Stone Glossary
Limestone
A limestone is a sedimentary rock. It is made up of layers of calcium carbonate formed from the accumulation of organic matter in shallow seas, which is then turned to stone by millions of years of pressure. Limestone's come in a variety of density and hardness and some rare limestones are as tough as granite.
Travertine
Travertine is also a sedimentary rock, which is made up of layers of calcite formed from the accumulation of organic matter in hot springs and spa areas. The stone has a natural honeycomb structure, where water has flowed through the material. It is a very strong stone, which when cut into tiles exposes the small holes on the surface. These holes can be left unfilled to leave a natural texture or they are filled in the factory with a very hard resin and honed smooth. Small holes may appear on the surface of the tiles over time; this is part of the charm of this ancient stone.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock and started its life as limestone, which is then crystallised by immense heat and pressure. Marble obtains its different colours from the minerals and chemical elements in the stone.
Granite
Granite is an igneous rock, which means that they have been formed from liquid magma deep under the earth's crust, which has slowly cooled over a long period of time. Granite is a very hard stone, which can take a polish and has a low porosity; it should still be sealed for ease of maintenance.
Slate
Slate is metamorphosed shale. Shale is made up of slit and clay that is similar in composition to sandstone except that the particle size is much smaller. The shale is subject to heat and pressure and the fine particles are melted together to form slate.
Sandstone
Sandstone is composed essentially of cemented grains of sand, sandstone has a granular texture and is the second most abundant of all sedimentary rock, shale being the first. In addition to quartz, sandstone may consist of sand sized particles of calcite, gypsum or various iron compounds.
Tumbled Marble
Tumbled Marble is subtly aged by a tumbling action; removing the sharp edges and face to provide an extremely hard wearing product. Without the slipperiness of polished marble this stone is perfect for areas where water is in use or where a rustic feel is required.
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