Natural stones are a conglomerate of different earthly minerals. Depending on the mineral composition there may be varying degrees of hardness. Natural stones displayed with the Hardness icon are deemed suitable for high traffic areas like kitchen countertops and bathroom vanity tops.

Natural stones are scorch proof. Unlike other countertop materials that are adversely affected by hot pots and pans (i.e. formica, butcher block countertops, etc.), most natural stones will remain unaffected by incidental contact to such items. 

However, it is suggestive to use placemats and hotplates whenever possible or when long term exposure to extreme heat is expected.

Natural stones displayed with the Heat Resistant icon are deemed suitable for areas that will come in direct contact with hot pots and pans.

As a result of years of extreme heat and pressure, what were once smaller individual mineral grains are now tightly compacted slabs of natural stone. Depending on the type, size and shape of the minerals, all natural stones are gifted with a complex structure of veins and apertures. It’s within this pore structure that staining can occur.

Here at Caayu, we ensure that every material received at our warehouses is being tested against typical food staining as well as other common chemical reagents.

To protect earth’s beauty of natural stone, some slabs come resin-treated. For an additional protection against stains, some natural stone countertops need to be sealed. Left untreated, water, food, oils and other liquids can easily penetrate surfaces, leaving unwanted spots. Sealer keeps your surfaces beautiful and worry-free.

When properly maintained, stones that are displayed with the Stain Resistant icon are deemed suitable for areas that come in contact with foods and beverages.

Natural stones are proven to be exceptional materials for designing and building outdoors. Most of the stones are highly resilient to corrosion, sun and other damaging factors and will maintain its luster and beauty in the harshest conditions.

Easy maintenance of natural stone products makes an excellent use of granite, slate, limesotone and other in garden décor such as patios, outdoor dining ares, pool decks, porticos and barbecue places. Beautiful stone patterns can be lined into walkways. With the popularity of rock and water gardens, natural stone is an essential element in waterfalls, flower beds, water pool bordering and other landscape applications.

Stones displayed with the Outdoor Use icon are best suitable to be used outdoors. 

What is it that makes natural stone so appealing? Is it its uncompromised performance or its uniqueness?

There are several reasons designers and homeowners have chosen to incorporate natural stone into their kitchen and bath projects: it's environmentally friendly, timeless, durable, one of a kind and it adds value.

However, in order to get the best return on your financial and emotional investment it is important to select the right type of natural stone for your project. There are many different types of stones currently available for countertops, vanity tops, fireplaces and tub surrounds for both commercial and residential applications. The most common are marble, granite and limestone, however, as quarry technologies advanced additional types of natural stones like quartzite and sandstone to name a few have been brought to market.

Caayu's passion for bringing in the most current natural stone trends goes further than just putting hunks of rocks at your feet. Before we introduce new products to our clientele, each new product is tested for particular performance values. We believe natural stone countertops should live up to a certain expectation.

As a result of rigorous testing each stone listed in our slab gallery is identified with an icon which displays key features like: 

 Hardness

 Heat Resistance

 Stain Resistance

 Acid Resistance

 Outdoor Exposure.

Whether you are looking to replace the countertops in your busy kitchen or looking for matching onyx slabs to compliment a luxury bathroom, we are certain you will find just the right stone for your project at Caayu.

Among the different types of natural stone there are varying performance values. The two most notable genres of natural stone are calcareous and siliceous stones. Siliceous stones like granite, slate, sandstone and quartzite are inherently inert to etching. To the contrary, calcareous stones like marble, limestone and onyx are not. When calcareous stones come in contact with low PH foods and beverages etching occurs.

Etching is when the superficial layer of the surface reacts with the acids in products like citrus juices, soda and vinegar; as a result the glossy surface is transformed to a rough or matt texture. Stones that are displayed with the Acid Resistant icon are suitable to be used where contact with acidic foods and beverages are unavoidable. Please note that following an appropriate care and use regiment and having the right expectations, calcareous stones can be incorporated into your kitchen and bathroom designs.