Is Dolomite Suitable for Your Benchtop?
With grey, white and off-white countertops becoming increasingly trendy, there has never been a better time to discuss Dolomite Benchtops. Dolomite is another stone that closely resembles marble. Dolomite resembles marble in appearance and characteristics, and it’s priced between marble and quartzite. Because of these characteristics, dolomite is becoming a more popular material for a variety of design projects.
This lesser-known stone is quickly gaining popularity as a wonderful alternative to Marble for those seeking a more durable and affordable solution. Is it, however, a good choice for your kitchen?
What is Dolomite and where is it found?
Dolomite is classified as a sedimentary stone because it is formed on the earth’s surface. It is formed when limestone and lime mud comes into contact with magnesium-rich groundwater. In terms of composition and color scheme, the rock is extremely similar to limestone. Due to the potential for misunderstanding with the mineral dolomite, which is a significant component of the stone’s composition, it is also known as Dolostone.
The distinctions between dolomite and granite, the latter of which forms in magma chambers beneath the earth’s surface, are noteworthy. Dolomite is a common stone that may be found all over the world, with the most well-known being the Dolomite Alps in Italy. Sedimentary basins, which are shallow areas of warm water rich in calcium carbonate muck, shell debris, coral fragments, and feces, are areas where sedimentary rocks can be found.
Dolomite stone is comparable to limestone in composition, and the two forms of rock have similar coloration, ranging from white to grey. Their prominence in the construction business is another similarity between the two.
Dolomite countertops are just high-polished slabs cut from dolomite limestone, and they look fantastic. They’re so ubiquitous that they’re offered as marble or quartzite. Nonetheless, this misunderstanding must be resolved, as Dolomite is neither as hard nor as delicate as quartzite or marble.
Uses of Dolomite
One of the most common uses for dolomite stone is to create countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, and offices. Dolomite Stone Benchtops are long-lasting and offer a lovely appearance. Dolomite stone slabs can have rich and appealing veins of fossilized minerals running through them, giving each piece of stone a distinct appearance. When prepared, dolomite also offers a firm, smooth, and shiny surface that is easy to maintain. Due to their properties, Dolomite Benchtops are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.Â
Dolomite is used for interior flooring and interior tops, such as kitchen countertops, feature walls, surrounds for the tub, pavers for the outside, cladding for the outside, statues ,and monuments.
How to clean a Dolomite Benchtop?
Dolomite, like other natural stones, should be cleaned with either stone cleansers or mild soap. A wet sponge is generally sufficient to remove the grime. It is recommended to use coasters and chopping boards to avoid stains from oils or red wine. Make sure to wipe spills off right immediately.
Some benefits of Dolomite are as follows:
- The appearance of the stoneÂ
Dolomite Countertops are more commonly available in grey and white, and they frequently have streaks that make them look more like marble than quartzite, which is why they’re so trendy right now. Despite their rarity, you can locate them in a variety of colors, including brown, pink, black, and green.Â
Its appearance lends itself easily to the creation of elegant interior designs, making it ideal for usage as countertop and backsplash materials.
- Stain Resistance
Dolomite has a lower liquid absorption rate and is less acid-sensitive than Marble. Nevertheless, it will need to be sealed regularly, most likely annually. Acids should be avoided. If dolomite is exposed to them, it will etch.
Dolomite is a safer option in comparison to marble but you will still need to provide care and exercise vigilance at all times.
- Heat Resistance
Perhaps Dolomite’s greatest advantage over Quartz countertops; the engineered stone is also available in attractive white and grey tints, and it is more heat, scratch, and stain-resistant than dolomite.
Quartz, on the other hand, cannot withstand heat or sunshine, and a hot pan will permanently mark it. Dolomite can, and it can hold a lot of heat.
- Cost-Effective
This is an area where dolomite will make headway because most of its variations are less expensive than marble, quartz, and even granite. However, you should always get a quote from a local stone source to be sure.
- Durability
A dolomite countertop is expected to outperform marble and last even longer. Considering that we’re talking about Dolomite, with proper care, the stone can live for decades and stay gorgeous.Â
The stone is extremely durable, and while it is more prone to cracking and chipping than granite, it is unlikely to occur.
- Scratch Resistance
Dolomite is commonly described as being between marble and granite in terms of hardness, and while this is correct, it can often be misleading.
Dolomite is a fantastic alternative to Marble and it is far more scratch-resistant than that stone. However, don’t expect it to be as scratch-resistant as granite or quartzite; you’ll have to be cautious with your everyday usage.Â
Glass and metal will harm dolomite worktops, therefore cutting boards should always be used and silverware should be handled with utmost caution.