Category Archives: New Arrivals

Marble Countertops & The Baking Connection

Posted by ExquisiteStone on November 19, 2024

When you think of a classic kitchen, what comes to mind? Perhaps the warm glow of sunlight streaming through a window, the rich aroma of freshly baked goods, and, prominently, the elegant surface of a marble countertop. Marble has not only been a favored choice for countertops due to its aesthetic appeal but has also played a pivotal role in the world of baking for centuries. Let’s explore the fascinating history of marble countertops and their enduring connection to the art of baking.

Bakers have long revered marble for its functional qualities. Its smooth surface is ideal for rolling out dough, and its thermal properties help maintain consistent temperatures. This is particularly important for delicate pastries like puff pastry or croissants, where the incorporation of butter must be managed carefully to achieve the perfect flaky texture.

In addition to functionality, marble also provides a certain level of elegance to the kitchen. The rich veins and varied colors of marble add an artistic touch, transforming a baking space into a chef’s haven. Iconic figures in baking, from Marie Antoinette’s chefs to modern pastry artists, have embraced marble, making it a symbol of culinary excellence.

To keep your marble in pristine condition, a few simple steps can make all the difference. Always use a cutting board to prevent scratches, and clean spills promptly to avoid staining. For deep cleans, a gentle pH-neutral cleaner works wonders. Regular sealing will help protect the surface, allowing you to bake without worry.

Are you a baker and ready to roll out your dough on a new marble countertop? Contact Exquisite Stone today for options and pricing!

chasing the perfect waterfall

Posted by ExquisiteStone on October 25, 2024

It’s important not to run around a waterfall – especially in your kitchen! The mitered waterfall panel has been growing in popularity these days. This is an absolutely stunning way to feature the movement in your natural stone or quartz, and adds a healthy dose of drama to your space. Interested in some more information about adding a waterfall panel to your countertop project? Let us know! Walk-don’t-run to the Exquisite Stone showroom for a free estimate today!

Ancient Homeowners Also Wanted Stone Countertops

Posted by ExquisiteStone on May 14, 2024

Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, is renowned for its extraordinary preservation of daily life, art, and architecture. Among the well-preserved features are the splendid natural stone countertops that adorned the homes of Pompeii’s prosperous citizens. These countertops, crafted from materials like marble and granite, serve as a testament to the enduring allure and functionality of natural stone in interior design.

Pompeii Marketplace

The ancient Romans were masters of engineering and design, and their choices in materials were a testament to their sophistication. Natural stone countertops were highly favored in Pompeii for several reasons:

1. Aesthetic Grandeur: Natural stone countertops in Pompeii were often crafted from marbles like Carrara, which boasted exquisite veining patterns and a luminous surface. These countertops added a touch of opulence to the homes and reflected the social status of their owners.

2. Durability: The eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii for centuries, and yet the natural stone countertops remained remarkably intact. This enduring quality testifies to the robust nature of these materials, which can withstand the test of time and the rigors of daily life.

3. Hygienic Properties: Natural stone easier to clean and maintain than other materials available at the time, making it an ideal choice for countertops. In an era where hygiene was of utmost importance, natural stone surfaces contributed to a healthier living environment.

Marble Installation at Pompeii

Natural stone countertops have a long history throughout the world, and our own modern selection choices are made with the same priorities as ancient peoples.  The durability, aesthetic features, and timeless elegance of natural stone endures through time all the way from 79 AD to today. 

Contact Exquisite Stone today for timeless countertop options!

Granite is the Ultimate World Traveler

Posted by ExquisiteStone on April 16, 2024

Granite, known for its durability, natural beauty, and versatile applications, is a widely used stone in construction and interior design. But have you ever wondered about the journey granite takes from the depths of the earth to your kitchen countertop or the facades of iconic buildings? In this blog, we will delve into the fascinating world of granite quarry processes, shedding light on the intricate steps involved in extracting, processing, and bringing this stunning natural resource to life.

Step 1: Geological Exploration

Experts study the earth’s crust to identify areas with granite deposits. These areas are meticulously surveyed, and once a suitable deposit is located, the quarrying process can commence.

Step 2: Site Preparation

Preparation involves clearing vegetation and the layer of soil and rock that covers the granite deposits. This process ensures access to the desired granite bedrock.

Step 3: Drilling and Blasting

Once the site is prepared, the next step involves drilling holes into the granite using specialized equipment. Explosive charges are then strategically placed in these holes to blast apart the granite. This process breaks the granite into manageable pieces that can be extracted.

Step 4: Extraction

The granite blocks created through blasting are extracted using cranes and loaders.

Step 5: Transport

The extracted granite blocks are loaded onto trucks and transported to processing facilities or storage yards.

Step 6: Cutting and Shaping

At the processing facility, the granite blocks are cut and shaped into various products. This step is a combination of art and science, with skilled craftsmen using diamond-tipped saws and other precision tools to create slabs, tiles, and custom pieces according to specifications.

Step 7: Polishing

After cutting, the granite surfaces are polished to reveal their natural luster and rich colors. This enhances the stone’s aesthetic appeal, making it ready for use in a variety of architectural and design applications.

Step 8: Quality Control

Before the granite products are shipped to their final destinations, they undergo rigorous quality control checks to ensure the stone meets industry standards for strength, color consistency, and appearance.

Step 9: Distribution

Once the granite has passed quality control, it is distributed to suppliers, manufacturers, and construction projects worldwide.

The journey of granite from quarry to its final destination is a fascinating process that combines science, artistry, and precision. Granite quarry processes involve geological exploration, site preparation, drilling, blasting, extraction, transport, cutting, shaping, polishing, quality control, and distribution. This natural stone’s journey reflects the skill and dedication of those involved in the granite industry and its enduring appeal in architecture and design. The next time you admire a granite countertop or the exterior of a grand building, you can appreciate the incredible journey the stone has undertaken to become a part of our lives.