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DENSITY – The overall composition of the stone. Most factors involved with density have to do with its geological formation. The best materials come from the deepest positions within the quarry – usually. The reason is the deeper materials have been under greater heat and pressure for longer periods of time. When a stone is under these extreme conditions, it is generally harder than material from the top of the quarry, depending on the type of stone. Better materials should have no cracks, and few to no fissures, depending on the type of stone. Note: fissures are characteristics which are inherent to certain types of stones and are not considered a defect like a crack. Fissures are unlikely to turn into cracks. Also, denser stones are less porous, meaning that they are more resistant to staining and water absorption. In addition, can you see any pits or pores in the surface? In some stones this is an accepted characteristic, but in most cases, less pitting is preferred and also means the stone can be sealed better and will also be more resistant to staining.
Important note: the best materials come from the best sources who in turn, sell that material to their best customers.
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