The Absorbent Beauty Of Natural Stone Coasters
Stone is becoming the most popular permanent coaster material in both home and public situations. However the word stone actually encompasses a wide range of materials, each with their own properties, benefits, and drawbacks. It is important to know the nature of the coaster, so that you can ensure it retains its beauty and elegance for as long as possible.
The most common material for these accessories is sandstone. This is because sandstone is highly absorbent, making for very functional coasters that can literally soak up the moisture from a sweaty glass.
The drawback to this property is that sandstone can also soak up moisture that may stain or discolor the stone. Since the stain will have penetrated to inside of the material, it can be very difficult to get it out.
Slate is a stone which is slightly less absorbent than sandstone. Slate coasters will soak up the moisture from a glass, but they will do it much more slowly, and less dramatically. That means that if a discolored liquid falls on its surface, you might have a chance to wipe it up, or extract it with warm water, before it permanently stains the piece.
You can also choose marble as another option. Marble coasters are often considered to be the crowning jewel of excellence and elegance in the world of decorative accessories. However the material is not impervious, and has several drawbacks that can reduce the life span of these pieces.
Marble happens to be a chemical base, within an acid base relationship. That means that if an acidic substance such as citrus juice, or tomato sauce, drips on the coaster, a chemical reaction will occur, resulting in discoloration. Most marble coasters have a thin, invisible sealant on them to protect against this, however that sealant can wear off over time. Also if the marble is polished, the perfect surface can be scratched, so you have to be careful about maintaining these pieces.
Stone coasters are lovely accessories, but it’s important to know the nature of the material used in their construction. Different types of stone have different properties, and that can relate to the way you care for and maintain the piece.