Stone is one of the natural materials that plays a major role in interior designing and architecture. This gift of nature is used by designers in creating elegant facades, floorings, paving, stone cladding, kitchen landscaping etc. Here we talk about the most widely used stones/rocks in the interiors/exteriors of our homes:

Marble:
Prized for its classic elegance, marble flooring has been around since ancient times. Instantly recognizable owing to its soft grain patterns and creamy colors, they are now available in a wide range of colors from white to red, green and black. Polished marble is slippery which does not make it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. However, honed marble is a better alternative. Marble is prone to scratching and staining, thus advised to professional sealing post installation. Makrana Marble or White Marble of Rajasthan, India is considered the best in the world because of its smooth and pure white milky appearance.

Granite:
Granite is an igneous rock formed under extreme pressure, thus one of the hardest flooring materials. The stone is virtually impervious to staining and scratching and comes in many colors. It is of low maintenance and easy to clean, thus a preferred choice for homeowners. Black granite tiles add sophistication in your kitchen, bathrooms, or even in living rooms.

Travertine:
Being a sedimentary rock, Travertine is one of the softer varieties of stone flooring. It comes in a wide range of shades and hues, from light cream to dark rust. Polished travertine resembles marble; tumbled travertine is characterized by pits, holes, and rounded edges that give it an antique look. Travertine flooring is porous and reacts quickly to acidic substance, so even a spilled orange juice may cause a stain, thus regular application of stone sealer is advised.

Slate:
Slate is a metamorphic rock that was formed in layers, so it easily splits into thin sheets that are cut into tiles. Slate floor tiles can be left with their naturally rough surfaces or honed smooth. The rougher surfaces offer good traction for entryways, balconies, sunrooms, compound walls, bathrooms, patios and kitchens. Slate comes in a wide range of colors that are determined by the minerals found within the stone.

Limestone:
Limestone is a hard sedimentary rock which will stand the test of time. It has striking grain patterns which resemble wooden planks when cut into long, narrow tiles. It is a porous stone and should be protected with a quality stone sealer to prevent stains.

Sapphire Blue Granite:
An extremely hard igneous rock, Sapphire Blue Granite is durable, weather resistant and beautiful along with being a trusted building material for ages. Sapphire Blue Granite is excellent for stone cladding, curtain walls, water features, counter tops, furniture, elevator panels and wherever a long lasting, naturally beautiful stone is needed.

FerozaTurkish Stone:
Although used more in astrology, the stone can be used as a decorative element in interior designing and furniture. For example, a glass table top can be paired up with a Feroza Turkish Stone to add elegance and a natural feel to the space.

Fossil Marble:
​The distinctive marble is characterized by the clearly evident presence of the fossilized prehistoric marine life forms of orthoceras and ammonites, which lived between the Silurian, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods (65 and 435 million years ago), and are visible throughout the marble. Fossil Marble exist in five hues -- Kajal Fossil (black), Bordeaux Fossil (red), Chocolate Fossil (dark brown), Sijilmassa Fossil (brown), and Hezhra Small Fossil (medium gray). The animals have been preserved in their entirety and can be seen throughout the marble. The marble is a visual treat and an excellent choice for interior and exterior design, building, remodeling and renovation projects.

Disclaimer
“Asian paints neither support not advocate usage of any element in Home Building process which endangers nature, flora or fauna or Ambience in any manner and which may not be approved by Government. This is an article Published in Spaces Magazine. Readers discretion in decision making is advised. “