protect stone, as does using coasters on bathroom countertops. “Being proactive about keeping your natural stone clean will signif- icantly increase its longevity while maintaining its beauty,” Viana said. Direct heat can also discolor stone, so stone countertops should be protected from hot pots, plates and pans by using trivets and mats as barriers between the hot items and the stone. “Bathroom counters are especially vulnerable to forgotten hair curlers or straighteners, which can burn, and even crack, some stone due to ‘ther- mal shock’,” Viana said. With proper care, pro- tection and preparation, stone can be suitable for almost every area. However, Chiu said that stone isn’t a suitable choice when it would be “submerged in water and the water contains some type of chemicals, such as chlorine. Pool or fountain chemicals will discolor the stone. Stone is suitable for all other types of applications. It is just a matter of finding the right stone, installing it correctly and maintaining it well.” STONE –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The beauty and resiliency of ONE Quartz Surfaces® make it perfect for a variety of applications. 76 TileLetter | February 2018