Without a doubt all this stone classification is confusing to consumers.We work on stone everyday and it would be impossible for us to know the names and characteristics of every surface we worked on. To keep things simple we can id most stones by their grainy or veiny look.
Granites being grainy and marbles being veiny.
However with so many types of stones being used today that doesnt always work so we use the lemon test which tells us if a stone has calcites and will etch and just how porous it is. We check as best we can for signs of resining . Checking the edge of a slab for drip marks and also checking the surface. If the surface looks like glass with no natural pitting inherrent in most granites or igneous stone there may be the possibility of a resined slab.
I dont think a resined slab is a bad thing for consumers but if your a stone refinisher and you service(top polish) a resin slab by taking out a scratch or damage you may not be able to match the factory finish properly.
I think consumers should think the same way and not be to concerned regarding names and classifications. They should be informed and educated to do the proper testing of the stone they want to purchase.
A large investment of a product you will be putting into the busiest parts of your home. Kitchens,bathrooms and family rooms are where most spills and acidic products are used.
Purchasing porous stones can be solved by sealing to a certain extent. Make sure you know how porous the surface is before you commit to the purchase.Its an easy test just puddle up some palm sized puddles of water and let them sit on one or two areas for 10-15 minutes and then wipe away.
If you see a darker mark then you know the stone is absorbing the water that stone will require sealing.
I am in homes and businesses everyday and we dont see that much true staining,stains that are darker than the stones surface. We do see alot of staining that is lighter than the stones surface which is always etching.
This occurs on stones such as marble,limestones,travertines and any stone that contains calcites.
It would be wise to see just how much sealer a porous stone will require to be really sealed. I believe some stones are so porous that sealing them could be classified technically impossible. The definition of a impregnating sealer is a product that temporarily inhibits the intrusion of staining agents. Yes there are better sealers coming on the market but most are just marketing at its best or worst.
Use well known brands and dont trust everything you hear.
Anytime you hear someone tell you a product is just like granite please test for your self. It doesnt matter what they call it only how it will perform in your home. Most important make sure you are working closely with the fabricator.
Make sure they are credible and have lots of references and history. Make sure they want you to be as educated about the purchase you are going to make as can be.
Test-Test -Test.
Shopping for stone surfaces can be tedious
Q