The Ultimate Guide to Super White Dolomite

What is super white dolomite, how does it differ from marble stone and what benefits can this material bring to your home?

In this ultimate guide to all things super white dolomite, we’ll introduce you to this fantastic natural stone so that you can incorporate it in your next home build or renovation project.

Super White Dolomite: what is it?

Dolomite is a sedimentary rock primarily found in sedimentary basins. Sometimes referred to as dolostone or dolomite rock, dolomite is formed in a similar process to limestone. For that reason, it shares many of the same characteristics and properties.

Super white dolomite, specifically, is a variety of dolomite that is known for its striking white colour and accompanying subtle yet stunning grey veining. Considered a luxury stone, super white dolomite has been used in internal and external construction and design for many years. In recent times, this fantastic natural stone has become even more popular thanks to its combination of aesthetic appeal and functional utility.

Where does super white dolomite come from?

Super white dolomite is sourced from quarries in the Bahia region of Brazil. As with all natural stone, it is extracted from the ground by being cut out as large blocks of stone. These blocks are then polished and cut into slabs for use in various applications.

Each slab of dolomite is inspected to ensure that it is of a high enough quality–aesthetically and structurally–to meet international standards, before they are processed and shipped around the world.

What is the difference between Dolomite and Marble?

Super white dolomite and marble are often compared against one another. This is understandable, of course, seeing as both stones come in the iconic stone aesthetic of white with grey veining.

However, there are compositional and property-related differences that are important to consider. For one, dolomite–like limestone–is denser than marble. This means that it is less porous and can often be more suitable for areas of the home exposed to liquid and moisture. (Think a super white dolomite kitchen or super white dolomite bathroom…)

Super white dolomite is also more durable and hardy, which means that it is generally more resistant to scratches, chips, stains and cracks. For that reason, many people opt for dolomite over marble for applications that are exposed to high levels of foot traffic and home activity as well.

Using Super White Dolomite

Being the versatile and functional natural stone that it is, super white dolomite can be used throughout one’s home.

1. Kitchen Countertops

Your kitchen countertop or benchtop is a fantastic opportunity to incorporate a beautiful and functional stone slab. Super white dolomite is not just stunning but highly durable and therefore quite popular for use in kitchens.

2. Bathroom vanities and flooring

Like kitchens, bathrooms require significantly durable material to ensure they can stand up to the high levels of moisture and humidity typical of the space. Super white dolomite brings with it not just the light, bright and luxurious aesthetic quality often associated with marble but a high level of practical durability as well.

3. Wall cladding

Super white dolomite is a great option for use in wall cladding. Whether you decide to use it across a full wall’s worth of space or only have the inclination (and budget) for a dolomite feature wall, this natural stone will look amazing in just about any application.

4. Fireplace

Your fireplace offers a unique opportunity to infuse a bit of glamour and beauty in an otherwise rather practical space. To this end super white dolomite brings an opulent quality that is most commonly associated with marble but with stronger heat resistance and durability.

Benefits of Choosing Super White Dolomite

1. Aesthetic Beauty

For one thing, super white dolomite is beautiful. Its aesthetic means that you can achieve a similar visual effect to marble but without the associated maintenance requirements and price tag.

2. High Durability

As mentioned above, super white dolomite is highly durable and hard wearing. This makes super white dolomite bathrooms and kitchens very functional, as its high density provides significant resistance to everyday wear and tear.

3. Heat Resistance

It’s not just about scratches and chips though. Dolomite is also high in heat resistance, so that exposure to higher temperatures–especially in the bathroom or kitchen-won’t compromise the material functionally or aesthetically when properly maintained.

4. Easy to Maintain

Super white dolomite, like marble, does require resealing every few years to keep it clean, pristine and as good as new. However, between reseals, maintenance is easy. Simply use a soft sponge and warm water to regularly wipe down your stone benchtop or vanity.

Here is a similar guide to keep your dolomite looking and functioning as well as possible.

Always clean up any spills as soon as possible (by blotting and not wiping) to prevent staining.
Do not cut directly on to the stone itself to prevent scratches.
Do not put hot pots and pans directly onto the stone itself.
Keep the stone regularly and professionally sealed to maintain its protective barrier.
Always clean with warm water and a soft sponge. Hard, abrasive sponges and chemical cleaners can damage the stone.

5. Affordability

Compared to marble, super white dolomite’s price is more affordable. This has added to its surge in popularity in recent years as homeowners and interior designers can achieve similar visual effects as marble but without the associated higher price tag.

6. Timeless Style

Whenever you’re designing or renovating a home, the cyclical nature of styles and fashions can cause some aesthetics to look dated over time. Super white dolomite is understated in its aesthetic quality and timeless in its appeal, which means your investment will avoid trends that can quickly become outdated.

Explore Super White Dolomite at Euro Marble

Whether you’re set on super white dolomite, marble, limestone or any other natural stone, the team here at Euro Marble is ready to help.

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Choosing Natural Stone For Your Fireplace

A cozy living room with a stone fireplace, ornate mantel, and a lit fire, flanked by two armchairs. Decorative items and a framed painting adorn the mantel.

A stone fireplace is a beautiful and functional choice for your home.

However, if you are trying to choose between the different types of natural stone for your particular fireplace, it can be tricky to make a decision.

There are a lot of important considerations. Of course you want it to look beautiful, but you also need a stone material that is suitably heat resistant, durable and requires little ongoing maintenance. Natural stone ticks all of these boxes – so how do you choose the right type of stone for you?

That is exactly what we are going to break down for you today.

What You Need to Consider for Your Fireplace

There are a few material characteristics that should be at the focus of your deliberation when it comes to stone fireplaces.

Heat Resistance

Is the stone able to withstand exposure to the high temperatures of a fireplace without cracking or deteriorating?

Durability

Is the stone strong enough to resist basic wear and tear, especially if your fireplace is going to be subject to heavy use?

Maintenance

Does the stone offer easy maintenance with minimal upkeep and is it easy to keep clean?

Benefits of Using Natural Stone for Fireplaces

Using stone cladding around your fireplace certainly ticks all of these boxes.

For starters, natural stone–having formed under intense pressure and heat in the Earth’s surface–is not only durable in the face of heat exposure but is able to absorb and store that heat. Stone slowly releases the absorbed heat which helps to maintain and sustain the warmth of the room.

Natural stone is also hardy and resistant to wear and tear, making it a sound investment. It is easy to clean, requiring nothing more than regular wiping with a clean, soft cloth and warm water.

And, importantly, natural stone is a highly valuable and popular material. With each stone slab being unique and one-of-a-kind, you will be adding character to your fireplace. In fact, using fire stone cladding can increase the resale value of your home quite significantly.

A Guide for Choosing Your Fireplace Stone Type

1. Budget

Let’s start off with this important piece of the puzzle. You might be surprised to know that different natural stone varieties come in at various price points. So, make sure you have an understanding of your budget before starting to weigh up different options.

2. Style

Your stone fireplace should complement your overall style. Whether your interior design aesthetic is rustic, modern or traditional, natural stone can suit it all. But it is important that you don’t start mixing and matching different styles or your fireplace will look out of place.

Ask yourself the following two questions if you’re stuck trying to choose the right style for your fireplace?

What colour, pattern and finish do you love?

Start off with the superficial. Just look at the colours and finishes of the rest of your home and think about the style that will complement or intentionally contrast in an aesthetically pleasing way.

Do you want the fireplace to blend in or stand out?

Now you need to decide what purpose you want your fireplace to fulfill. It can either become the focal feature point of the room or it can blend in with the rest of your room’s design.

3. Maintenance Appetite

As mentioned above, stone is relatively easy to maintain. But that doesn’t mean all varieties of stone are alike. Marble, for example, despite its beauty is more porous than other stones, so it will require more regular resealing to keep it looking and functioning as good as new.

4. Context

Context matters. Is your fireplace outside? Is it inside? Understanding the climate extremes and the likelihood of exposure to the elements will greatly impact what sort of stone is best suited for your particular home application.

Stone Fireplace Ideas

Granite

Granite stone is popular for a host of reasons. Apart from its singular and iconic granular aesthetic, it is highly practical too. Granite is durable, heat resistant and requires low maintenance.

Limestone

If you love the warmer and earthier look, limestone is a great option. Like granite, it is heat-resistant and only requires basic upkeep to keep looking great. But it has a unique aesthetic and natural-looking quality.

Marble

We just love marble! It looks luxurious. It is striking visually. And with a wide range of veining, colours and shades available, you can find the perfect stone to enhance your interior design. However, marble stone does require some more frequent sealing but for a stone this stunning it is well worth the investment.

Quartzite

Quartzite is known for its durability and hardiness. This heat-proof and stain-resistant natural stone is popular for many applications around the home, including fireplaces. Plus, quartzite slabs offer a sleek and modern look that will perfectly suit minimalist interior design styles.

Travertine

Travertine brings a refreshing and rustic charm to any space. Its unique aesthetic and texture makes it a wonderful addition to the home. However, like marble, it does require careful sealing and regular resealing due to its slightly more porous nature.

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Carrara Marble vs. Calacatta Marble

A modern living room featuring a fireplace with bold veined marble, a low round marble coffee table, and minimalist decor, including framed art and a table lamp.

Few construction and interior design materials stand up to the beauty and elegance offered by marble.

In particular, two of the most distinct varieties of this special natural stone are Carrara Marble and Calacatta Marble. Being two of the most sought-after types of stone and seeing as they are similarly named, it is not surprising that they are confused with one another.

We’ve put together this handy guide to help clarify the differences and distinctiveness between Carrara and Calacatta Marble. From aesthetics and source of origin to durability and functionality, by the end of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision as to which of these fantastic options best suits your needs.

The Source of Marble

Interestingly, but confusingly, both Carrara and Calacatta Marble are found in the Carrara region of Tuscany, Italy. This area has been used as a quarry for literally centuries–at least since the days of ancient Rome.

Nevertheless, there are individual quarries within this geographical location and each one offers unique marble with distinct characteristics. Carrara Marble is the more commonly found and available of the two. This makes it more affordable generally than its sister marble.

Calacatta Marble is rarer, even in the region, and this exclusivity coupled with global demand adds to both its cost but also its appeal.

The Visual Aesthetic

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature between Carrara and Calacatta Marble is aesthetic appearance. If you look closely at the two slabs side by side, you will notice differences to both their colours and veining patterns.

Carrara Marble

Carrara Marble features softer and more subtle veining patterns. Its general shade is more off-white and sometimes even a light grey with gentle undertones and striations of blue-grey colouring. The veins themselves are slightly darker than the background colouring, almost a light or water grey that seems to dissipate naturally into the rest of the stone.

Calacatta Marble

Calacatta Marble is bolder. Its veining is far more dramatic and is often thick and easily aesthetically defined. The stone itself is brighter than even white Carrara Marble which only serves to contrast more with the darker grey veining. Sometimes, the veining can even be brown or gold, depending on the variety.

Durability and Maintenance

Both Carrara Marble and Calacatta Marble have similar levels of durability and maintenance. Comparatively, marble is a porous material by natural stone standards. This means that it requires regular sealing to prevent staining, scratching and etching. Acidic substances in particular can damage the surface of the stone, so swift cleaning of spills is critical for best maintenance.

However, marble is still hardy and durable as a material. With proper care and some simple, consistent maintenance, you can ensure both the longevity and aesthetic quality of your marble.

Overall, Calacatta Marble is often less porous than Carrara Marble and will require resealing slightly less frequently. Similarly, its denser composition also makes it slightly more resistant to scratches, etching and damage.

How to Take Care of Your Marble

To begin with, as mentioned above, sealing your marble stone is important for ensuring it is protected from liquids and staining. A simple test you can run is to drop a small amount of water onto the stone surface. If the droplets do not bead up, we recommend you consider resealing.

When you do spill something, always make sure you clean it up as quickly as possible. Blot instead of wipe to ensure you don’t actually cause the liquid to spread more.

General cleaning can be done with gentle, soft cloths and using pH-neutral cleaners that are not acidic and designed specifically for marble.

Last but not least, always use mats or other protective items when placing hot dishes, pans and pots so that the intense heat from the utensil does not damage the marble itself.

Functionality and Application

Both Carrara and Calacatta Marble can and are used in a wide range of home design and construction applications. These include everything from kitchen benchtops and flooring to vanities and wall cladding.

But there are subtle differences in best practice application.

Where Carrara Marble Works Best

Carrara Marble is often used for areas of the house that don’t see such heavy traffic. This is not just a reflection of the material itself but its softer veining and more subtle aesthetic quality makes it much easier to blend seamlessly into the rest of the home design scheme. In other words, you can use Carrara Marble over large expanses of surfaces, such as walls and floors, without risking overpowering that space.

Where Calacatta Marble Works Best

On the other hand, Calacatta Marble is more often preferred for areas where you want more dramatic flair. Thanks to its bold veining patterns and more glamorous and luxurious appearance, it is more suitable for feature areas. While you certainly can use Calacatta Marble in large quantities, it also makes for excellent use in smaller, focused amounts such as a fireplace or countertop.

How to Use Your Chosen Marble

At the end of the day, you can’t really go wrong with marble. It looks fantastic. It works great. It’s classic and classy, beautiful and functional.

But if you press us for an opinion, we recommend Carrara Marble for homeowners wanting a more natural-looking and softer aesthetic. Plus, it is often more affordable so it can be more practical for many people.

If bold and stunning is the look you are after, we recommend Calacatta Marble. This sophisticated natural stone can glamour-up any space in which it is used and will catch the eye of family, friends, guests and visitors alike.

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Why Italian Marble Is the Finest Marble in The World

A sunlit, arched hallway in a historic building, featuring intricate marble columns, ornate ceiling details, and classical marble statues along the walls.

Natural stone has earned a unique reputation as a high quality, highly popular choice of design and construction material;, and amongst varieties of marble, Italian marble has garnered a following even more so.

Why is Italy widely recognised as the home of some of the finest and most luxurious marble in the world? What makes it different from marble quarried in other countries?

Let’s dive right into it: What makes Italian marble the finest stone in the world?

Exploring the World of Italian Marble

Italian marble is a highly sought after building material for use both externally and internally. It has a well-deserved reputation for unparalleled quality and unique visual appeal. Throughout the world, Italian marble remains highly sought after and highly popular.

A Brief History

Of course, you may recall that iconic Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello used Italian marble in their sculptures. Michelangelo’s extraordinary “David”, for example, utilised two forms of white marble: Calacatta and Statuario.

But Italian marble has been a preferred type of natural stone beyond just works of art. Thanks to its durability, its aesthetic distinctiveness and its usefulness, structures, buildings and facades have used marble for centuries. The Vatican, famously, uses marble generously throughout its museum displays and its building structures. It’s also widely used in wall cladding and interior flooring applications in ancient structures throughout history.

The question remains: Aside from beauty, does Italian marble live up to the hype? The answer is yes. Luxurious marble is an exceptional stone; it is pretty unmatched when it comes to durability. Apart from its luxury aesthetic indicating status and sophistication, it is a relatively hardy material which makes it all the more appealing for use in construction and interior design.

But there is another component here as well. Italy has a long-standing tradition of stone work. Italian artisans pioneered many of the quarrying techniques that are still used in the modern world today. Thanks to their high standard of craftsmanship and penchant for both quality and precision, the Italians have earned a glowing reputation right beside their natural source of marble.

What Makes Italian Marble More Durable than Other Types

Why is Italian marble so much more durable than other types? Well, there are actually a few factors.

1. Quality of the Raw Materials

Where is Italian marble from? (And don’t say Italy!)

One of the most popular quarries is located in the Carrara region. The reason this area has become so popular is that the marble found there is amongst the naturally purest in the world.

Marble stone is formed in the Earth from intense heat and pressure. The specifics of this process determines just how pure the particular layer of stone is and the rock found in Carrara, as well as other regions of Italy, developed into strikingly white marble with minimal flaws. Hence its popularity and reputation.

2. Structure of Italian Marble

Carrying on the theme of marble formation, Italian marble has developed large and tightly-bound ‘crystals’ so to speak during its development under high heat and pressure. The tightly bound crystals have resulted in making the marble much harder and much more durable than its pre-existing forms of premium stones, i.e., limestone.

Additionally, this crystalline structure allows the marble stone to be polished into a high shine which is a popular look and has become iconic of the marble aesthetic.

3. Quality Control

Out of pride and over centuries of development, Italian quarries have implemented high standards of quality control in the selection, cutting and packaging of its marble. This attention to detail has ensured reliably exceptional quality.

There are a variety of techniques employed in this respect.

Quarrying methods – Italian quarry workers developed flawless processes for extracting large blocks of marble without compromising purity or quality.
Precision cutting – The next step, cutting and carving, is done using advanced tools and techniques that minimise waste and reduce the likelihood of slabs with defects sneaking under the radar.
Rigorous criteria – As mentioned above, Italians have a strict set of criteria regarding aesthetic, quality and durability that all exported stone must meet.
Customisation and innovation – The Italian artisans are rightfully proud of their beautiful marble and they have channeled that passion into mastering new and innovative ways of showcasing their wondrous natural stone, including not just quarrying techniques but polishing methods and the like.

Why Italian Marble is Expensive

The price of Italian marble really comes down to two main factors: Demand and supply.

On the demand side, being such a highly popular and fashionable choice of stone, its price is correspondingly high. There is simply more interest in Italian stone and its aesthetic appeal than current availability.

On the supply side of the equation, Italian marble–like all natural stone–is not produced in a factory. It is quarried directly from the ground, cut into slabs and then shipped around the world retaining its natural texture, aesthetic and quality. The cost of doing this can be higher than your cookie-cutter engineered stone or other forms of building material.

How to Clean Italian Marble

Marble, like other types of stone, is highly durable and hardy. But its natural texture can be damaged when exposed to intense heat, staining liquids and scratches or intense physical trauma.

White Italian marble in particular is more porous than some other stones, so it can be susceptible to etching from acids and other damaging items.

Fortunately, a good quality sealer that is professionally applied can effectively protect your Italian marble from everyday damage and preserve its aesthetic appeal. Aside from your once-every-few-years resealing, make sure you regularly wipe down your Italian marble with a warm, wet and soft cloth and avoid using harmful chemical cleaners.

Popular Varieties of Italian Marble

So, you’re now just as in love with Italian marble as we are! In that case, you may want to consider some of the more popular varieties if you’re struggling to choose from the many fantastic options.

Carrara Marble

Carrara marble is one of the most commonly quarried types, iconic for its natural beauty. It has an iconic blue-grey background and features rather fine linear striations. Also, importantly, its greater availability means it is also among the more affordable options.

Calacatta Marble

Calacatta Marble is known for its rarity and instantly recognisable for its white marble luxurious aesthetic. It features that classic pure white background with dramatic shading and veining in gold, light brown or grey.

Statuario Marble

Statuario marble also boasts a white and bright colour but is known for its bold and visually appealing grey veining. This classic, timeless natural beauty is suitable for a range of applications. Due to the more limited supply and the unbalanced high demand for Statuario marble, it is generally a more expensive option to Carrara or Calacatta marble.

Explore the Timeless Beauty of Italian Marble

Are you an interior designer looking for the perfect Italian marble for your next project?

Are you a homeowner wanting to bring your living space to luxurious life?

Are you an architect needing a bit of inspiration to wow your client?

The Euro Marble team can help with it all and more. We would love to show you around our extensive showroom and talk all things Italian marble (and other premium stones). With a strong understanding of your preferences, budget and application, we can ensure that we find the perfect marble selection to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for marble flooring or marble tiles for luxury bathroom vanities, feature walls, kitchens or other interior decoration applications, we can help.

Get in touch with us today or simply drop by our showroom for a visit.

For all things Italian marble, give us a call today!

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Natural Stone for Shower Walls: Pros and Cons

Modern bathroom with natural stone shower walls and sleek fixtures.

Have you considered incorporating natural stone shower walls in your bathroom?

Natural stone shower walls can transform your bathroom into a luxurious and spa-like retreat. But while stone offers a lot of advantages, there are some drawbacks that are important to take note of.

Let’s explore the pros and cons of a natural stone tiled shower so that you can make an informed and confident decision for your next bathroom renovation.

The Pros of Using Natural Stone for Shower Walls

1. Unique Beauty

Natural stone is uniquely beautiful and offers unparalleled aesthetic elegance. Each piece of stone has its own one-of-a-kind pattern, colour and shading. This makes your shower a unique piece of art. Natural stone shower walls bring more than just a hint of sophistication, regality and beauty to your bathroom.

2. Durability

Natural stone, particularly granite and quartzite, is an incredibly durable and hardy material. It can last the lifetime of a home when properly sealed and maintained. For your shower, you need such a material. Apart from the daily use and exposure to potential scratches and chips, shower walls are also exposed to moisture, steam and water. Natural stone is a great value-for-money, long-term investment for your home.

3. Increase Home Value

Due to both its appeal and its longevity, natural stone in a house can boost a home’s resale value. Using stone in your shower is an affordable way of incorporating this fantastic and luxurious material. When or if it comes to reselling your home, the natural stone shower will stand out as an attractive feature for potential buyers.

4. Heat Retention

The last thing you want when you are having a shower, for both energy consumption and personal comfort purposes, is for the material of the walls to lose all of the heat from the shower. Natural stone has excellent heat retention properties. This means that your shower will feel warmer and be more comfortable, even during colder months. It can also help maintain a more consistent temperature in your bathroom so you won’t have to rely on artificial heating to the same degree.

5. Flexibility

Apart from the different types of natural stone, stone tiles can be provided in various sizes, shapes and styles. This means you have flexibility in installation and patterns. Whether you prefer a seamless and minimalist design or want an intricate and bold pattern, stone can be customised to suit your preference and complement the rest of your interior design choices.

6. Environmentally Friendly

Natural stone, unlike many other construction materials, requires little to no manufacturing processes. This means that there is less waste and less energy consumption in the production of natural stone tiles for the shower.

The Cons of Using Natural Stone for Shower Walls

1. Higher Cost

Natural stone is not the cheapest of materials for use in your shower. Ceramic tiles or acrylic walls are both more affordable when it comes to installation. However, it is important to consider that while the initial investment is significant, the longevity and value add to a home more than makes it worth it.

2. Maintenance

Natural stone, when properly and periodically sealed by professionals, is durable. However, to keep it looking its best it is recommended that you conduct regular maintenance and cleaning. This will prevent water damage, staining and mould growth.

3. Porosity and Staining

Some natural stone varieties, such as marble, are more porous and can be more subject to damage. Consider the individual features of the type of natural stone you are looking at carefully before installing it in a shower and make sure that the soap and other cleaning agents you use are not likely to leave visual stains and damage.

4. Slipping

Showers get wet, of course. Some natural stones can become quite slippery when wet which poses a safety concern. This concern can be mitigated through the choice of slip-resistant finishes and textures, but is certainly something to consider. If you are planning on only using natural stone for your shower walls but not the floor, this is unlikely to pose a problem at all.

5. Availability

Natural stone is quarried from different sites and then shipped around the world. The consequence of which is that only the stone slabs that are available from your local supplier can be chosen. Artificial materials that are manufactured in a factory are not subject to the same tight supply constraints.

How to Find the Right Natural Stone for Your Shower

Fortunately, and as mentioned above, natural stone comes in a wide variety of colours, shades and styles. Depending on your needs and aesthetic preferences, one type of stone may be more or less suitable for your application.

Choosing the right natural stone is about balancing aesthetic preferences with functionality. The team here at Euro Marble are more than just experts in all things stone, we’re enthusiasts as well.

We would be more than happy to provide you with a custom consult to understand what your needs and wants are. Our team would love to show you around the showroom and help you discover the perfect option for your natural stone shower.

Transform Your Bathroom with Natural Stone

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Australia’s Engineered Stone Ban: Why natural stone reigns supreme

Modern kitchen with natural stone countertops and a sleek, minimalist design.

Australia has taken a groundbreaking step in workplace safety.

As of 1 July 2024, the recently implemented nationwide ban on engineered stone has taken effect.

About the Ban

What exactly has been banned?

The 1 July ban prohibits the manufacturing, supplying, processing, and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs across all Australian states and territories.

Why Has Australia Banned Engineered Stone?

This decision by the Australian government came in response to the rising cases of silicosis among workers who manufacture engineered stone.

Workers have been exposed to silica dust which is generated during the manufacturing, processing, and installation of engineered stone products. Exposure of this kind can lead to the development of lung cancer, kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The ban follows years of campaigning by doctors, trade unions, and workers, and was supported by a report of evidence supplied by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

What is the Difference Between Engineered Stone and Natural Stone?

So, what’s the difference between engineered stone, which is banned, and natural stone, which is not banned?

Engineered stone is a composite material made by man. It is produced by mixing crushed stone with a resin binder. When cut, drilled, or ground, it releases dangerous silica dust from the crystalline silica that can cause severe health issues.

By contrast, natural stone is–for want of a better word–natural. It is formed over millions of years in the Earth’s crust and through various environmental processes, including intense amounts of heat and pressure.

As such, there is no need for artificial and potentially dangerous additives or a harmful manufacturing process to produce natural stone.

10 Reasons Why Natural Stone Reigns Supreme

While engineered stone is no longer an option for home owners in Australia, natural stone has long been the superior and recommended choice. Why?

1. Composition

Natural stone is quarried directly from the earth. While it is cut to size, it is not manufactured artificially in a factory. Hence it is 100% natural material. Engineered stone is manufactured using crushed natural stone (most commonly quartz) mixed with resins, binding agents and pigments.

2. Uniqueness

Engineered stone has been provided in a range of shades and styles, but because it is produced in a factory, the stone slab provided to you is hardly unique. Natural stone is one of its kind as there is no other stone exactly like that on Earth. This makes your stone benchtop, wall cladding or vanity completely unique.

3. Easy Maintenance

Being raw rock quarried from the Earth, natural stone is highly durable and hardy. While different types of stone offer different levels of porousness and hardiness, with the right professional sealing and easy maintenance routines it’s simple to maintain and keep looking fabulous.

4. Heat Resistant

Natural stone is typically more heat resistant than most types of engineered stone. While sudden and extreme temperature exposure can still damage natural stone, it is still the hardier material as far as heat is concerned.

5. Environmental Impact

Natural stone does not require energy-intensive or polluting manufacturing processes. It is simply quarried from the ground and cut to size. This makes it the least environmentally impactful of the two options and the greener choice.

6. Appearance

Yes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but natural stone’s unique, organic and wondrous look brings not just fashion but visual authenticity to any room of the house. While engineered stone tries to mimic the pattern and aesthetic of natural stone, the reality is that there is nothing that can replace the real deal.

7. Safety

Natural stone does not pose the same health risks that engineered stone does. It contains far less crystalline silica and is not exposed to the same sort of artificial manufacturing process that has put workers’ health and lives in danger for decades.

8. Versatility

Natural stone can and has been used in a wide variety of applications across the home. This includes the more popular uses such as benchtops and splashbacks, but even fireplaces, staircases, bathroom vanities, showers, flooring and wall cladding as well.

9. Value

Natural stone is the more expensive option of the two, but while it is more of an investment upfront, natural stone often increases property value due to the luxurious nature, longevity, and timeless appeal of the material.

10. Variety

There are many different types of natural stone. Whether you prefer granite or marble, limestone or travertine, each type of stone brings with it a unique combination of aesthetics and functional benefits. Even within each sub-category of natural stone there is such a wide variety of shapes, patterns and styles that there is a perfect slab for everyone!

The Future of Stone in Australia is Natural

As Australia moves away from engineered stone for legitimate health-related reasons, natural stone continues to stand tall as a safe, beautiful, and enduring alternative.

Natural stone has been a cornerstone (no pun intended) of construction and interior design since the ancient days of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome.

In 21st century Australia, natural stone continues to offer a sophisticated beauty and practical functionality throughout the home.

If you’re wondering how you can incorporate the fantastic material that natural stone into your home, make sure to reach out to the premier suppliers of stone–Euro Marble!

Discover the Beauty and Benefits of Natural Stone

Embrace the timeless elegance and safety of natural stone in your home. Contact Euro Marble today!

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Kitchen Island Ideas And Inspiration

A modern kitchen with a large black and white marble island, grey cabinets, and pendant lights hanging above.

Exploring different kitchen island ideas and inspiration is a fun way to go about customising a highly functional and practical component of your kitchen.

With the right design, your kitchen island can make the most of even a compact space and also help you infuse a bit of personality and flair into this central room of the home.

Introducing the Kitchen Island

A kitchen island is basically a freestanding cabinet or countertop unit. It is most commonly positioned in the centre of a kitchen and serves as a multifunctional workspace and aesthetic focal point.

Often, the kitchen island replaces the more traditional designs of a benchtop connected to the sink, stove and oven area.

Kitchen islands are highly versatile as customisation and careful design can provide extra counter space, storage, and even seating. Between that and their pure visual appeal, islands are highly desirable features in modern kitchens.

The Benefits of Kitchen Islands

When deciding between different kitchen island ideas, consider which (if not all) of the following benefits and uses of your island are important to you.

Providing extra space for food preparation
Extra storage for cookware, utensils, and appliances
Providing a casual dining space with bar seating
A natural gathering spot for family and guests
Opportunity to incorporate appliances like sinks, cooktops, or dishwashers
Visual separation between cooking and living areas in open-concept homes

12 Kitchen Island Designs to Inspire You

1. Two-tone islands

A two-tone kitchen island allows you to mix and match the colours and materials you love for some genuinely arresting visual contrast.

Contrasting colours between the island base and the benchtop itself adds a dimension of depth and aesthetic enhancement. For example, a navy blue island base paired with a white marble countertop balances both a bold colour scheme without being too over the top.

2. Waterfall countertops

The waterfall kitchen island design includes the extending of the countertop material down the sides of the island for a sleek, modern look.

Apart from the aesthetic appeal, the waterfall countertop effectively ties together the interior design by making the island feel more connected in the way it naturally flows into the space around it.

3. Curved islands

Softening the kitchen’s angular lines with rounded or oval-shaped islands is not just visually appealing, there are functional benefits too.

Busy households with young children or countertops that see a hive of surrounding activity might benefit from the lack of sharp corners and edges.

4. Fluted details

Kitchen island designs featuring fluted edges are becoming more and more popular.

Fluted detailing adds texture and depth to island facades thanks to the intricate and appealing vertical grooves or ridges.

5. Integrated appliances

Seamless incorporation of anything from refrigerator drawers to wine coolers, or from dishwashers to rubbish bins can help reduce the feeling of clutter from the kitchen and make your food preparation convenient and accessible.

While this design is highly practical, there’s no reason why integrating your appliances into the kitchen island can’t look amazing as well!

6. Statement lighting

Sometimes your kitchen island design is not just about your kitchen island.

Using bold pendant lights or chandeliers that are placed directly above the island will effectively create a focal point and draw attention to your beautiful countertop.

7. Open shelving

Incorporating open shelves into the kitchen island can offer functional and fashionable utility.

It’s an easy way of storing and accessing the items you need but also provides the perfect space for displaying cookbooks or decorative items.

8. Mixing materials

While the aforementioned two-tone kitchen island can incorporate mixing materials as well as colours, it doesn’t necessarily do so.

Intentionally incorporating different textures like wood, stone, and metal opens the creative doors and allows the creation of a layered, sophisticated look.

9. Cantilevered countertops

Cantilevered countertops help to create an arresting floating effect with extended countertops for bar seating.

If you love entertaining family and friends and want a sophisticated yet casual area for your loved ones to gather around, a cantilevered countertop will do just the trick.

10. Multi-level islands

Multi-level islands are becoming increasingly popular.

Incorporating different heights allows for your island to be used for various functions. For example, a lower section may be great for food preparation and clean up, while a raised area with carefully chosen seating makes for a fantastic spot for dining.

11. Bold colours

Consider what sort of ambiance you want your kitchen to have. As a focal point of the space, the kitchen island should complement your chosen design aesthetic.

One spectacular way of making a visual statement is by incorporating vibrant hues like emerald green, deep purple, or coral in your kitchen island.

12. Food preparation tools

There are many ways in which you can customise your kitchen island to assist with your food preparation.

One of the more popular options is butcher block inserts. Adding a built-in cutting board section to the countertop allows for convenient and cleaner food preparation.

Match the Perfect Stone with Your Kitchen Island Ideas

When designing your kitchen island, you need to consider your specific needs and the available space. But you also need to consider what will bring you joy and make your home a lively, enjoyable space to live in.

Discover the Perfect Stone for Your Kitchen Island

As the premier provider of natural stone, Euro Marble can help you find the ideal material for your kitchen island design. Contact us today!

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Which Natural Stone is Most Durable?

Modern kitchen with marble countertops and a basket of fresh fruits.

What is the most durable natural stone?

This is a question that actually doesn’t have the most straightforward of answers. Why? We’ll get to that in just a moment. But to understand the different levels and types of durability in stone, it’s important to understand what natural stone is and its properties.

Introduction to Natural Stone

Natural stone is a product of nature’s geological processes. Over time, and with heat and pressure, stone develops in unique and wondrous ways giving every single slab and block a timeless beauty that has been revered, enjoyed and used throughout history.

The different types of natural stone available all possess unique characteristics that make it suitable for a variety of applications in both construction, interior design and exterior decoration.

While there are many different types of natural stone, the most popular and noteworthy ones include super white dolomite, marble, semi-precious stones, onyx stone, granite, limestone, slate, travertine, and quartzite.

Types of Natural Stone

As each geological formation of stone through heat and pressure differs, as well as the minerals and organic materials that make up each stone differ, different types of natural stone develop.

The various stones all come with distinguishable compositions, colours, benefits, veining patterns and features.

Durability in Natural Stone

When we talk about which is the most durable natural stone, we generally refer to its ability to withstand wear, damage and environmental factors over time. Other aspects, such as hardiness, resistance to scratching, resistance to staining, and resistance to moisture, can all factor into a stone’s overall level of durability.

When used in construction or interior design, durability is a critical factor. The more durable a stone is the longer it will last without the need for frequent repair or replacement. This is especially important in areas of high-traffic and activity, as well as spaces where it will be exposed to moisture, heat or both.

Durable stone doesn’t just preserve its functionality properties but also ensures its aesthetic appeal lasts for as long as possible.

Which is the Most Durable Natural Stone?

Super White Dolomite

Super white dolomite is a visually stunning stone and actually a type of marble. It’s iconic for the distinctive bright white shading it has and the subtle but beautiful veining that runs through it. While relatively durable, it is more prone to scratching and etching than some of the other stones so sealing and maintenance are essential to preserve its appearance and functionality.

Marble Stone

Marble is perhaps the most iconic and recognisable of the natural stone varieties and is beloved for its timeless elegance and classic appeal. This metamorphic rock is typically white coloured or off-white with intricate patterns of veining but it can actually be found in a variety of colours. Marble is among the softer of stones, however, and so without ongoing resealing and care can be susceptible to scratching or staining.

Semi-Precious Stones

Semi-precious stones, such as agate or amethyst, are valued for their rarity and the unique visual appeal they offer. This type of natural stone is often used in luxury designs, but the different types can vary in hardness and durability. Some require careful handling and can be delicate while others are far more hardy.

Onyx

Onyx is a stone renowned for its translucent properties and captivating aesthetic. However, a side-effect of its unique translucency is a delicacy to the stone that prevents it from being among the most durable of types and more susceptible to scratching and staining when untreated and unsealed.

Granite

Granite is an igneous rock with an iconic coarse-grained structure that comes in a wide range of colours and styles. A strong contender for most durable natural stone, granite is renowned for its exceptional resistance to everything from scratches and heat. It’s one of the many reasons why granite is commonly used for everything from flooring to kitchen benchtops.

Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock and brings a natural ascetic warmth and softness to any room of the house. Its compact calcite composition makes it a durable stone, especially when sealed and properly maintained, but it is softer than some of the other types on this list.

Slate

Slate is another candidate for the most durable natural stone award. This fine-grained metamorphic rock features distinct layering. Its high levels of scratch-resistance and durability make it an excellent and popular choice for use as roofing and flooring, with the inherent layer structure only adding to its strength.

Travertine

Travertine is a subtype of limestone that’s formed in hot springs. It features a porous texture and unique surface voids. While regular sealing can maintain its appearance, it is relatively softer compared to other types of natural stone.

Quartzite

Quartzite is a unique entry in this list. This hard metamorphic rock is formed from sandstone and is prized for its durability and resistance to various elements such as heat. Its robust nature helps it to resist scratches and staining and makes it a top contender for the most durable natural stone.

Find the Most Durable Natural Stones at Euro Marble

In conclusion, while the durability of each type of stone requires consideration of various aspects of both the stone and application in question, there are some types that are more durable and others that are softer and more porous.

If you’re looking for the most durable natural stone, your best options are granite, slate and quartzite. However, each type of natural stone brings its own set of characteristics and benefits to the table, so there may be some options that are more suited or less suited to your particular application.

Discover Your Ideal Stone

Contact Euro Marble today to find the perfect stone with the right features for your needs.

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Pros and Cons of Onyx Shower Walls

A luxurious shower with onyx walls featuring natural, earthy tones and horizontal veining patterns.

Finding the right material for your shower can be crucial for the functionality of the space and the aesthetic of the room. An onyx shower wall offers many advantages in terms of maintenance, beauty, durability and practicality.

If you haven’t yet considered using this unique and exotic stone for your shower walls, you might want to take it into account. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of using onyx tiles for your shower walls.

How to Choose the Right Material for Your Shower Walls

Durability

Showers are exposed, of course, to a lot of water and chemicals. Without a hardy enough material covering the walls, you could find that wear and tear is exaggerated over time.

Maintenance

Consider the amount of maintenance and complexity of cleaning each particular material requires to keep it clean and free from damage.

Aesthetic

Thinking about your personal style preferences and how your chosen material will complement the overall bathroom aesthetic is important.

Cost

Most home renovations are done on a strict budget, so factor in the upfront and long-term costs of your chosen material from the outset.

Installation

Different materials come with different levels of installation complexity. This can affect your budget and timeline.

Availability

Various materials are procured from many far reaching sources. Natural stone, for example, is quarried directly from the ground and so supply can be limited. If you’re working to a strict timeline, you may want to consider availability.

Uniqueness

Engineered and factory produced materials are, by their very ‘nature’, identical. Naturally occurring materials, be it stone or wood, all form in nature and therefore are all unique in exact style and pattern.

What is Onyx?

Onyx is a stunning natural stone that is known for its translucent aesthetic quality and unique, banded appearances. It forms in caves as stalagmites and stalactites that meet over time and merge into this type of quartz mineral stone.

Onyx comes in a range of vibrant colours and mesmerising patterns that makes it an ideal choice for a variety of applications, including shower walls. When used for walls and in interior design, slabs or pieces of onyx need to be cut down to size and shape. As with all shower walls, there is plenty of opportunity to customise your shower not just in terms of material but also in terms of the size, shape and pattern of your wall tiles.

Should you choose to have onyx shower walls?

Ultimately, the decision as to whether or not onyx walls are right for your bathroom comes down to you. It’s important to consider what your preferences and limitations are, as well as what each different material option has to offer.

To help guide you towards the right decision, we’ve listed the five top advantages and disadvantages of using onyx stone for your shower walls.

The Pros

1. Aesthetic Elegance

Onyx shower walls offer a luxurious and sophisticated ambiance. In addition to the captivating style and opulent shading, the stone’s natural translucent allows for a unique play of light that will be a welcome addition to your bathroom.

2. Versatility

Onyx stone comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns which provide homeowners with a wide range of design options. Additionally, onyx can be easily tailored to suit all sorts of interior design preferences whether it’s classic, modern or even rustic.

3. Uniqueness

Being natural stone, each slab of onyx is distinct and unique. The natural banding and veining of your onyx shower walls will be one of a kind and bring an exclusive level of personalisation to your bathroom.

4. Lighting Effects

Onyx tiles are often installed with a backlight to take advantage of the stunning visual effect of the light filtering through the translucent stone. This will make your bathroom all the more radiant and welcoming.

5. Temperature Control

Onyx stone has advantageous natural thermal properties that make it cool to the touch. In Australia, where we enjoy warmer weather, this is a refreshing and comforting feature for your shower walls.

The Cons

1. Cost

Perhaps the biggest drawback of onyx shower walls is the cost. This high-end material comes with a higher price tag than other shower wall materials. The initial cost of purchasing and installing onyx shower walls can be a worthy investment, but still require a larger budget than other options.

2. Scratching/Etching

Onyx, compared to some other materials, is relatively soft. While care can and should be taken when cleaning and maintaining, it is more prone to scratches and etching from acidic substances than other options.

3. Maintenance

Shower walls always need maintenance and ongoing cleaning to preserve beauty and hygiene. With onyx walls, however, sealing is also required to protect the stone itself from water damage, staining and deterioration over time.

4. Availability

Finding large and unblemished pieces of onyx stone can be challenging. This affects the options in terms of size and configuration of onyx shower wall tiles and can also affect the price.

5. Installation

Onyx’s delicate nature can make working with it and installing it tricky. You’ll need skilled professionals with experience handling and cutting this unique stone.

Find Out More About Onyx Shower Walls

Onyx walls can undoubtedly transform your bathroom into a lavish retreat. While it is important to crucially weigh the pros and cons carefully, consider your budget, and think about your aesthetic preferences, onyx stone has been and continues to be a popular choice in a variety of interior design applications.

Explore Onyx Shower Walls

Contact the Euro Marble team today to discuss your project and discover if onyx shower walls are right for you.

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Marble Coffee Table Ideas And Inspiration

Stylish living room with a marble coffee table, mustard chairs, and modern art on the walls.

A marble coffee table is a perfect edition for any home, but understandably when choosing the right table for your house you’ll want one that blends style with functionality.

It can be harder than expected to balance timelessness with sophistication when it comes to a marble coffee table.

In this article, we’ll help guide you towards the ideas and inspiration that will help make your coffee table the talk of your next tea party!

Why choose marble for your coffee table?

Marble is a wonderful stone for use in interior design as well as construction. Renowned for its natural beauty and luxurious appeal, marble coffee tables are popular and continue to be popular among homeowners with a range of aesthetic preferences.

Of course, many people opt for the classic white and cloudy veined style of marble, but there is actually a diverse range of different colours that marble comes in. This makes finding the perfect slab of stone for your chosen aesthetic and style easy.

From a functionality perspective, marble – when treated and maintained correctly – is durable, long lasting and hardy enough to give you many, many years of joy.

Should you customise your marble coffee table?

While there are plenty of marble coffee tables that are sold in stores, you may choose to have a custom created table. This will come with a significantly higher price tag, considering the amount of labour that goes into it, but it does offer the opportunity for you to tailor the dimensions, size and specifications to suit your needs and wants.

Whether or not you choose to order a custom table, it’s crucial to evaluate the size of the space in the room you plan on placing it. Remember, you’ll want to retain a harmonious balance between the table and the rest of the rooms, including the important but oft neglected empty space that keeps the area feeling spacious and liveable.

From a style perspective, make sure you consider the overall aesthetic of the room. The colour and veining of the marble should harmonise with the existing decor. This doesn’t mean it has to be the same shade or match; you may choose for it to stand out and be a bold piece of furniture.

10 Ideas for Using and Decorating a Marble Coffee Table

1. Minimalist Style

Marble stone is a piece of art in and of itself. Embrace its inherent beauty and the simplicity of a sleek, white marble coffee table to enhance the minimalist style of modern day living. Clean lines, sharp edges and a smooth surface will make a statement boldly without the risk of overpowering the space.

2. Contrast Your Furniture with The Table

If your living room already has light-coloured furniture, consider pairing it with a darker shaded marble coffee table, or vice versa. The juxtaposition of light and dark aesthetics adds visual interest and depth into the room in a low-key yet highly effective way.

3. Adorn with Botanical Elements

Elegantly chosen potted plants, vases of fresh flowers or other botanically-themed elements is a great way for you to bring the space around and above your marble coffee table to life. The natural elements complement the organic patterns found in the marble stone and allows you to freshen the entire aesthetic effortlessly.

4. Showcase Artwork

Coffee tables are often used as a surface for, you guessed it, coffee cups. But there’s no reason why you can’t treat your marble table as a canvas for art. Display a curated collection of sculptures, ornaments, books or even artwork to help create both a visual focal point and some interesting aesthetic dynamism.

5. Use Metallic Accents

When we said that you can use a marble table for all styles of interior design, we meant it. If you utilise metallic accents throughout the rest of your house, you may want your marble table to match. Introduce a bit of glamour with brass or gold accessories, such as a candle holder or tray, and you’ll easily create a palpable atmosphere of luxury.

6. Find Geometric Harmony

The shape of your marble coffee table can be really impactful stylistically. Geometrically shaped tables add a modern and fashionable flair, while square or hexagonal tables in particular bring a sense of balance to the room.

7. Opt for Vintage Glamour

Marble is glamorous, but you can dial it up even more and embrace a vintage style by choosing a coffee table with intricate detailing in the marble or a classic pedestal base. If you so choose, even pairing it with velvet or tufted furniture can help achieve a timeless aesthetic.

8. Candle Ambiance

Candles, scented or otherwise, are a great way to decorate a marble coffee table. A considerately arranged assortment of candles can contribute to a cosy and intimate atmosphere and, when lit, can enhance the natural beauty of the stone itself.

9. Nautical Vibes

This idea might not be for everyone, but introducing some nautical vibes to your living space can be a really bold aesthetic statement. Light-coloured marble coffee tables adorned with sea-blue accessories and natural textures like woven baskets can create a coastal-inspired ambiance and introduce a serene and relaxed atmosphere to the space.

10. Books, Books, Books

Coffee table books is a genre of books all on its own and while books are fantastic ways to introduce an interesting and useful element to your coffee table, they also offer visual value. Play around with the arrangement of books to showcase some as ‘art’. Use your imagination with how you position the books to create some aesthetic depth with varying pile heights and different positions.

Looking For The Right Marble For Your Coffee Table?

A marble coffee table is more than just a piece of furniture. It’s an opportunity to introduce an element to your home that is useful, sophisticated and stylish. Whether you’re partial to classic aesthetics, modern design or eclectic looks, make sure to reach out to the team here at Euro Marble to find the right marble for your coffee table.

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