Across the Caribbean, architects and developers are moving away from the traditional and locally quarried stone materials they have used in the past. Instead, they are taking advantage of the increasing competitiveness and global availability of much higher-grade stone materials. These look similar, but offer far greater performance, durability and many years of far easier maintenance.
The key measurement for stone performance in tropical conditions is absorbency. Stone that sucks in moisture, salt and airborne microparticles is almost certain to be showing extensive mildew and similar staining within months of being installed.