GRANITE
Granite is a very hard stone. Its hardness is around 6-8 on the Mohs scale, which is classified as igneous rock that is formed from megma by way of solidification. Granite contains a lot of quartz and other irregularly mixed minerals such as mica and feldspar. Therefore, it presents an appearance with mostly 3-4 different color crystal grains. Igneous rock does not commonly react with acids except for hydrofluoric acid.
LIMESTONE
Limestone is generally formed in shallow seabeds, thus most limestone contains fossils, shell fragments, and sometimes-even mud. Limestone is classified as a sedimentary rock. Most polished limestone surfaces are etched by acid, due to other calcium carbonate element contents. Many limestones contain magnesium carbonate, which does not easily react with acid. Although, that does not mean it can be cleaned with an acid cleaner. SANDSTONE Sandstone is also a sedimentary rock. It consists of sand crystals bonded together with other soft materials like mud or clay. Sandstone can be easily identified by its sand structured appearance and very high absorption. Therefore, a very good impregnator/penetrating sealer must be applied to most sandstone tiles in order to prevent contamination.
MARBLE
Marble is classified as a metamorphic rock. It is formed from limestones that have been subjected to high temperatures and pressures for a long period of time. They have melted before they become marble. This is why marble tiles often have veins, swirls, and/or bands. The main constituent of marble is calcium carbonate, which will react with hydrochloric acid and generate carbon dioxide in the mean time. Any cleaner that contains acid will etch marble tiles.
TERRAZZO
Terrazzo is made from mixing marble chips and Portland cement. It can be resurfaced with the same method as a marble floor.
AGGLOMERATE
Agglomerate is an artificial tile, which is made from a mixture of broken pieces of marble and/or granite and polyester and/or epoxy adhesives. These tiles should never be chosen for exterior use, since the sun will age and fade the plastic binders. CORIAN Corian is a man-made plastic resin. It is widely used for countertops, especially in the kitchen. It resembles marble or granite, but lacks deep shine and can be easily scratched. The shine of this material is obtained by sand paper sanding prior to applying a layer of wax.
POLISHED PORCELAIN TILE
Polished porcelain tile is unglazed porcelain, which is ground, honed, and polished like natural stone. This gives it a natural deep shine. It is very hard and scratch resistant. Unfortunately, it can be stained like natural stone. Acid will etch the polished surface. The main problem of a polished porcelain tile floor is failed bonding between the tiles and the setting bed. Very low water absorbing character of porcelain tiles makes the tiles difficult to bond firmly with water based adhesives like cement. Butter the back of the tiles with mortar contains resin while installation can be one of the good ways to solve the bonding problems.
Written by,
Daniel Tai