Guide
Many sinks sold as stone are not cut from stone. They are cast from crushed stone and resin. Both have a place. Here is how to tell them apart.
Natural
Cut from a block of marble, travertine or another natural stone. Every piece has its own veining. It is heavy, cool to the touch and can be re-honed if the surface wears.
Every basin is available in four stones: Carrara (white with soft grey veining), Travertine (pale ivory Travertino Alabastrino), Calacatta Viola (white with burgundy veining) and Verde Alpi (deep green).
Composite
Labels like cast marble, cultured marble, poly-marble or mineral marble usually mean crushed stone bound with resin, often with a glossy coating. The pattern repeats, the weight is lower and the price is lower.
Compare
Natural stone needs sealing and gentle cleaners. Composite needs less care but scratches in the coating cannot be polished out. Natural stone ages with the room. Composite looks the same on day one and year ten, until it is damaged.
Questions
Usually a cast basin made of crushed stone and resin, not a basin cut from natural marble.
Yes. Check that the wall or cabinet can carry it. Your installer can confirm the fixing.
Carrara, Travertine, Calacatta Viola and Verde Alpi. All natural stone.
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