Bianco Carrara Polished

Bellini Granite

Call for Details 818 504-6340

Calacata Borghini Bookmatched

This is a great opportunity for dramatic savings on single slabs and crates in a wide variety of colors:

 Granite Slabs: Terra del Fuoco, Violet Paradiso, Chateau Burgundy, Amber Fantasy, Black Marinacci, Brown Guaiba

Marble Slabs:  Rosso Levanto, Rosso Damasco Breccia Nouvelle, Verde St Denis

Onyx Slabs:  Alba Onyx, Emerald Onyx

Limestone Slabs:  Gascogne Blue, Sundance Gold

And many, many more! 

Rainforest Green Detail

Volga Blue 136x82

Able to ship anywhere in the U.S.
Almond Mauve
Bengal Blue
Dakota Mahogany
Juparana Fantastico
Luna Pearl
Tropic Brown
Verde Maritaca

                                  And more!

Calacata-Bookmatched

• Available within 30 days
• Slab or Crate orders accepted
• Call for sizes, prices, and to place holds

Stone blocks from all over the world are shipped to Italy to be cut and polished under the watchful eyes and skilled hands of artisans with genetic ties to the same men who quarried blocks for Michelangelo!

We supply only first quality stone; the colors are vivid, the veining and movement unflawed, and almost all slabs are bookmatched. We pride ourselves on our customer service reputation, too.

The Stone Gallery is famous in the industry for its courteous and helpful salespeople. Give us a call during office hours with any questions you may have and we’ll be happy to help you simplify an often difficult decision.

Please stop by our showrooms the next time you’re in the San Fernando Valley area and give us the opportunity to give you the tour of our beautiful warehouse of stone wonders!

We are of the opinion that most, if not all, stone installations should be sealed with a quality penetrating sealer designed specifically for natural stone.

Although the density of many products may suggest that use of a sealer is unnecessary, proper application of a quality penetrating sealer is a good precaution. Most penetrating sealers work by entering and filling the pores found in natural stone. By filling these pores, the sealer helps prevent the intrusion of liquids into the material.

Sealers are designed to help prevent staining by foreign substances. There is no foolproof, 100% protection to be had. However, a good quality sealer protects your stone investment by preventing the penetration of these substances into the stone, forcing them to remain on the surface long enough to be cleaned or mopped up using normal methods.

Sealers are subject to wear and chemical breakdown and require re-application periodically to maintain their efficacy. Lemon juice, wine, and other acidic liquids, as well as solvents of any kind, all take their toll on a sealer. A conscientiously applied maintenance program of sealing and cleaning with recommended methods will assure the longevity of your natural stone installation.

As a final word, it is critical that natural stone used in wet areas, or areas that are intermittently exposed to water be sealed and maintained well. The length of time between sealer applications will vary depending on the use, type of stone, and type of exposure the installation typically receives. A good rule of thumb, however, is to reapply the sealer using the manufacturer’s recommended procedures if water isn’t seen to bead on the surface for at least 10 minutes, and causes darkening of the stone when blotted away. A short trial period should give you an idea of a worthwhile maintenance schedule, but there is never any harm in reapplying a sealer when desired. Most sealers will “break themselves down” when applied over a previously sealed installation (assuming the same type of sealer), and excess sealer that doesn’t penetrate should simply be cleaned away. As always, prevention is the best protection.

Cleaning Methods

Given the previous information regarding sealers, general cleaning and maintenance is relatively simple.

General guidelines for the cleaning of natural stone installations calls for the use of neutral cleaners, mild detergents, stone soap or water. Cleaning products specifically designed for natural stone can be purchased at most home improvement outlets, hardware stores and tile and marble distributors. Mild liquid dish washing detergent with water is a useful substitute for store bought stone cleaners. Keep in mind that dilution is the key to most cleaners, as too much soap will leave streaks or residue on the surface of the stone. Be sure to change the rinse water frequently.

Regular dusting of polished stone surfaces will help prevent scratching and etching from small dirt particles. Blot up spills immediately. Dry the surface with clean towels after cleaning to prevent water spotting. On counters or tables, use of coasters and place mats is recommended.

Dry cleansers, ’soft scrub’ type cleansers or anything with abrasives are strictly not recommended. Likewise, vinegar, bleach or cleaners that contain lemon or other acids should be avoided. Ammonia diluted with water (1/2 cup to one gallon) is acceptable but should be used infrequently as excessive use can dull the surface of the stone.

Marble waxes and other topical protectants are beyond the scope of these notes, but do have their uses. You are encouraged to consult a professional maintenance company or stone restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat, or for purchase of a routine maintainance service contract.

Sealers are designed to help prevent staining by foreign substances. There is no foolproof, 100% protection to be had. However, a good quality sealer protects your stone investment by preventing the penetration of these substances into the stone, forcing them to remain on the surface long enough to be cleaned or mopped up using normal methods.

Sealers are subject to wear and chemical breakdown and require re-application periodically to maintain their efficacy. Lemon juice, wine,  and other acidic liquids, as well as solvents of any kind, all take their toll on a sealer. A conscientiously applied maintenance program of sealing and cleaning with recommended methods will assure the longevity of your natural stone installation.

As a final word, it is critical that natural stone used in wet areas, or areas that are intermittently exposed to water be sealed and maintained well. The length of time between sealer applications will vary depending on the use, type of stone, and type of exposure the installation typically receives. A good rule of thumb is the water-beading test:  water should bead on the surface for 5 minutes, and when wiped away, leave no water stain. If  the water beads break down and leave a dark mark on the stone when blotted away, it’s time to reapply a sealer.  A short trial period should give you an idea of a worthwhile maintenance schedule, but there is never any harm in reapplying a sealer when desired. Most sealers will “break themselves down” when applied over a previously sealed installation (assuming the same type of sealer), and excess sealer that doesn’t penetrate should simply be cleaned away. As always, prevention is the best protection.

But even among stone products, prices vary.  Demand, availability, cost of production, transportation, import duty, taxes and handling, all contribute to cost. One very important variable in the cost of stone products is the availability of particular stones.

For instance, Carrara, Italy is known throughout the world for the Carrara Marble quarried there. But the Carrara quarry is a big mountain. The marble is taken from different parts of the mountain. The different parts of the mountain yield marble, which differs slightly in their physical characteristics. These differences have differing appeals to different people. Each class, grade or group of Carrara Marble has its different applications. That’s why the market price of Carrara marble varies.

Those stone characteristics which are the most highly desired and valued are those that cause the same stones to be more expensive.

Those characteristics, which are more common, or are less appealing, can be found in the less costly products. No one should be amazed at this phenomenon, but rather, they should take this into account when the variations in price of stone materials are considered. The most desirable, the most appealing, the most beautiful, durable, the most beneficial stones, will always be the most costly.

Please contact The Stone Gallery, inc. for more information at (800) 504-6518.

Coast Green