In the building materials industry, marble has always been known as high-end, and many Interstellar hotels use marble. The decoration of slate is very hot recently. Many people will compare slate with natural marble. They don’t know which stone is better. So, let’s take a look at the difference between marble and sintered stone today!
I. Origin and appearance of marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed by the original rocks in the crust through the action of high temperature and high pressure in the crust. The internal force of the crust promotes the process of qualitative changes in the original various types of rocks. Qualitative change refers to the change in the structure, structure and mineral composition of the original rock, and the new rock type formed after qualitative transformation is called metamorphic rock.
The texture of each piece is different. The high-quality varieties have clear texture, smooth and delicate, beautiful, and fresh, and marble is used for home decoration, which can set off the living room more elegantly and generously. It is also because of the natural characteristics of marble that there will inevitably be some defects, such as cracks, trachoma, stains, etc.
Natural marble has colorful colors, natural clear texture, and natural pleasant texture. It is the most advanced decorative material given to human beings by nature. Natural marble is used by people for its tough strength, excellent performance, and rich resource reserves. valued.
Composition of marble
Marble is mainly composed of calcite, limestone, serpentine and dolomite, and its main component is calcium carbonate, accounting for more than 50%. Others include magnesium carbonate, calcium oxide, manganese oxide and silicon dioxide.
Features of marble
1. The stone structure is dense and has high compressive strength.
2. Good decoration.
3. The marble structure is uniform, the linear expansion coefficient is extremely small, and it is not easy to deform.
4. Good rigidity, high hardness, strong wear resistance and small temperature deformation.
5. Maintenance and maintenance are convenient and simple, not easy to stick to dust, and have a long service life.
Application range of marble
Natural marble is a gift of nature, so the texture of each piece is unique. The texture of high-quality stone is clear, smooth, and delicate, and the color is rich and varied. In interior decoration, it is often used in TV countertops, windowsills, floors, walls, background wall decorations, threshold stones, stairs, bay window countertops, etc., which can create a sense of elegance, freshness, and elegance.
Mable application effect
There are many marble floors, and the installation of marble in the family is both decorative and functional. The reason why designers like to use marble is the quality and natural appearance of marble, which can create different decoration styles. Different types, different colors, different patterns, and textures bring a lot of good feelings to designers using marble floors.
Advantages of marble flooring
Perhaps the attraction of marble floors is its shape and beauty. Few building materials are as beautiful as marble. Marble comes in dozens of varieties, with color choices ranging from black to pink to white, and even dark green with white textures. At the same time, marble can also complement many different decor styles, from classic to ultra-modern.
Advantages of marble walls
The marble material is uniform and delicate, with many colors and various texture patterns. Marble walls give people a sense of elegance, beauty, and solemnity. Using marble to decorate the wall can have no deformation, good wear resistance, no magnetization, and can be used for a long time.
II. Origin and appearance of sintered stone
Sintered stone is produced by industrial equipment, so the appearance of the same product is highly stable and consistent, and the texture is derived from the texture of natural rock. However, there are not many popular slate textures on the market at present, and the tones are mainly black, white, and gray.
The composition and structure of sintered stone
Slate belongs to artificial stone and is a new type of building material. Its main characteristics are sintered dense and derived from stone. Its components are mainly quartz, feldspar, and oxides that provide color and other raw materials. After being pressed at a high pressure of 400 bar, it is then fired at a high temperature above 1200 ° C, and then combined with NDD technology to achieve a specific texture effect.
Characteristics of sintered stone
1. Safety and hygiene
Slate is a pure natural material with a recycling rate of up to 100%. It can also directly contact food. It has the characteristics of non-toxic and harmless, and its environmental protection performance is very good.
2. Good antifouling and antibacterial effect
The slate has good permeability resistance, and water basically cannot penetrate the stone, which effectively prevents the slate from deteriorating, and also prevents the growth of bacteria. And the antibacterial property of slate is as high as 98%, and the antibacterial effect is outstanding.
3. Good high temperature resistance
The slate has good high temperature resistance, it will not deform after contact with high temperature objects, there will be no burning marks on the surface, and it will not emit an unpleasant odor.
4. High hardness and wear resistance
Slate has high hardness, so it has good scratch resistance, even after repeated use of cleaning agents, its surface will still not appear unsightly scratches.
5. Can be customized
The slate is flexible in customization, can be deep processed, has various textures, and can be customized according to the needs of users.
Scope of application of sintered stone
1. Wall and floor paving
It can be paved on the ground and wall of the home space and can also be used in commercial public places such as chain stores and hotels; the same series of products are “on the wall and below the ground”, and the visual effect of the extended space creates a spacious and atmospheric indoor atmosphere.
2. Slate background wall
The space between sophistication and mediocrity is often just a “wall”, the texture is naturally connected, and the visual effect of the space is extended, which is complete and beautiful.
3. Exterior wall paving
It is not afraid of wind, rain, sun, will not fade, and it will last for a long time. It is an excellent choice for outdoor wall paving.
4. Island table and cooking table
The dining table and island play an important role in emotional interaction. The food-grade safe slate can be in direct contact with food, and you can directly perform cooking operations such as chopping vegetables and grilling on the slate, and you can easily create creative cooking at home.
5. Cabinet panel
The cabinet panel is made of the same material as the floor, wall, and desktop, which can make the home space immediately orderly and pleasing to the eye.
6. Bathroom basin cabinet
The bathroom is a place to completely release oneself; behind a high-quality bathroom, there is often a delicate soul hidden. Slate can be used as slate vanity, sink, slate bathroom cabinet.
7. Desktop and coffee table
The slate is made into a coffee table and a desk, which is simple and beautiful without losing style. It can improve the quality of the home at any time. The changeable texture of the slate can increase the tension and make the various elements of the space better integrate into one.
8. Creative cutting
Through creative cutting, you can make dinner plates, flowerpots, stairs, tea trays, etc. A slate cutting collage allows you to have N+ application possibilities.
III. Contrast of marble and sintered stone
Due to the difference in source and composition, the physical and chemical properties of the two are quite different, making their use in home improvement a clear contrast.
Different appearance
Marble is a natural material mined by nature. The texture is clear, smooth, and delicate, and each texture is different. However, because of its natural properties, there will inevitably be some defects in appearance, such as cracks and stains. Does not affect the appearance and use.
Slate is an artificial product, which is mostly stable and similar in appearance, but the texture is very similar to that of natural stone.
Different physical and chemical properties
Wear resistance: The Mohs hardness of marble is 2.5-5, the hardness is not particularly high, and it is necessary to avoid scratches by sharp objects, while the Mohs hardness of slate is 6-7, and the wear resistance is strong.
Permeability: The surface of marble is relatively loose and easy to absorb water, while the rock has high density, strong waterproof, and anti-fouling ability. Temperature resistance: Marble has a loose structure and is easy to break in a high temperature environment; while the slate is fired at a high temperature of 2000 degrees, so it is not afraid of high temperature. Burning with an open flame leaves no trace. Acid and alkali resistance: The main component of marble is calcium carbonate, which is prone to chemical reactions when encountering strong alkali or strong acid. The main component of slate is silica, and it is difficult for ordinary substances to react.
Stability: Marble is susceptible to weathering and corrosion, while slate is durable and can meet various needs.
Density: Marble is relatively loose and varies greatly according to different varieties and grades. It is easy to absorb water, and it will lose its gloss after long-term use, but it can be polished and polished after follow-up care
Slate – denser and more uniform, the water permeability is only 2/10,000, and the waterproof and anti-fouling ability is strong
Purpose
Slate has high density, good wear resistance, good bending resistance, long service time, moisture resistance, no fading, no deformation, etc. It is more suitable for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and other places.
Marble has low density and lower hardness than slate, which is suitable for paving in the living room and aisle, but not suitable for paving in the kitchen.
Processing
Compared with slate, marble has a higher degree of freedom in processing and modeling and can be used for the processing and design of sculptures, columns, and other products. Slate can be infinitely close to the appearance and characteristics of stone, but cannot replace stone, they are mutually dependent and complementary.
As mentioned above, in fact, slate and stone have their own advantages and disadvantages. You can choose according to the style and function you need. For example, you can choose marble with luxurious texture in places such as stair steps, ground, and background walls. You can choose slate for cabinets, wardrobes, countertops, bathrooms, and other places. The comparison between slate and marble, I believe you are clear at a glance, when choosing decoration materials, you can choose the material that suits you according to your economic situation and favorite style.
