MARBLE: Marble is made up of mostly calcium carbonates and other minerals. The combination of immense heat and pressure made in the earth makes marble over thousands of years. The calcium carbonates and other minerals make up the large variety of color ranges you will see. Color, fissures and veining are all a result of the natural process and make up of marble. Marble is quarried around the world in many countries, even the USA.
LIMESTONE: This sedimentary stone has been formed from layers of creatures millions of years ago. Limestone is one of the most versatile of the stones. The texture, color and density can change from block to block from the quarry. The range in color tone is from off white to dark tan and gold. Some limestones are dense enough to polish.
TRAVERTINE: Millions of years ago heat gases and water created the best of both worlds, a dense stone with voids and fissures that may be polished and is now called travertine. Travertine is rustic and has color variations. Color range is from light creams to deep reds.
SLATE: Slate is rock formed with fine grains of sedimentary rock. Shale metamorphous by great pressure creates broad cleaved, thin layers in different directions. The sedimentary rock forms from the compression crumples and creates many layers. Flaky minerals cause sedimentary rock as clay, mica and chlorite to be redistributed. Slate has different grades in hardness and the ability to shale. Colors are tan to gray-blue.
SANDSTONE: Rock formed by grains of sand cementing together. Most sandstone is made up of silica, iron oxides and calcium carbonate. The character of the sandstone varies in hardness depending on the cementing materials; sandstones that cement with quartz are the hardest. Some sandstone’s contain fossil shells, iron oxides and feldspars. Most sandstone has some movement in color shades and unique variation.
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Our “tumbled” finish is very refined. The edges are very lightly rounded and the surface is porous, rough and rustic. Tumbling stone makes the color tend to be lighter with no reflection at all and brings out the natural veins and fissures. All stones can be tumbled.
Our “polished” finish is very smooth to the touch and has a glossy reflection. Polishing brings out the color tones in the stone. Edges are clean and sharp. We offer polish on travertine and a few of the more dense limestones.
Our “honed” finish is smooth to the touch with little or no reflection, matte finish. Edges are clean and sharp. All stone types can be honed.