We have gathered nine stones from our offer with a brief description of their origin and appearance, along with a comparison of their most important practical features: scratch resistance, stain resistance, price, and variety within the species.
Marble, Travertine, Quartzite, or Quartz Composite - What's the Difference?
Marble - A natural stone formed from metamorphosed limestone. Soft (approx. 3–4 on the Mohs scale), with characteristic veining, sensitive to acids and scratches, requires regular impregnation, characterized by great color diversity and ease of processing.
Travertine is also a natural stone, a sedimentary variety of limestone formed near hot mineral springs. Porous, warmer, and more rustic in appearance than marble; also requires impregnation.
Quartzite - A natural stone formed from metamorphosed sandstone rich in quartz. Very hard (7–8 on the Mohs scale), looks similar to marble, but is much more resistant to scratches and stains (ours: Taj Mahal).
Quartz composite is a synthetic (composite) material, produced from quartz or granite aggregate bound with resin. It is not a natural stone, although it is often mistaken for one. You will not find it in our offer.
Types of stone at Un'common
Carrara
Originating from Italy, from the Apuan Alps in Tuscany - quarries have been operating there since Roman times. The background is white or greyish-blue, intersected by delicate, hazy grey veins, creating a subtle and timelessly elegant effect.
Nero Marquina
Mined in northern Spain, near the town of Markina. A deep black background is intersected by distinct white or creamy veins. From thin lines to thick, dramatic streaks, making each slab unique.
Breccia Sarda
A stone with a structure of naturally "broken" rock fragments cemented by a mineral binder, originating mainly from Italy. A creamy-beige background is enlivened by contrasting, turbulent patches in rusty, grey, and golden shades.
Fior di Bosco
Marble from the Apuan Alps in Tuscany, whose name means "Forest Flower". A grey background is intersected by dark, almost black veins forming patterns resembling branches or flowing rivers, giving it a dynamic, painterly character.
Unfilled Travertine
Mined mainly in Turkey (Denizli region) and Italy (Tuscany). Beige-cream, porous stone with visible, natural openings - it gives interiors a warm, rustic, and organic character.
Striped Travertine LINEE
The same raw material as classic travertine (Turkey, Italy), but cut along the natural sedimentary layers. The effect is a regular, linear "striped" pattern instead of a blotchy texture - a more ordered and modern look.
Pietra Grey
Originating from Iran, near Isfahan. A uniform, dark grey background is intersected by delicate, white calcite veins creating a sophisticated, almost graphic pattern - one of the most prized grey marbles in the world.
Calacatta Viola
A variety of marble from the Carrara region in Italian Tuscany. A creamy-white background contrasts with dramatic, burgundy-violet veins - the name "Viola" refers to this characteristic color.
Taj Mahal
Despite its name referencing India, the stone comes from Brazil (Minas Gerais / Ceará). A creamy-beige background with golden and greyish veins resembles marble, but as quartzite, it is much harder and more resistant to scratches and stains.
Comparison of natural stone properties
The following evaluations are comparative and general – a specific slab may vary slightly depending on the batch and quarry.
|
Stone |
Scratch Resistance |
Stain Resistance |
Price |
Variety within the species |
|
Bianco Carrara |
low/medium |
medium |
$$ |
Moderate |
|
Nero Marquina |
low/medium |
low |
$$ |
High - from thin veins to thick, contrasting bands |
|
Breccia |
low/medium |
medium |
$ |
High - large differences in structure, color variations occur |
|
Fior di |
low/medium |
medium |
$$ |
High - large differences in structure, color variations occur |
|
Pietra Grey |
low/medium |
low |
$$ |
Moderate - uniform background, subtle veining |
|
Calacatta Viola |
low/medium |
medium |
$$$$ |
Very high - intensity and amount of violet varies between blocks |
|
Taj Mahal |
high |
high |
$$$ |
Moderate - golden and grey veins quite consistent within the batch |
|
Unfilled Travertine |
medium |
low |
$ |
Low/moderate - quite uniform beige, varying pore sizes |
|
Striped Travertine |
high |
low |
$$ |
Low - regular, linear pattern |
Polished or brushed finish – what to pay attention to
A polished finish enhances color depth and veining, creating a mirror-like shine, but more readily shows scratches, fingerprints, and water marks. A brushed finish has a matte, slightly textured surface – it hides minor scratches and is less slippery, at the cost of a slightly subdued color intensity.
Care and Use
Impregnation: All marbles and travertines are porous and require regular impregnation (once a year or more often in kitchens/bathrooms) - Taj Mahal quartzite needs it least often. It is important to remember that impregnating only slows down the absorption process and does not permanently protect the stone.
Contact with acids: Lemon, vinegar, and wine can cause dull stains (etching) on marbles and travertines - it is advisable to wipe up spills immediately and use coasters.
Batch selection: For stones with high variety (Nero Marquina, Fior di Bosco, Calacatta Viola), it is worth asking the manufacturer about the appearance of the currently available slab batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product should I use to impregnate natural marble?
We recommend professional stone impregnation products. The tops of our furniture have been impregnated with AKEMI NANO. Impregnators create an invisible layer inside the pores that repels water and grease, without changing the appearance or shine of the stone.
How often should natural stone be impregnated?
The frequency depends on the intensity of use. Furniture such as coffee tables or consoles only needs to be impregnated every 12 months. Kitchen and bathroom countertops, exposed to frequent contact with water and grease, may require impregnation every 3 months, and floors, window sills, or wall cladding – every 3–5 years. A simple test: if a drop of water soaks into the surface within 5–10 minutes, it's a sign that it's time to refresh the impregnation.
How to clean travertine daily?
The best results are achieved by regularly dusting the surface. For stubborn dirt, simply wash the stone with water using a soft cloth or a gentle brush. A small amount of a neutral pH cleaning agent, such as gray soap, can also be used. Avoid vinegar, bleach, chlorine-based products, and pressure washers – they can damage the porous, calcareous structure of the stone.
Does raw (unfilled) travertine require different care than filled travertine?
Yes – open pores collect dust, grease, and moisture more easily, so the raw version requires more frequent impregnation and cleaning than travertine with cavities filled with resin or leveling compound, which closes the pores and facilitates cleaning.
Does quartzite (e.g., Taj Mahal) also need to be impregnated?
Quartzite is much less porous and harder than marble or travertine, so it requires impregnation less frequently, usually preventively, once every few years. Nevertheless, it is worth protecting it on kitchen countertops, as resistance varies depending on the specific variety and batch.
