1. Marbles and Granites http://www.cochingranites.in/

2. 1.What are some characteristics of natural stone? Stones are a natural-honed or polished rock, they are not manufactured. There are many inherent variances in all stone - colour and shade variations, geological flows, irregular markings, voids, pitting, veins, fissures and lines of minor separations. However, these characteristics are part of the natural beauty of the stone and will not impair the function of wearing qualities of the material.

3. 2.Are veins weak spots in the stone? Not necessarily. Some veins are strictly colour variations in the stone. However, in some materials natural flaws can exist within the vein, which enhances the colour and is characteristic of that stone.

4. 3.What is granite? Granite is an igneous rock, born from molten magma, which means that, at one time during its development, it was melted like volcanic lava. However, this melted rock never reached the surface, it remained trapped inside the earth, where it slowly cooled and crystallized. The end result is a very uniform, speckled stone that ranges in colour from black and grey tones to pinks, browns, reds, greens, and whites.

5. 4.Why is granite good for kitchen counters? Granite is highly resistant to scratching, cracking and staining, and is impervious to heat. Daily kitchen activities pose no problem and it can take a hot pot without the use of a trivet. This makes granite an ideal choice for countertops. Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp hard objects. But repair is possible - a chip can be filled with a granite dust and epoxy mixture.

6. 6.Can granite crack Not with ordinary use. Granite is most susceptible to cracks during shipping and installation. Normal use will not overstress this durable material

7. 7.Can you scratch granite? Granite is one of the hardest stones in the world. It is highly resistant to scratching in ordinary use. A knife blade will not scratch granite. It can only be scratched by another piece of granite or with specially sharpened tools designed to work with granite like tungsten and diamond blades.

8. 8.Does granite stain? In general, no. All stone, however, is porous to some extent, but granite has very little porosity. A few colours may absorb some moisture with prolonged contact compared to others. For example, a puddle of water left on the counter, for some colours, may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away. Usually, no evidence remains once the liquid is removed and the granite dries. A stone sealer is highly recommended for all granite after installation. Some stones are more porous than others, so it is important to use a penetrating sealer to prevent stains from oil, wine or other liquids from soaking into the surface.

9. 9.Does granite burn? No. You can't burn granite with ordinary use. It is perfectly ok to set hot pots or pans directly from the stove or oven onto granite.

10. 10.How do you take care of granite? Warm soapy water will do the trick. Or use cleaners specifically formulated to help clean and protect stone surfaces.

11. 11.What is Marble? Marble starts out as sediment (animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt at the bottom of bodies of water). After millions of years, this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Since its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages. Marble is one among the most elegant and luxurious of stones. Marble's beauty will last for generations and is versatile enough for use throughout the home in such places as fireplace surrounds, ornamental furnishings, walls, flooring, and bathrooms.

12. 12.Is marble really appropriate to use in living areas? Yes. Since ancient times, marble has been used in all areas of the home; from furnishings to floors. Marbles have proven as durable as materials traditionally considered to be sturdier with the added benefit of creating a warm welcoming atmosphere.

13. 13.Where can I use marble? Marble can be used for a number of various applications like fireplace surrounds, tabletops, saddles, and shelves. Marble especially stands out in the bath area like Jacuzzi surrounds, vanities, floor, tub decks and flooring and shower panelling. Generally, you can safely use marble in low traffic areas. It is used in the kitchen as a pastry slab; its perfectly smooth, cool surface, ideal for rolling out dough and piecrusts.

14. 14.What’s the difference between marble and granite? Although both are stones and are quarried from the earth, Granite and Marble are very much different from each other. The main difference between them is that, Granite is a highly dense material composed deep inside the Earth’s core while Marble is formed from sediments under the sea-bed. Both solidifies into stone after millions of years, but the mineral composition of the two stones makes them react different to various chemicals and household cleaners. The greatest difference lies in the porosity, softness and durability of marble when compared to granite. The choice between marble and granite depends on the aesthetic effects you want to achieve and how much use or abuse the stone will be subjected to.

15. 15.What is etching? Etching happens, when acid in some form comes in contact with a polished marble or limestone surface. This causes a chemical reaction, which removes the polish, or roughens the surface of marble or limestone. Green marbles, such as the "jades" from China are resistant to etching, and granite is impervious to any common household acids.

16. 16.What’s the best way to clean marble and other soft stones? The old rule of thumb is never to use anything you wouldn’t use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even "soft scrub" type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone, and might damage your stone countertops or floors. Never use any product which is acidic; this includes substances like ammonia or many common liquid cleaners. You should always use sealers and cleaning products designed specifically for natural stone.

17. 17.What is limestone? Limestone is a sedimentary rock consisting mostly of organic material such as skeletons and shells of marine creatures and sediments. It is formed by material that settles to the bottom of water, and over millions of years, solidifies into solid rock. Earth movements over extremely long periods of earth’s history can lift limestone miles into the air. The summit of Mount Everest is limestone that started out on an ocean floor.

18. 18.Is it necessary to seal stone? Since mineral surfaces are quite porous they absorb liquids, which may result in discolouring and staining. Although there are many commercial grade products available on the market which may bring the stone to its to its original lustre, taking simple precautions and regular maintenance can save a lot of trouble and cost. All marble and granite tops are sealed immediately after they are installed. The impregnating substance penetrates the stone clogging most of its pores making its quite impervious to alcohol, juices, soft drinks, cosmetics, cleaners, coffee, food and even oil. With course of time, depending on how heavily the tops are used, the sealer gets washed out. The clear indication of this happening would be the fact that the liquids are easily absorbed into the stone leaving temporary (if promptly wiped off) stains. You should seal your marble every six months and your granite every year, at least.

19. 19.What do I need to consider when buying marble or granite? Since it is a natural stone, Marble and Granite, have been blessed with a remarkable natural beauty that has captivated us throughout the ages. Inherent in such natural products is a certain lack of predictability that sophisticated architects and designers celebrate. Sample stones are intended to be representative of the quarry’s product, the material quarried at one time may differ slightly in colour and veining from the sample. Moreover, even a single marble or granite slab will possess a certain amount of colour variation from one end to the other. Interior designers and architects have come to view this tendency of natural stone as an advantage. Slight irregularities can be pleasing, introducing an element of the natural into human-designed spaces, whether residential or commercial.

20. Cochin Granites Contact Us Address of Head Office: 17/ 691 B Karumancheril BuildingsChurch RoadMundamveli P.OCochin 682 507Ph : 0484 2232483, Mob:09447603144Email: cochingranites@gmail.com Cochin Granites – Thodupuzha: 6/12 A AchankavalaMuvattupuzha RoadMadakkathanam P.OThodupuzha- 686 670Ph: Sudheesh- 094463 13144 E Mail: cochingranites@gmail.com