A look at Top 4 Granites Quarried from Southern Part of India

The southern belt of Indian is bestowed with abundant flora and fauna. When it comes to natural stones like granite, marble, the southern part has best natural stones mines. Let us take a look at top four granites quarried from southern India.

1    Black Pearl Granite:

The black color represents sophistication and class; if you are looking for such a stone for your building projects then Black Pearl Granite is the answer. The stone has pearly white specks distributed evenly all over the stone, it is the reason it is called Black Pearl Granite. The stone reflects light, so it is ideal for places where you want the space to be well illuminated. The stone gives an illusion of fine shingles wrapped under a glass sheath when looked from a distance. A time when space has become a problem these come up as perfect choice to create an illusion of space. The state of Andhra Pradesh, in India is known to have mines of Black Pearl Granite.

2    Sira Grey Granite:

    

The Sira Grey Granite texture as the name suggest is Grey. It has white specks all over it which gives it a damp chalk like look. The granite is known for its remarkable characteristics.  It is resistant to water, freeze, thaw, dews etc. It also remains unaffected by fire and heat.   All these qualities makes it a great choice for areas like elevators, restaurants, casinos, spas, health club, hospitals and government offices where you see lot footfall. The stone needs very less maintenance and will glitter like new for years. It is the reason it is very much demand. The Sira Grey Granite is quarried from mines located in and around Karnataka.

3    Silver Pearl Granite:

Silver Pearl Granite is trending nowadays. The silver granite with white and dark grey chips has the charm to uplift aesthetic appeal of any surroundings. It comes up a great choice for interior as well as exterior. The Silver Pearl Granite is extensively used in kitchen for perimeter countertops because of the streamlined look it renders to the area. If you want to know where these natural marvels are mined from then the answer is Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

4    Red Multi Color:

Are you looking for a natural stone that not only looks magnificent but stun your guests with its charm then take a look at Red Multi Color Granite. The blood red texture with light black veining simply looks eye-catching. The red multi color granite is extensively used in interior building needs. The multi red granite looks perfect in reception area, large corridors, passageways of hotel and theme based building projects. Now you must me wondering from where the best quality of multi red granite is quarried. Well, no prize for guessing as again it southern part of India. It is quarried from mines located in and around Karnataka region.

Although there are lots more granite mined from southern region but these are top four top four when it comes to popularity. If you are planning to buy then don’t forget to visit Elegant Granites, the largest Indian Granite wholesaler and Indian limestone exporter to get every kind of natural stone at premium rate.

How cleaning of natural marble and slate stone is done

Restoring Indian marble and slate stone is a thriving business. Despite top quality finish and post-sales services, many buyers are making a beeline to the cleaning and restoration experts to take care of minor issues. Marble and slate stone require an elaborate cleaning and restoration regime to give them the “unblemished natural” look. Regular cleaning won’t be enough in most cases, especially if you are living in an urban city area or bay area. Pollution, dirt, dust and footfalls take a toll on the surface appearance. For a highly reflective surface, Indian slate stone slabs and marble exporters recommend polishing and sealant application to prolong the glossy finish.

How cleaning of natural marble and slate stone is done?

 

Cleaning of natural Indian stones involves 3 distinct processes. They are:

-    Blow dry cleaning
-    Misting
-    Polishing using abrasive chemicals/ machining

Before polishing and restoring of the natural stones, cleaning the corners and pockets is necessary. Any invasive dust particle will tear the sealant apart and lead to further damage.

Shining marble floors

If the marble floor you installed last year has already begun to lose its sheen, it requires a radian polishing powder application. It is the cheapest and smartest way to retain the glossy finish that the Indian marble manufacturers are known to deal in. Minor scratches, stains and cracks are camouflaged using a mix of buffing and polishing procedure, which takes less than 45 minutes.

Slate stone cleaning and sealing 

 

Indian slate stone is a popular natural building material used for roofing and flooring applications. The durability of Indian slates is known all round the world and are available in multiple varieties. Cheaper versions have made it to the market, but the commanding position that slates hold remains unchallenged. So, how to retain the appeal over the surface even years after its installation?

Points to be noted

o    High gloss stone sealers are available in the market that provides the surface with a superlative shine and long-lasting protection. These water-based polishes are non-volatile in nature and have mild fragrance.

o    Indian marbles and slates are susceptible to oil and grease stains. The application of the sealers comes handy if you have installed natural stone in areas like kitchen, bathroom, store room and bar. Here is how you restore the natural stone.

o    Close the doors and windows while applying the sealers.

o    Avoid contact with water, oil, sunlight and any impurity.

o    Remove the sealant coating already existing over the surface. Only expert installation personnel know how to scrub and re-touch the surface.

o    Apply the sealers every 18 month to restore the sheen.

o    Don’t use restoration techniques for glazed and non-absorbing surfaces like woods and decks.

Experts recommend the use of water-based mildly acidic floor detergents. They are clear in nature and have non-staining interaction with the slate surface. Regularly wiping the surface with detergents can yellow it and cause staining along the edges. Use of 0.01 inch sealant cover is the most preferred way to keep the Indian slates young and shiny for decades to come.

Top 5 Tips For Cleaning Natural Limestone Floorings, Walls, Tiles And Paving Blocks

Indian limestone slabs are one of the most preferred natural stone composites used to lay flooring, wall tiles, counters, outdoor paving and shower surfaces. Limestone slabs from India have been in use since centuries. Indian sandstone and limestone were used extensively in Northern and Western India for building forts, barracks, ponds, tombs and pavilions. Today, they are used in cladding, flooring and paving. If you have limestone and sandstone flooring at home and are confused about going ahead with cleaning regime, here is a Top 5 Tips For Cleaning Natural Limestone Floorings, Walls, Tiles And Paving Blocks advised by Indian Limestone Exporters.

Always vacuum first before mopping

Most limestone experts observe that the Indian customers complaint about scratches and cracks on the surface. The staining of the floor occurs because of the brooms and sticks. Don’t use Indian brooms. Instead use vacuum cleaner with a soft brush to dust away. For outdoor purpose, use water jets or air blower. Suction mechanism won’t come handy for cleaning of outdoor Indian limestone slabs.

1. Got a stain, drop talcum powder on the surface

If you have alcohol or oil drop on the limestone surface, here is an easy way to manage it and prevent staining. Sprinkle some amount of talcum powder on the oil drop and cover it with a dry linen or cotton cloth. This would soak the oil and prevent it from staining. The ideal way to sprinkle talc is to put it on and around the drop so that the stain is not spread to the adjacent surface.

2. No soap, no vinegar and absolutely no detergent

It is said that the Indian limestone can withstand virtually any chemical attack. Still take no chances. Instead of using regular cleaners and detergents, use mildly warm water and two teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide. First wipe the floor with plain water, and then clean it with the chemical solution. Again mop the surface with plain water. This way you will keep the limestone glossy and beautiful much longer than what it was initially designed for.

3. Maintain the health of the Sealant topping

Take care of the sealant that comes with the Indian limestone slabs. It is applied on the surface to prevent it from getting scratched, stained or cracked. It also prevents the accumulation of filth over the cracks. Use of abrasives and loading heavier items over the limestone slab surface tends to wear out the sealant over a period of time. Modern day sealants are not meant to last more than 40 months. Change it as soon as the term is over. It will save you the cost of replacing the whole set of limestone tiles and slabs.
4. Watch out for usual culprits

Apart from oil drop, wine, dust and stone chips, there are other elements that can cause havoc to the health of the limestone slabs like:

• Hairs
• Nails
• Peels from vegetables and fruits
• Blood drops
• Ash from cigarettes and incense stick

If you don’t remove them regularly, they can damage the surface and stain it permanently, even when sealant is intact.

Top Natural Stone Decking Product Features

Swimming pool, terrace, landscape garden, walking pavements and designer walls: Do you know what the common thing is that connects them all? It is the natural stone decking range offered by the Indian granite wholesalers. It includes the best of granites, limestone, travertine, quartzite and marbles. Going a step ahead, if you wish to bring in more variety to the landscape, you can explore the likes of Indian sandstone and slate stone tiles.

Here are 5 ideas to transform your pad into a dream destination, without shelling out a bomb price. 

1.    Remodelled designs every time you search

The Indian granite wholesalers offer exclusive design ideas to help you pick the right set of tiles. The pools and terraces can very well define your personality and the way you wish to project your lifestyle. Remodelling the designs will certainly help you in the long run. You can comfortably live with the challenges that come with the maintenance and cleaning of the natural stones.

2.    High-grade Sealants for all stones
Indian granite and marble suppliers recommend that you use sealant-coated tiles only for outdoor purposes. These tiles not only retain the look for years but also handle the harsh weather and chemical effects. If you are wary of the hard use that will follow once the area is open for use, the sealants definitely come handy in future. You would not like to save money on sealants just because you think you would never drop oil or spirit on the floor!

3.    Inclusion of the sturdy Travertine series in your natural stone decking options

Travertine is a stone with growing prospects. It gels well with the Indian granite and marble series. If you are planning to deck up your surface with elegant stone settings, Indian travertine is your go-to option. It is porous in nature and retains its gloss over a longer time than other lustrous natural stones. One of the most promising features that glue the natural stone lovers to Travertine is its slip-free property. 

4.    Flat surfaces best for natural paving

Stone decking built using natural stone should have flat surfaces. Indian granite wholesalers offer flagstones that can withstand fore and shear even with constant use. Considered ideal for poolside and terrace areas, the natural stones like marbles, limestone, granite, Indian sandstone are honed, polished and sealed to ensure that the texture remains consistent and lustrous.

5.    Colour varieties as if it were painted

When you have an option to choose Indian slate stone and granite, don’t miss it. Indian granite suppliers offer exquisite colour ranges varying from darkest of shades to neon series. Red, purple, yellow, aquamarine, opal and olive remain the popular choices to line pools, terraces and block streets. If you are expecting heavy footfall, the smartest thing to do would be to include marble tiles with quartzite. They don’t crack under pressure. They also remain slip-free even when exposed to continuous moisture. Moreover, they are easier to maintain than other stones.

Understanding The Concept Of Sandstone Weathering In Ancient Historic Buildings

Sandstone is a typical example of sedimentary rock, which is clastic in nature. Sometimes sandstones are also known as Arenite. Almost all of the sandstones are composed of either feldspar or quartz since they are the most abundant minerals on earth. The use of sandstone has been known to man since the historic times. Sandstone has been used since the ancient ages for domestic construction of house wares.  It is still used for the same purposes; however, the methods have been quite improved because of the advancement in technologies. 

Reason for sandstone’s popularity as a building material

Sandstone is an instant hit among the construction workers as a building material because of the primary reason that it is simple to work upon and carve, since it is a relatively softer stone when compared to the other stones. Even though sandstones are on the relatively softer side, yet they can withstand weathering largely, thereby making them a good choice as building materials.

Indian Sandstone has been used extensively in constructing many ancient structures like temples, residential units as well as other buildings. The quality of sandstone supplied by Indian Sandstone supplier has also been part of aesthetic piece of works as well like statues, ornamental fountains and many more.  Since it is greatly resistant to weathering, extensive use of the stone has been found in paving as well. It has been found that the stone is also used grindstones for sharpening objects because of their uniform grain size and of their friable structure.

Occurrences of sandstone weathering in ancient buildings

It is a common knowledge that materials deteriorate over time by the process of weathering. Even though sandstone is resistant to weathering largely yet it is vulnerable to the perils of time. Weathering in sandstone is noticed in many ancient structures like Petra of Jordan, Machu Pichu of Peru, Coliseum of Rome and many more.  The reasons of the decline can be broadly divided into two basic parts:

·       Natural: The natural factors in weathering of the stone have to consider many aspects like intrinsic and extrinsic influences. While the intrinsic influences include factors that are inherent to the stone like molecular composition, hardness as well as fracturing, the extrinsic one constitutes the external influences that are induced by natural causes like abrasion, moisture and temperature.

·          Fabricated: The main cause that leads to fabricated weathering in the stone is human induced abrasion. The visitors who tend to visit the stone structures by touching, walking and climbing them are the primary reasons for their decay. Moreover, many of the individuals often scratch out their names upon these structures thereby making the structures more vulnerable to weathering and eventual decay. Such human influences can take a heavy toll on the cultural and historic heritage of the buildings where they visit.

The study of stone weathering therefore requires some other knowledge as well like climatology and weather studies, mineralogy, architectural history of the building along with the construction techniques that has been used and the land use on both local as well as regional level.

How To Clean And Care For Your Marble Flooring

When it comes to cleaning your elaborately laid marble flooring without causing staining and damage to the surface, it can become very demanding especially when you have marble floors covering large part of the living area, the cleaning regime can mean an investment of at least 3-4 hours and a heavy package of disinfectants, natural cleansers and polishing agents. The Indian Marble Exporters often recommend the use of herbal products or neutral chemicals, but the owners find them rather ineffective in treating germs and preventing diseases.
Most customers of the marble exporters seek a reliable way to clean and care their flooring. This is what best marble exporters say about the regime:
-    Use mild soap with warm water
Mild soap and detergents when used with warm water can be very effective when it comes to washing the marble floors. Most marble exporters ensure that the slabs are covered with a film of polish. It prevents the seepage of water into the cracks. It also ensures that the marble floor does not slab over the years. Use of warm water will also ensure that the germs don’t grow on the floors. This regime is handy in houses that have pets and small kids.

 -    Always clean the edges and corners
Most people miss out on the tile edges and corners. While they may be conspicuous, the reagents and water often fail to clean the surface. Use a little force to remove dirt from these edges.

-    Use soft cloth, linen or sponge
Use of abrasive fabric or nylon scrubbers may scruff the finishing of the marble floor. The marble exporters recommend the use of linen cloth or smooth sponge to clean the surface. Always squeeze the water and wash the cloth before reusing over the floor. The dust particles may stick to the cloth and scratch the floor. Rinsing and squeezing of the cloth before scrubbing the floor will ensure a proper cleaning regime with zero scratches on the marble surface.

-    Don’t use razor blades, knife or abrasive pad to clean the stains
If you drop a pickle, oil or paint, the marble exporters use special removers. Try to remove the dry stain with warm water, vinegar or spirit. Don’t use blades or sharp edged tools. It will stain the floor and expose the internal layers to moisture, heat and bacterial growth.

-    Don’t rejig the furniture or metal items too often
Moving the furniture and other items overt the floor can also leave permanent stains and travel marks. After cleaning, let the floor dry naturally. Sometimes, even foot marks can leave permanent marks. Ensure that the room is locked or not walked upon till the floor is dry. Once dry, always place rubber pads under the furniture and cabinets to prevent the contact of the metallic parts with the moisture-ridden surface. You will be saved from the dirty metallic rings that often damage the finish of the marble floors. Add lockable wheels and rollers under the furniture, if possible.

-    Check for petroleum  in the product
No petroleum means safe cleaning. It will keep your marble floor bright and shiny. The fumes will also stay away from your house.

Tips on Transporting Granite Slabs like a Pro Handler

The leading Indian granite manufacturers and suppliers offer finished stones as well as pre-fabricated slabs. The pre-fabricated slabs available with the Granite exporters are used exclusively for domestic installations like kitchen counter-tops and interior decor applications. For the exterior applications, the granite exporters offer blocks and slabs that can be fabricated and machined as per the designs at the site itself. All these are possible only when the granite exporters extend full compliance with the transportation services. The granite slabs require extensive handling care.

When it comes to transporting the granite slabs over a long distance, the Granite exporters take special care. Here’s how they manage to do it with ease.

-     Use blankets

Granite slabs are heavy and prone to scratches during the transportation. Poor handling can render the granite slabs useless. It could prove very costly. The Indian granite exporters use the simplest and most cost-effective ways to protect the stone from damage. They use regular sheets of blanket and put padding around it. The blanket is fixed over the surface using ratchet straps and ropes. The blanketed granite slabs are then lifted and placed in 2 x 4 boards in the cargo carrier. The ropes keep a tight noose around the blanket and prevent the stone from getting ribbed or fractured during travel. It also prevents the seepage of moisture as the plastic padding keeps the blanket dry.

-    Choice of carrier

The mode of transportation is another important aspect of moving the granite tiles across the market. Local logistics allow the use of smaller vehicles if the granite supplier is dealing in small consignments. For overseas consignment, cargo ships are preferred. Airways are not suitable for moving the stones. The granite exporters stick to a standard packaging of 2 x 4 boards to prevent cracking of the granite under their own weight. As a popular choice, the granite slabs are always positioned in a vertical posture in vehicles with an A-frame design.

-    Use A-Frame

Granite suppliers use the A-frame for moving the slabs to their destinations. An A-frame supports the counter-tops made of marble or granite. It holds them in a vertical position. The padding keeps the consignment from bouncing. The unpolished surface of the granite slab rests against the wall of the A-frame support. In order to secure the slab to the A-frame tightly, clamps and ratchet straps are employed. Rubber or fiber bushings are used to prevent the clamps from staining or scratching the surface.

-    Polished slabs stick to each other

The professional granite suppliers and marble exporters stack the slabs in such a way that the polished sides lie adjacent to each other. The clean surface prevents the scratching of the surface.

-    Use sophisticated automated ‘Slab racking’ System

The granite exporters employ sophisticated equipment while unloading the stone slabs from the containers. It is called the ‘Slab racking’ system. It is an alert mechanism that prevents accidents due to crushing or accidental fall of the granite slabs over an operator or handler. More accidents happen while unloading than loading of the granite slabs.