Mohs Scale which countertop is best suited for me? When you’re redoing your kitchen or bathroom, make sure you think about what kind of stone you want to use early on. But with so many choices out there, it’s important to take a good look at all the factors that come with each type of stone. Granite: A tough choice, perfect for everyday kitchens, classic bathrooms, back splashes, or bar tops. It requires moderate maintenance and ranks 6-7 on Mohs’ scale, indicating solid durability. This rock falls under the category of Igneous Stone. Quartz:A modern favorite, ideal for sleek kitchen designs and custom colors. It’s easy to maintain and boasts a hardness of 7 on Mohs’ scale. Quartz is a manmade stone, blending durability with contemporary style. Marble:Elegant but demanding, suitable for flooring, wall tiles, bathroom vanities, showers, tub decks, and countertops. This stone needs intensive maintenance and registers a hardness of 3-4 on Mohs’ scale. It’s a Metamorphic rock. Travertine: Another hardy option, great for flooring, walls, countertops, and vanities. However, it requires intensive maintenance and ranks 4-5 on Mohs’ scale. This sedimentary rock offers durability with a touch of sophistication. Limestone: Sturdy and versatile, perfect for countertops, floors, wall coverings, tub and shower surrounds, and vanities. It demands intensive maintenance and falls within the 3-4 range on Mohs’ scale. Limestone is a Sedimentary rock. Soapstone: A reliable choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops, backsplashes, sinks, floors, and fireplaces. It requires moderate maintenance and scores 1-2 on Mohs’ scale. This Metamorphic rock offers a blend of durability and charm. Technical Terms Mohs’ scale of hardness rates minerals from 1 to 10 based on scratch resistance. Sedimentary rocks form from layers of soil and silt, like limestone and sandstone. Igneous rocks solidify from magma, yielding varieties from smooth basalt to crystalline granite. Metamorphic rocks, like marble and slate, form under extreme heat and pressure, creating unique textures and new minerals.
