The silica content of granite should be at least 70%. In the stone industry "granite" has been a term applied to almost all igneous rocks. Granite’s strength and beauty, which is found in no other rock, makes it the second hardest stone after diamonds.

In view of the details outlined above it is a commercial imperative for your supplier to disclaim responsibility for the natural elements and performance of the material you have selected once the surface is installed. This is done alongside a responsible and customer orientated approach to this and other solvable issues that may arise. (Guidance in this regard is given in this document at a later stage).

All of these natural materials contain fissures, quartz elements and naturally occurring flaws and features. Some looser granites and marbles may contain artificial fillers and stabilisers, applied either at the time of quarrying or converting or latter during polishing and preparation for use.

Soft Granites such as Kashmir White will contain large areas of natural discoloration and are frequently too absorbent for heavy-duty kitchen use. It is not possible for UK Marble to eliminate these features but we will make every effort to use carefully selected materials. Whenever clients have very specific requirements, arrangements should be made to visit our factory to inspect the actual sheets of material to be used prior to manufacture.

UK Marble will source materials from selected trade suppliers. Clients are discouraged from demanding a specific supplier subsequent to our estimate for products and services. Whenever clients, subsequent to a formal estimate, select specific materials from an alternative source, the estimate will be rendered void.

What about daily cleaning ?

Like all natural materials, marble, granite, and slate require care to preserve their beauty. Strongly coloured foodstuffs, such as blackcurrant and beetroot, can stain stone surfaces. Acidic liquids such as fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, and soda should not come in contact with these surfaces as they may etch them.

Spills should be cleaned immediately with warm soapy water. Regular use of a good quality liquid silicone cleaner will reduce the tendency for staining.

Avoid leaving excessive moisture on these surfaces. Granite must not be rubbed with abrasive cleaning materials: scouring powders, steel wool, metal brushes etc. Never use chlorine based cleaners, acids, photographic development liquid, alkalis (caustic soda) and concentrated biological disinfectants. on stone surfaces.

Wash with clean warm water to which a non-abrasive light neutral detergent (PH7) may be added. Rinse with clean warm water and dry with a chamois leather or similar. Polish lightly using a cleaner, certain glass cleaners are effective. Drainage flutes can be cleaned using wire wool and wax. For normal cleaning, wipe marble, granite, and slate surfaces with a damp cloth. Dirt and fingerprints can be removed with a clean, soft cloth and warm water.

It is not advisable to use kitchen cleaners that contain bleaches or anti bacterial agents, nor anything more powerful than washing up detergent unless they are specifically intended for use on natural stone. If any of these come into contact with the stone, clean them off immediately, otherwise surface damage will occur. Do not allow surface deposits to build up on stone worktops, e.g., powder detergents, salts and water.

Marble is a more porous stone that requires special care. It can be scratched by grit, and it absorbs moisture, so wipe up any spills immediately. Clean marble regularly by using a soft cloth or sponge with a solution of mild, liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Rinse. Dry with a soft cloth. Do not use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner, it will eat into the marble.

Should it be necessary to remove surface stains, rub them down with a marble polishing powder, such as tin oxide (available at hardware and home-improvement stores). Carefully follow the product's directions.

UK Marble offers a “Care and Cleaning Kit” which can be ordered for the price of £29.00 plus post and package. The kit contains cleaner/restore, surface sealer, wax polish and soft cloths. Instructions for use are contained with the kit.

Maintain slate worksurfaces by occasionally rubbing surfaces with any clear, low-viscosity, non-detergent oil. Wipe off the excess oil. For lasting protection, allow the oil to dry and follow with a coat of non-yellowing wax.

If you would like a sample, or wish to inquire about absorption and wearing qualities please refer to the UK Marble customer services desk.