Coasters are functional accessories designed to act as the first line of defense, protecting your expensive table surfaces from careless damage due to water rings, spills, drips and scratches. While almost any material can be used to make a coaster, the quality of the substance from which it is made will determine the functionality of the final piece. Natural stone, in a wide variety of stone types, is becoming very popular in the coastal world, due to the variety of natural characteristics that different types of stone possess.
First of all, natural stone can refer to any of a wide variety of materials. Slate, sandstone, travertine, onyx, fossil stone, marble, and granite are all types of natural stone that are quarried from mountains and then refined into usable pieces.
Each of these has its own unique properties, making it appropriate for various uses. Sandstone, one of the most popular coaster materials, is noted for its ability to wick moisture from a sweaty glass, holding it within its belly until the liquid changes to evaporate into air. Chalkboard has a similar absorbent property, but is also noted for its durability and its ability to resist stains and scratches.
Marble and onyx are very similar materials, which can be highly polished, but can also be found in tumbled or rough gauge finishes. While they don’t have the ability to absorb a lot of moisture, they do tend to have an upscale style and sophistication, making them desirable in an upscale setting.
One of the best things about natural stone coasters is that they allow you to bring the natural beauty of the natural world into your home, in a way that is subdued and easy to control. Small, innocuous and functional, natural stone coasters are one piece of a mighty mountain range that can fit in the palm of your hand.
Of course, care must be taken when trying to maintain these pieces. Since they are made of natural stone, they are not designed or manufactured by humans, so they are sometimes subject to staining. If a colored liquid gets on the coaster, be sure to wipe it off with a warm cloth as quickly as possible.
Stone coasters are a beautiful way to bring the natural world into your home. Durable, reliable, and with a wide variety of functional features, they can be the ultimate in beverage coaster innovation. However, you do need to make sure to watch out for spotting and lumps that can sometimes occur.