1/ At the Quarry
The journey often begins in search of exotic and exclusive materials in remote quarries around the world. We inspect blocks that have been removed from mountain, surface and subterranean quarries. Recent advancements in quarrying technologies allows for larger block production (yielding larger slabs) with less impact and damage to the blocks then was previously possible. Quarries are now subject to reclamation practices, requiring the return of any removed soil or vegetation to the site and leaving the site as close to it’s natural state as possible. The journey from quarry to exotic granite countertops has begun.
2/ Twenty Tons
These large, cubic blocks of stone, each weigh the same as 10 automobiles. These blocks of exotic granite, marble or other stone, are inspected on all 6 sides for colour, pattern, size and apparent imperfections. From this collection of precisely mined stone, only the best are selected to be cut into slabs. After this crucial step of selection, the premier stone slabs will move on to cutting.
3/ MORE THAN A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND
The first step in the new process for cutting the blocks involves a diamond wire saw that squares the blocks preparing them for future cutting. The blocks are then sawn into slabs with a different multi-wire diamond saw or a conventional gang-saw. This cutting process can take from a few hours to many days depending on the material being produced and the sawing method. The new multi-wire diamond saws are faster and more gentle on the material, resulting in the most finely cut stone countertops available.
4/ Polished to Perfection
After being inspected again and going through multiple stages of dehydration machinery, the cut slabs, including exotic granite, marble, quartz, and limestone, are then treated with the latest advancements in resin and resin application technology. Using vacuum resin application followed by UV and microwave resin curing, the slabs are then ready to be polished with diamonds. The new polishing lines have 22 separate stages to bring out the best finish. These technologies all explain why our slabs just look better – come see for yourself.
5/ Birth of the Exquisite
The materials are handled with vacuum lifters and robots. This is especially crucial during the resin application and curing process to prevent stressing the uncured slabs. The slabs are checked again and robotically sprayed with a biodegradable protective packaging material to prevent scratching during shipping. This reduces the millions of pounds of plastic sheets that were previously used to prevent scratching, so when the slabs eventually become beautiful, exotic granite countertops, customers can feel confident in the knowledge that they made an environmentally friendly choice.
6/ Journey to a new home
The finished materials are packed in recyclable wood crating and then loaded in to shipping containers. The containers are then shipped to either coast in Canada at which point they are loading on rail and brought to Calgary, they are only on truck for a few kilometres. This helps reduce the carbon footprint as steamship and rail use less energy to move material then conventional long-haul trucking, reiterating our commitment to environmental values.
7/ Stone Selection
At last, the stone arrives at Stone Selection where it is added to our ever increasing collection of the finest exotic granite, marble, quartz, engineered stone and Precioustone™. We constantly research the latest trends and technologies to make sure we have assembled the greatest selection possible. It is here at Stone Selection that the stone awaits its final destination – as a beautiful, exotic granite countertop in your home.