Patagonia is quarried from a bedrock quarry in Brazil. This granite has large crystals of feldspar, quartz and biotite. Due to the unique structure of these crystals which can cause voids, during the polishing process an epoxy resin is applied to the surface of the stone to fill in any natural pits. During the polishing process, an epoxy resin is applied to the surface of the stone to fill in any natural pits, cracks or fissures that may exist. This does not affect the durability, maintenance or beauty of the stone. It is possible for some of the more minute pits that are too small to effectively hold the resin, to reopen during other finishing stages. However, this will not detract from the overall quality or appearance of the stone. Due to the qualities of the stone, the slabs are book-matched; meaning slab one and slab two will be cut and polished to create a mirror image of each other. These are then kept in sequence, which allows for a consistent flow in pattern. Finally, a mesh backing is adhered to the back of the stone to ensure safety while handling and fabricating the slab or tile. Over millions of years, water has penetrated deep into this stone through small cracks and fissures, causing the iron oxide and other minerals to oxidize. It is this process that produces the rich, vibrant gold tones that are visible in this stone. As a natural stone product it is recommended that it be sealed to extend its longevity.