We import natural stone and quartz directly from India, Brazil, and Vietnam. Here are answers to the questions we hear most from homeowners, designers, fabricators, and trade partners across Texas.
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KJM Stones imports directly from hand-selected quarries in India, Brazil, and Vietnam — three of the world’s most significant stone-producing regions. India supplies exceptional granites and marbles. Brazil is home to the world’s finest quartzites including Taj Mahal, Cristallo, and Calacatta Gold. Vietnam produces high-quality marble and limestone at competitive price points. By working directly with quarry partners, we cut out the middleman and pass those savings to our customers.
What makes stone from India, Brazil, and Vietnam special?
Each origin has unique geological strengths. Brazilian quartzite is world-renowned for dramatic veining and exceptional hardness — stones like Cristallo and Taj Mahal come from Brazil. Indian granite is prized for its consistency, strength, and range of color from deep blacks to warm golds. Vietnamese marble and limestone offer soft, elegant movement at more accessible price points, making them ideal for large-format flooring and feature walls.
Are your slabs hand-selected or container-bought?
We hand-select every slab. Our team reviews stone at the quarry and factory level before shipment, ensuring we only bring in first-choice material — consistent color, clean movement, and no structural defects. We do not buy mixed containers sight-unseen. What you see in our showroom is what was chosen specifically for KJM Stones customers.
Do you import directly or through a distributor?
KJM Stones imports directly from quarry partners in India, Brazil, and Vietnam. This direct relationship means better pricing, faster reorder capability, and full traceability of every slab back to its origin quarry. It also means we can source specific material on request for large projects.
Can I visit your showroom to see slabs in person?
Yes — and we strongly recommend it. Natural stone looks different on a screen than in person. Our showroom is located at 5229 FM2001, Buda, Texas 78610. You can walk the full slab inventory, hold samples under different lighting, and speak with our team about your project. Book an appointment online or call (726) 241-4903.
What is the difference between quartzite and quartz?
Quartzite is a natural stone formed when sandstone is compressed and recrystallized under heat deep in the earth — it is quarried, cut into slabs, and sealed. Quartz (engineered stone) is manufactured from crushed quartz crystals bound with resins and pigments. Quartzite has unique, unrepeatable veining and is heat-resistant. Engineered quartz is non-porous, never needs sealing, and offers consistent patterning. Both are excellent — the right choice depends on your priorities.
Is quartzite harder than granite?
True quartzite is comparable to granite in hardness — both sit around 6–7 on the Mohs scale. However, the stone industry has a labeling problem: some stones sold as “quartzite” are actually softer dolomitic marble. At KJM Stones we only stock verified true quartzite, and we can provide hardness data on any variety on request.
What finishes do you offer — polished, honed, leathered?
We offer polished (high-gloss mirror finish), honed (matte, smooth surface), and leathered/brushed (textured surface with depth) finishes across most of our natural stone lines. Polished finishes show veining most vividly. Honed finishes are softer and more forgiving with fingerprints. Leathered finishes are increasingly popular for kitchen islands and are highly durable. Availability varies by stone variety — ask our team what’s in stock in your preferred finish.
How do I choose between natural stone and engineered quartz?
Choose natural stone if you want one-of-a-kind beauty, heat resistance, and long-term investment value. Choose engineered quartz if you want zero-maintenance surfaces, consistency across multiple pieces, or a non-porous surface for high-hygiene areas. Many clients mix both — natural stone for the island waterfall and quartz for perimeter counters. Our team can walk you through the tradeoffs for your specific project.
What slab sizes do you carry?
Most of our natural stone slabs come in jumbo (approximately 120″ x 65″) and standard (approximately 110″ x 55″) formats in both 2cm and 3cm thicknesses. Quartz slabs are typically available in 126″ x 63″. Exact dimensions vary by material — contact us for current inventory dimensions on any specific stone.
Do you carry book-matched slab pairs?
Yes. Book-matched pairs are available on select quartzite and marble varieties — these are consecutive slabs cut from the same block and mirrored to create a symmetrical veining pattern, ideal for waterfall islands, feature walls, and fireplace surrounds. Book-matched pairs sell quickly. Contact us to check availability on a specific variety.
Every slab looks different online — what will I actually receive?
Every natural stone slab is unique. Photos on our website show representative examples of each variety’s color range and movement, but the exact slab you receive will differ — this is the nature and beauty of natural stone. For large or important projects, we strongly recommend visiting our showroom to personally select your slab, or requesting a video walkthrough of available inventory before purchase.
Can I reserve a specific slab I've seen?
Yes. Once you’ve selected a slab in person or via video, we can hold it for up to 30 days with a deposit. This is especially important for book-matched pairs and rare varieties where inventory is limited. Contact us to initiate a hold.
How do I match stone across countertops, backsplash, and floors?
We recommend bringing physical samples of your cabinetry, flooring, and hardware to the showroom — or sending them with a trusted contractor. Our team will help you identify stones that complement your existing elements in tone, movement, and finish. For large whole-home projects, we can also arrange a design consultation.
Do you have a room visualizer?
Yes — our website includes a room visualizer tool where you can preview how selected stones look in a kitchen or bathroom setting. You can also use MSI’s online visualizer for many of the stone varieties we carry. That said, nothing replaces seeing a full slab in person under real lighting conditions.
Why does natural stone vary between slabs?
Natural stone is formed over millions of years under varying geological conditions — no two slabs are identical. Variation in color, veining, and tone is expected and is part of what makes natural stone valuable. This is fundamentally different from manufactured products. We classify our stone by shade range and can show you the full range of a variety before you commit.
How do you ensure consistent quality across shipments?
We work with established quarry partners we’ve vetted over time and require first-choice certification on all incoming material. Our team inspects slabs at the point of origin before shipment. On arrival in Texas, slabs are inspected again before entering our inventory. Any slab that doesn’t meet our standards is removed from sale.
What does "first choice" vs "commercial grade" mean?
First-choice (also called Grade A) slabs have consistent color, clean veining, no visible structural cracks, and minimal pitting or fissures. Commercial grade material may have more variation, visible natural fissures, or minor color inconsistencies — it’s perfectly usable but requires more care in placement and templating. KJM Stones stocks first-choice material as standard.
Will my slab have fissures or pits — is that normal?
Yes — fissures and pits are natural characteristics of stone formed under geological pressure and are not defects. A fissure is a naturally occurring separation within the stone’s mineral structure; it does not affect structural integrity. Your fabricator will review the slab during templating and orient cuts to minimize any visible fissures on finished surfaces. If you’re concerned, discuss this with our team before selecting your slab.
How do I place an order — wholesale or retail?
Retail customers can select slabs directly at our showroom or by appointment and coordinate with their preferred fabricator. Wholesale and trade accounts (fabricators, designers, builders, contractors) can apply for a trade account for preferred pricing and priority access to new inventory. Contact us at info@kjmstones.com or call (726) 241-4903 to get started.
What are your lead times for in-stock vs special-order material?
In-stock slabs are available immediately upon payment — your fabricator can schedule pickup or delivery. Special-order material sourced directly from our quarry partners in India, Brazil, or Vietnam typically takes 8–14 weeks depending on origin, shipping routes, and customs clearance. We will provide a firm timeline at the time of order.
Do you offer samples?
Yes — small samples (approximately 4″ x 4″) are available for most stone varieties in stock. Samples are ideal for checking color in your space under your specific lighting. Samples are available in-showroom or can be shipped. Contact us to request samples for your project.
What is your minimum order quantity for wholesale?
For wholesale accounts, our standard minimum is 2 slabs per variety. For container-direct orders (bulk import), minimums vary by origin and stone type — contact our wholesale team to discuss your project volume and we’ll build a custom quote.
Do you install, or do I need a separate fabricator?
KJM Stones is a stone importer and supplier — we do not perform fabrication or installation. You will need a licensed stone fabricator to template, cut, and install your slabs. We work with a network of trusted fabricators across Texas and are happy to refer you to professionals in your area.
Can you recommend fabricators in Texas?
Yes — we have established relationships with vetted fabricators across the Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas markets. Ask our team for a referral in your area. A good fabricator relationship is critical to a successful stone project and we’re happy to connect you.
How often does natural stone need sealing?
It depends on the stone. Hard, dense stones like granite and quartzite typically need sealing once every 1–2 years under normal use. More porous stones like marble and limestone benefit from sealing every 6–12 months, especially in kitchens. A simple water test tells you when it’s time: if water beads, the seal is intact. If it absorbs, reseal. We carry premium stone sealers and can advise on the right product for your specific material.
What cleaners should I avoid on natural stone?
Avoid anything acidic (vinegar, lemon juice, most bathroom cleaners), abrasive (scrubbing powders, steel wool), or bleach-based. These can etch the surface, break down the sealer, or dull the finish over time. Use only pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone. For daily cleaning, warm water and a microfiber cloth is often all you need.
What is your return policy on slabs?
Natural stone slabs are custom-order products and all sales are final once a slab has been cut or fabricated. For uncut, undamaged in-stock slabs, returns may be considered within 7 days of purchase with prior written approval — a restocking fee of 20% applies. Special-order and container-import material is non-returnable. We encourage all customers to confirm their selection carefully before purchase, and we’re here to help you make the right choice the first time.
What if my slab arrives damaged?
All shipments are inspected upon arrival at our warehouse. In the rare case that damage occurs during transit, claims must be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photographic documentation. We will work with you to resolve the issue through a replacement slab, credit, or adjustment depending on the situation. Do not accept delivery of visibly damaged crates without noting the damage on the carrier’s delivery receipt.
Do you offer any warranty on materials?
Natural stone is a raw material and as such is not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty in the traditional sense. However, KJM Stones guarantees that all material sold is accurately represented — correct variety, finish, origin, and grade as specified at time of purchase. If a slab does not match what was agreed upon, we will make it right. For engineered quartz products, manufacturer warranties from our brand partners apply and will be provided at time of sale.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Talk to our stone experts
Visit our showroom in Buda, Texas — or call, email, or book an appointment online. We’re here to help you find the right stone for your project.
