With the continuous improvement of living standards, natural stone has become a common feature in everyday homes. The booming Chinese stone market and the rising demand for stone have attracted significant investment from international stone merchants. Domestic stone companies are also actively integrating resources and competing more fiercely within the domestic market. As a result, China's stone market is gradually positioning itself as a central player in the global stone industry.
Stone is now widely used in various applications such as countertops, flooring, cabinets, and furniture. China’s per capita stone consumption has seen a substantial increase, making it a new growth driver for the industry. This surge in demand is expected to usher the industry into a new era of widespread stone usage.
The internal consumption of stone in China is mainly divided into three categories: interior and exterior decorative panels, building stone (including garden and engineering stone), and stone carving or artistic products like tombstones. Among these, the use of architectural decorative stone remains the most prevalent.
Due to the growing demand, international stone traders are increasingly focusing on the Chinese market. Domestic enterprises are also expanding their operations and enhancing their competitiveness. In the near future, the global center of stone production and trade is likely to shift from Europe to Asia, with China at the forefront. The stone industry in China continues to grow at double-digit rates, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.
In the process of design, artists determine the color of the stone used in different areas based on the overall style, environment, and client preferences. Choosing the right stone color involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining aesthetics, environmental factors, psychology, and economics. This thoughtful selection reflects the artist's creative vision and attention to detail.
Once the stone type is chosen, its variety of colors becomes a palette for the designer. With advanced processing techniques, granite can now be shaped into a wide range of textures and patterns. Granite offers a full spectrum of colors, while marble typically has lighter tones with fewer dominant hues. Due to the limited availability of certain types, some stones may only be suitable for small-scale applications. As a result, it's common to see a mix of granite and marble in many spaces.
Color variation in stone is an important issue that should not be overlooked. Whether it's granite, marble, or sandstone, color differences are inevitable. When large areas are covered with the same type of stone, special attention must be given to the color consistency. Factors such as different mining layers, batches, and supplier codes can contribute to color differences. Some stone types have limited reserves, leading to higher prices or less availability. Therefore, when selecting stone for large projects, visiting the mine or factory for on-site inspection is highly recommended.
Stone suppliers should sort the slabs by batch before shipping. At the construction site, the stones should be arranged according to the supplier’s serial numbers and batch lists to ensure a smooth transition between different color tones. While textured or colorful marbles may have minor color variations, granite tends to show more noticeable differences, but these are generally easier to manage. More popular and widely available stone types tend to have fewer issues.
When evaluating the quality of finished stone, several methods can be used. First, observe the surface structure with the naked eye—uniform, fine-grained stone is usually of better quality. Coarse or uneven grains may indicate lower quality. Second, check for cracks caused by geological activity, as these can weaken the stone. Third, assess the sound when tapping the stone; a crisp, clear sound indicates high quality, while a dull or rough sound may suggest internal damage. Lastly, perform a simple test by dripping ink on the back of the stone. If the ink spreads quickly, the stone may be porous or damaged. If the ink stays in place, the stone is likely to be of good quality.
Overall, choosing the right stone requires careful consideration of both aesthetic and practical aspects. A well-chosen stone enhances the visual appeal of a space while ensuring durability and long-term satisfaction.
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