FaQ

01. What distinguishes marble from granite and other stones?
02. Where is natural stone quarried?
03. What is a quarry seam / course?
04. Why can onyx be back-lit?
05. Why should we choose natural stone?
06. Is it true that looking after natural stone is rather difficult?
07. What formats are available?
08. Is it true that granite is much more resistant than marble?
09. Who should I rely on for installation?
10. If I am unsure about the colors or sizes to choose, what should I do?
11. Is stone eco-sustainable?

 

01. What distinguishes marble from granite and other stones?

Marbles are metamorphic limestones that were re-crystallized at high temperatures and high pressures.

Granites are intrusive magmatic rocks with a compact and uniform granular structure formed by cooling and solidification of underground and buried magma.

The commercial names of stone materials are based on the hardness of the material, the factor defining workability and performance when installed, and groups decorative stone materials in marble, granite, travertine and stone categories. Marble materials are listed with a hardness of 3-4 on the Mohs scale and granite materials with a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale; by way of comparison, diamonds in this scale have a hardness of 9.

 

02. Where is natural stone quarried?

The finest natural stones come from quarries located all over the world. From the classic white marbles quarried in the Apuan Alps to breccias from the Pyrenees, Persian onyx and Brazilian, Indian or Scandinavian granites.

The history of each and every quarry is fascinating, since it embraces the magic of a color, the beauty of endlessly different veining and backgrounds of families or major projects. Such as Milan Cathedral in the Candoglia quarry.

The Lord of Milan, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, in 1387 granted the use of Candoglia quarries to the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo to quarry marble for the construction of the cathedral. Work in the Candoglia marble quarries was difficult and expensive but became economically feasible thanks to the cost savings ensured by water transport on Lake Maggiore, the River Ticino and the Navigli canals in Milan as far as present-day Via Laghetto, recalling the small boatyard where the rough marble blocks were finally unloaded lastly, right behind the Cathedral building site, as well as the elimination of duties – another concession granted by Gian Galeazzo Visconti for the marble used to build the Cathedral.

The barges used to transport materials (also exempt of tolls) for construction work were identified by the wording “ad usum fabricae operis”.

A law passed in 1927, subsequently ratified by a Piedmont regional law, acknowledged the exclusive right of the Fabbrica del Duomo to use Candoglia marbles.

 

03. What is a quarry seam / course?

Quarries are “worlds worth discovering” precisely because they are natural and the materials worked in them very often may have different color shades, backgrounds or intrusions. This is because quarries comprise portions known as seams or courses that are distinguished from each other precisely by the features of the material. It is often interesting to see how the background or the veins of a given material may change, even to the extent of becoming a different material given a new name because of its new characteristics. This arises in quarries where materials are the result of extensive sedimentation; granite quarries, for example, cannot change so substantially precisely because of their nature.

 

04. Why can onyx be back-lit?

Onyx is made of quartz crystals 10,000 years old with chemical-physical characteristics that allow light to pass through them; onyx is usually back-lit with neon or led lights. Onyxes are already highly scenic and unique paintings in natural contexts and become astonishing sources of light when back-lit.

 

05. Why should we choose natural stone?

Like all natural products, stone enjoys the great prestige of being unique. Every block has its own natural and unrepeatable pattern so that every single environment can be given a unique character. Veins, chiaroscuro effects and the natural movements of the color shades you choose for your project ensure exclusivity, just like classic clothes that outlast fashions and styles. Choosing natural stone means choosing the elegance and sophistication of a unique material that makes every project exceptional.

 

06. Is it true that looking after natural stone is rather difficult?

Absolutely no. Like all natural materials, stone is also a living material and therefore simply needs a little special care and attention and cleaning with neutral products. It is also possible to apply occasional treatments that ensure further protection of flooring or kitchen tops to make everyday cleaning even easier.

 

07. What formats are available?

Nature offers us blocks having very different sizes which can be processed and cut so that marble can be installed in relation to the needs of the client. Standard formats are 30×30 – 30.5×30.5 – 40×40 or 30×60 cm. Payanini-the stone brand has one special suggestion to make: use large dimensions that allow stone to express itself in the best possible way, releasing its veins in highly distinctive natural patterns.

 

08. Is it true that granite is much more resistant than marble?

The chemical-physical features of granites and marbles are very different.

Granites are magmatic rocks and are therefore much more compact than marbles, which on the other hand are metamorphic rocks. This does not mean that materials such as marble, breccia or travertine are less resistant or unsuitable for flooring or cladding even in external applications.

After verifying technical data and using the most appropriate finishes, many of these materials may well prove to be valid alternatives to granite.

 

09. Who should I rely on for installation?

The installation of natural stone is undoubtedly the most important stage in the execution of the project.

This is why the technician performing the task must have proven experience and considerable skill in solving on-site situations that are often caused by out-of-square bases, slopes and walls.

It is precisely to ensure that materials are installed perfectly that Payanini materials are laid by Payanini-the stone brand itself, thereby ensuring a single reference supporting you in every stage of project development.

 

10. If I am unsure about the colors or sizes to choose, what should I do?

It is not always easy to imagine your project and this is why modern IT systems can provide us in the design stage with an overview of what the laid material will look like even in relation to format.

Thanks to rendering with materials and textures, the technical office at Payanini-the stone brand provides a realistic overview of the project for immediate perception of whether the chosen material responds to the client’s requirements.

 

11. Is stone eco-sustainable?

Stone is quarried and processed in an eco-sustainable manner because no additives or non-natural substances are used. All materials are also tested and subjected to numerous controls, thereby ensuring that this natural product is 100% green.