Geelong Designers Explore the World of Natural Stone with RMS Traders
There’s something mesmerising about natural stone. Its depth, movement, colour and complexity are unlike anything man-made. And, when you stop and think about it, it’s hard to believe this stone has come from mother earth. Formed over millions of years through heat, pressure, minerals and time, each piece is a one of a kind artwork crafted entirely by nature.
Recently, a group of Geelong’s leading design professionals – including Mel Wilson, Nikki McGar, Maria Bortolotto – took a behind-the-scenes tour of the RMS Traders warehouse in Hoppers Crossing to experience the magic of natural stone up close.
From Quarry to Kitchen: The Journey of Stone
The tour was hosted by a guest expert from Brazil, a region renowned for its breathtaking stone formations. Brazil’s jungles are home to some of the world’s most extraordinary quartzite, granite and exotic stones. Extracting these materials is a highly specialised process involving careful quarrying, cutting, and finishing, all performed with precision to preserve the integrity and beauty of each slab.
We learned how stone is mined from deep within mountainous and jungle regions. Massive blocks are extracted, transported, cut into slabs, polished, inspected, and eventually shipped worldwide, including to Victoria’s very own RMS Traders warehouse.
Hearing the story behind the slabs made us appreciate them even more. It’s astonishing to touch and feel a slab of stone knowing it once sat beneath dense rainforest, formed long before humans existed. Mother Nature truly is the greatest designer.
RMS Traders. The Home of Natural Stone.
Established in 1984 in Melbourne, RMS Traders has grown from a humble family-run operation into one of Victoria’s most trusted suppliers of premium natural stone tiles, pavers and slabs. You may remember their previous Geelong location on the Surf Coast Highway, but their Shannon Avenue showroom in Newtown is now a must visit for anyone considering stone for their home or commercial project.
With showrooms in Hoppers Crossing, Richmond and Geelong, RMS Traders sources beautiful, high-quality stone from around the world, including:
- Limestone
- Marble
- Slate
- Travertine
- Sandstone
- Terrazzo
- Granite
- Bluestone (Basalt)
And what did Geelong’s Interior Designers think?
As expected, the designers were captivated and cherished each and every slab!
Each slab seemed more incredible than the last, and there was plenty of “oohing and ahhing” as everyone explored the warehouse.
The beauty of natural stone lies in its individuality. No two slabs are ever the same. Colours shift, minerals swirl, patterns ripple, grains deepen and veins make each piece unique.
Let’s just say… a group trip to Brazil is now be on the wishlist!
Leading the Way with Climate Positive Practices
One of the most impressive takeaways from the visit? RMS Traders has officially achieved Climate Positive status.
They offset emissions related to staff, travel, energy, and products and they’re continuing to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining exceptional quality. In an industry reliant on global quarrying and transport, this commitment to sustainability is significant and deserves recognition.
Thinking About Natural Stone for Your Next Project?
Whether you’re building, renovating or designing a space that deserves the beauty of natural stone, RMS Traders is well worth a visit.
Find them at:
327 Shannon Ave, Newtown
Or explore the range online at RMS Traders.
And of course, your Independent Cabinetmaker or interior designer can guide you through selecting the perfect stone to bring your project to life.
