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NATURAL STONE TYPES |
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SEDIMENTARY |
METAMORPHIC |
IGNEOUS |
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CALCAREOUS |
Limestone |
Marble |
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SILICEOUS |
Sandstone |
Quartzite |
Basalt |
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* This is not a complete list of stone types, but a compilation of the more common varieties |
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STONE CHARACTERISTICS |
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Limestone: |
Often has grain formation changes, iron spots, pit holes, and streaks or spots of calcite. May contain fossils or shell formations. |
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Onyx: |
Can be translucent. Vulnerable to chemical and mechanical attack. Used for decorative applications. |
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Travertine: |
Has pronounced anisotropic properties. Generally contains holes. |
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Sandstone: |
Resistant to chemical and salt deterioration. Used as an abrasive non-slip surface. Generally more porous than other dimension stone. |
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Marble: |
Highly prized for aesthetic values. Relatively uniform crystal matrix: some marbles have large crystals while some are very fine (< .5mm). |
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Quartzite: |
Breaks across grain, not around grain. Very durable material that withstands weathering well. |
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Serpentine: |
Wide range in quality and performance due to diversity in mineral content. Hardness varies from 2.5 to 5 on the Mohs scale. |
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Slate: |
Exceptionally pronounced anisotropic properties. Has a cleavage quality that allows it to be split into thin sheets. |
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Soapstone: |
Commonly has a “soapy” or slippery and soft feel. High chemical resistance. Often treated with mineral oil to enhance the color and veining. High heat resistance and heat retention properties. |
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Basalt: |
Some varieties are good for wet environment applications. Highly resistant to abrasives |
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Granite: |
High density. Highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and weathering. Can be nearly isotropic to mildly anisotropic. |
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This handout was developed as a reference tool for the ‘Natural Stone 101’ presentation as developed by the Natural Stone Institute Education Committee. www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/ceu |
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Natural Stone Institute | 380 E. Lorain St. | Oberlin, OH 44074 | Ph: 440.250.9222 | www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/studentkits |