Nothing matches the unique beauty and elegance of natural stone. From the Roman Colosseum to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., natural stone has been used to create incredible structures and fine art for centuries.

When it comes to stone suppliers, no one can match the product quality and outstanding customer service offered by Avanti Marble & Granite. Our warehouse showroom was created with the consumer in mind, offering an extensive inventory of the finest stones from around the globe. Our experienced, professional employees are friendly and knowledgeable, and they accept nothing less than 100% customer satisfaction.

Granite starts out as a molten mass of magma (molten rock that forms beneath the surface of the earth.) It turns into granite as the magma cools deep within the earth. The main minerals in true granites are silicates, feldspar, quartz and mica.

Beautiful and versatile, granite is at home in a country farmhouse or a modern high rise. Because of its exceptional strength, it is also well-suited for exterior applications such as cladding, paving, and curbing.

Granites with larger crystals are more apt to chip or nick. However, the chips are often small and not that noticeable, and repair is relatively simple - A dab of colored epoxy will fill it in. Granite has a lower water absorption rate than marble and limestone. The finer crystals in darker stones make it harder for liquid to penetrate, including sealer, so not all granites need to be sealed. In fact, darker stones are typically left unsealed. Many of the lighter granites do need to be sealed because the crystals are larger, making it easier for liquids to penetrate, but sealing granite isn't difficult.

Granite comes in hundreds of colors and patterns, including simple whites, golden honey yellows, exotic reds, ocean blues, deep chocolaty browns, forest greens, charcoal grays and jet blacks. There is truly a color for everyone. It is an affordable, natural stone that creates a beautiful and unique atmosphere in any environment. One of the most durable natural stones available, granite will add years of beauty to any room.

Limestone is relatively easy to cut and carve. It is durable, long lasting, and good for construction in humid climates. Limestone varies greatly in hardness, density, and porosity. Some is soft and should not be cut on. Other limestone is dense and hard, and can be finished to a polished or glossy surface. Limestone is highly reactive to acidic substances such as vinegar, wine and lemons. Exposure to these substances can cause etching, dulling or rings.

Some limestone is porous (soaks up liquids) and needs to be sealed or it will stain. Once a stain is absorbed, it is difficult to remove. Limestone is typically used for flooring, walls, and sinks. It can also be used for kitchen islands, range hood covers, vanities and some countertops. Although limestone may require occasional sealing and more frequent dusting to prevent scratching, it is a beautiful, durable natural stone that will last a lifetime.

Marble is formed from limestone. The heat and pressure in the Earth's crust changes the texture and the composition of limestone to form large deposits of calcite. This process is called re-crystallization. Many natural stones, including limestone and travertine, are referred to as marble because the surface of the stone can be polished to a high gloss finish. True marble is produced through changes in the structure of the stone due to metamorphic events.

Marble comes in many rich colors ranging from creamy neutrals to warm earth tones. However, the purest form of marble is white. It can also be found in jet black. The color and veining of each and every stone is unique. The surface of marble can be finished in a variety of ways. A polished surface finish will be reflective and shiny, and will help protect the stone’s surface by making it less porous. The surface can also be honed for a matte-like finish.

Marble is a beautiful, durable natural stone that has been used as a building material for hundreds of years. If you like the look and are comfortable with the maintenance, you will love the character this beautiful stone will add to your home.

Onyx is a calcareous stone prone to etching from the acids found in ketchup, lemons, alcohol and household cleaners. Similar to limestone, onyx is a softer stone best placed where it won't be used on a daily basis, as great care is needed to maintain its natural beauty.

Onyx is most often used for fireplace surrounds, bar tops or small islands because it transmits light. Other uses include wall cladding, light duty residential floors, sinks, and tables. Onyx can also be used for novelty items such as vases, urns, lamps, wine goblets, sinks and bowls. It works well where you can accent the stone and use under-lighting or backlighting to draw attention to its translucent qualities.

Onyx marble can be purchased in tile form or in large slabs for a versatile look and feel. It boasts beautiful, translucent, contrasting colors. Similar to marble, onyx can be finished to a polished surface, which deepens the color and contrasts within the stone. It can also be finished to a honed or matte surface.

Onyx marble is not for everyone because of the maintenance it requires. It will etch if you're not careful and it needs to be sealed. It is a soft, fragile natural stone. If you understand the maintenance and limitations of this stone, it may be a great choice for you as the looks it creates are one of a kind.

Soapstone is a traditional natural stone. Its look is warm, inviting, and rustic yet versatile enough to fit in today’s modern homes. Soapstone colors are rich and beautiful, ranging from ash gray to smoky blue to rich charcoal black. Some stones have flecks of green and blue, and contrasting veins twisting throughout the stone.

A siliceous stone, acidic items such as wine, lemons and vinegar will not stain it. Soapstone is also nonporous and therefore does not absorb liquids and stains like other natural stones. Soapstone is well known for its ability to tolerate heat. Setting a hot pot on your soapstone countertop, for example, won't scorch or burn it. In fact, some cookware is made of soapstone.

Over time, soapstone’s edges will soften and you'll start to see small nicks, scratches, and indentations. If you like the aged antique look, the patina of this natural stone might be perfect for you, as it ages gradually and gracefully. If you don't care for the small nicks and scratches, mineral oil or a light sanding will smooth them out. Mineral oil also enhances and deepens the color of soapstone, bringing out its natural beauty but you don’t have to use it. Soapstone does not require special cleaners. Any household cleaner will do.

Soapstone has a variety of uses including fireplace hearths, wood stoves, masonry fireplaces, fireplace liners, and pizza ovens. It's also used for sinks, countertops, island tops, chess sets, sills, flooring, and shower stalls. Mixing bowls, carvings, sculptures, benches, and planters can also be made from this natural stone. Available in slabs or tiles, soapstone will add a rich, deep beauty to any surface in your home and will last for years to come.

Travertine offers a classic, aged look that will warm your home. Polished or honed travertine looks a bit more formal but is still inviting. The stone surface can also be left in its natural state with the small holes and pits unfilled, providing a warmer aged look that will acquire a beautiful patina over time. Leaving the stone unfilled, however, will affect its durability by attracting more dirt than filled travertine.

A calcareous stone, travertine is highly reactive to the acids found in lemons, vinegar and alcohol, which will etch the stone by leaving marks and rings. Similar to limestone, travertine also varies in hardness, density, and porosity. Some travertine stones are harder than others. Although the stone’s density varies, it will still scratch. It's not as soft as soapstone, but it can't compete with the hardness of granite.

Travertine comes in warm, earthy color tones and never appears as one solid color. The color tones vary and bands of contrasting color run throughout the stone. No two stones or tiles are alike.

Travertine is used for interior walls such as backsplashes. It is also used for sinks, floors, mosaic tiles, fireplace surrounds, tub surrounds, vanities and end tables. Accessories such as light switch plates, trim, vases, and coasters can also be made from travertine. It can be used for countertops but it's not recommended because it scratches and etches easily. Creating a unique look with travertine stone is simple. Mix and match it with other natural stones for a more dramatic look or use it alone. Either way, travertine will give you years of beauty to enjoy.