Stone News Channel Features Genuine Stone Industry Information
If you are looking for more information in regards to genuine stone, make sure you check out the Stone News Channel, a production by the MIA. The stone news channel provides news about the genuine stone industry across America, and around the world.
The Spring 2009 episode features information on the protocols for testing granite slabs for radiation, developed after last years scare and hoax. It also has the latest information on the new Home Approved stone check off program, a national stone safety testing program, information on the in-home program developed for home owners, as well as information on how MIA members are weathering the economic storm.
The program contains some valueable information, so hope you will take some time to check it out.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Industry News on June 18th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Granite Countertops—Spotlight On Mica!
From time to time, we get customers out to our showroom who have seen a certain color they were drawn to. Most people are unsure of the color names, but they are always quick to describe the granites with reflective colors. While all granite is composed of a variety of minerals including quartz, and feldspar, it is the mica that gives some granites those reflective, mirror-like deposits.
Some customers are drawn to granite colors with mica in them because when direct light shines on the stone, often times the mica will appear to change, such as from blue to green. This can be seen in colors such as Black Polar Russian, Labrador Antique, Emerald Pearl, Mermaid Green, etc. Other granites with mica deposits have a silver, or gold sparkle to them. This can be seen in colors such as Black Galaxy, Silver & Gold, Cosmos, Silver Galaxy, etc. According to Wikipedia, “The word “mica” is thought to be derived from the Latin word micare, meaning “to glitter”, in reference to the brilliant appearance of this mineral (especially when in small scales).”
Following are a few photos of granite with mica that I wanted to share:
Black Polar Russian/Volga Blue
Cosmos
Minataurus
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on June 17th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Granite…not just for countertops!
While granite may seem like the obvious choice for kitchen countertops and islands, bathroom vanities, bar tops, and fireplace surrounds, it is also a great choice for your accent pieces!
With hundreds of remnants in our inventory, you will get a great price and a huge color selection to choose from. Below you will see some examples of how small remnants of natural stone can add the finishing touch to any project.
Shower/bathroom seat
Front entry bench
Pub bar
Notched pub bar for pool sticks
Marble shower curb
Office reception top
Posted in Uncategorized on June 12th, 2009 by Angie | | 0 Comments
Adjust Your Attitude For Brighter Days!
We’ve all been down in the dumps at some time or another, but have you ever been around anyone that is always a downer? There negative energy is down right annoying and destructive to others. While not every day can be filled with sunshine, we all need to work on ways to keep our spirits up and positive, especially those in sales.
I recently read, “When the Going Gets Rough,” an article found in the April 2009 issue of Selling Power magazine that had some helpful hints for keeping positive and turning your attitude around.
Following are a few ways to keep selling in the face of adversity from the article that I wanted to pass along:
- Make A Positive Beginning—
Look for ways to make your mornings more pleasant. A positive morning will help set the tone for the rest of the day. Listen to some upbeat music, etc. - Offer A Cheerful Greeting—
When someone asks, “How are you?” try and answer with a positive response such as, “Fantastic, or Super.” You will naturally make a lasting impression, and pass along your positivity to others. - Expect The Best—
Expect things to go well, and they naturally will. This is important, especially in sales. Believe you can make things happen. - Forgive Yourself—
You can train yourself to think more positively. “We can often talk ourselves out of a bad mood as easily as we talk ourselves into it if we’re willing to make the effort.” If you falter, acknowledge that you are human and that you may have had some bad thoughts, but forgive yourself and change your thought pattern to something positive again.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Marketing on June 11th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Countertop Choices Abound
While we are mostly known for our granite countertop fabication, we also fabricate a number other natural stones, as well as Dupont Zodiaq (an engineered stone). Some of the other natural stones we work with include marble, soapstone, limestone, slate, travertine, and onyx. Each material has their own unique look and feel, as well as their own applications.
Following are a few photos I wanted to share taken at recent installs:
White Carerra Marble
Soapstone
Limestone Fireplace Hearth (with chiseled edge)
White Carrera Marble
Venatino Marble
Toasted Almond DuPont Zodiaq
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized on June 9th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
