or flamed. Special products have been developed to intensify its natural color and structure to make the crystalline structures of the stone appear darker and more vibrant.

Granite
Grantites and quarzites belong to the group of hard and dense stones. They are generally more restistant against penetrating acidic liquids and cleaners. That makes them ideal for heavily used surfaces. Granites are relatively durable and easy to clean, however to preserve its good appearance over many years it requires some care and maintenance. Analyze the term "granite" with caution as it is commonly used for related stone types. These "granites" often turn out to be basalts or gabbros which are not acid-resistant.

Impregnation
Impregnations are invisible protective treatments, which prevent dirt from penetrating the surface. Impregnators do not form a film or layer on the surface, but penetrate into the pores. With impregnaton stone surfaces can be protected against water or against water and oil.

Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock and comes in many variations. At least 80% of the material is made up of the mineral calcite. Due to this mineral, these stones are sensitive to acids. Most limestones are dyed with mineral additions (e.g. graphite, limonite, glauconite). Polished limestones are often misleadingly refered to as "marble".

Artificial Stone oder Engineered Stone
Engineered stone (so called composite stone) is composed of a mixture of natural stone granulate and resin. As opposed to natural stone man-made stone is very homogenous (no structural patterns, no natural inclusions). It is available in almost any color. The characteristics of engineered stone depend on the components it is made up of.

Marble
Marble (e.g. Carrara, Calacatta, Estremoz), limestone (e.g. Travertine, Jura) and many types of slate are soft stones. They are not as durable and requires some more care and maintenance than hard stones. Marble is mostly used for interior outfitting. Different surface finishes are available.

Surface finishes
Several different surface finishes are available for natural and engineered stone. The chosen surface will define the stone's and the entire room's appearance. Some surfaces are more suitable for certain areas than others. Some of the most popular surface finishes are: polished, honed (C120, C220, C400), brushed, sandblasted, and flamed.

Onyx
Onyx is an eye-catching, translucent stone whose colors range from white to yellow, and green to red. It is often heavily banded. Onyx is well suited for wall claddings and flooring in exclusive interior fitout or for select furnishing. It is literally a decorative highlight when used backlit as indirect lighting.

Maintaining
Regular, every-day care cleaning removes general dirt from the surface and leaves an attractive, well-maintained appearance.

Quartzite
Quartzites are created through a process of metamorphosis of sandstone, and they therefore consist mainly of merged quartz particles. This stone is easily cleavable and highly suitable for rough finishes.

Cleaning
Cleaning is defined as removing any type of dirt and restoring the stone surface to its original appearance. A clean surface can be achieved mechanically (wiping, brushing etc.) but in most cases a suitable cleaning product will be necessary.

Protecting
Protective treatments are formulated to improve the properties as well as the appearance of the surface. There are many different types of treatments available, which achieve different effects. Generally speaking, there are two main categories of protective treatments: layer forming (please see sealants) and non-layer forming (please see impregnators).

Two-Lux®
In order to protect soft stones like marble, limestone, sandstone or onyx against scratching or staining by acidic liquids we have developed a special technology. Two-Lux® is a fusion of stone and glass which is glued on to the surface. It enhances the use of beautiful yet delicate natural stone in bathroom, kitchen or bar areas.

Sealants
Sealants form a protective layer on the treated surface. This layer prevents dirt from penetrating into the material, thereby facilitating every-day maintenance. Sealants should preferably be used indoors. These treatments are only partially suitable for outdoor use because the closed film may trap moisture in the material.