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.
