Stones

Granite:

A course-grained igneous rock, composed chiefly of a mixture of three minerals—quartz (silica dioxide), feldspar (aluminosilicate minerals containing calcium, sodium, or potassium), and mica (hydrous potassium, aluminum silicate minerals). Granite is believed to have solidified from molten rock under pressure, but also evidence of some granite gradually grading into metamorphic rock.

Sandstone:

A sedimentary rock formed by the cementing (consolidation and compaction) together of grains of sand. Characteristics of sandstone varies in materials it contains, the hardness, and can sometimes resemble granite & quartzite.

Quartzite:

A metamorphic rock composed of firmly cemented quartz grains resulting from the metamorphism of pure quartz sandstone.

Marble:

A metamorphic rock formed by alteration of limestone or dolomite crystals by heat and pressure. Used for ornamental purposes, like limestone it is corroded by water and acid fumes and is thus ultimately an uneconomical material for use in exposed places.

Limestone:

A sedimentary rock composed by calcium carbonate. Most limestone's are formed by the deposition and consolidation of the skeletons of marine invertebrates; a few originate in chemical precipitation of solution. Great as a building stone and for ornamentation. In summary, Limestone began as gas in the atmosphere, was scrubbed out by algae, pooped out in deposits, mixed with some dead sea urchins, squeezed real hard—and presto.

Travertine:

A porous or cellular layered, partly crystalline calcium of chemical origin formed by precipitation from generally hot solutions of carbonated spring water, usually at the bottom of shallow pools.

Onyx:

A variety of cryptocrystalline quartz, differing from agate only in that bands of which it is composed are parallel and regular. Onyx was used in Roman times for the fabrication of vases and cups.

Soapstone:

A metamorphic rock composed mostly of the mineral talc, but also containing varying parts of chlorite, mica, trilobite, quartz, magnetite, and iron compounds. A soft soapy feel to the touch.

Slate:

A microcrystalline metamorphic rock most commonly derived from shale and composed mostly of micas, chlorite and quartz.

Natural Stone Finishes:

Polished: having a surface with high gloss.

Honed: having a dull polish or matt surface.

Flamed: a rough textured finish achieved by flaming the surface.