Natural Stone History: Know Origin & Qualities of Different Stones
by Worldofstones india on Apr 20, 2023
Every slab of natural stone has a piece of geologic history. World of Stone's stunning products genuinely take you to another time in natural stone history. The movement in the stone, which appears to be exquisite art, is a true picture of the Earth's movement over time.
The use of rocks has had a tremendous impact on humanity's cultural and technical development throughout civilisation. The term 'stone' has a long history dating back to antiquity when stones were employed as weights.
When you buy natural marble, granite, slate, or limestone, you are buying materials that have been around for 300 to 500 million years. They come from all across the planet, where continents and seas, earth movements, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions have continuously transformed the landscape.
Some may even have fossilised shells, fish, animals, and vegetation on them. While there are just three major types of rocks ā sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic ā the shape that they have evolved into is the result of a variety of combinations and qualities, giving the stone its enduring beauty and strength.
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Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary rocks are generated when earth components are washed or blown around before settling and forming a single stone over time and under pressure. Limestone and travertine are only two of the many stones that can be made with this process. Certain sedimentary rocks, such as those found in riverbeds and seabeds, can be reconditioned into stunning stone slabs that reflect their unique formation, qualities andĀ natural stoneĀ history.
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Igneous Rocks
Igneous rocks are formed when lava, a molten rock found beneath the earth's surface, cools and solidifies, trapping intricate and valuable minerals within its structure. Such rock crystals can appear as flowing layers or appear randomly, both of which lead to magnificent effects when the stone is cut and polished. Granite is one of the most extensively mined igneous rock materials.
They are unyielding, but they manage to give an attractive work surface. Granite's wide range of colours is due to the variety and formation of minerals it contains. It is a true reflection of natural stone history.
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Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rocks are formed when sedimentary or igneous rocks are subjected to extreme heat and pressure beneath the earth's crust. The deeper a rock is buried beneath the earth's surface, the more likely it is to have a diverse range of beautiful colour combinations.
We use high-grade stone that comes from far beneath the earth's surface. Marble, a metamorphic stone, frequently displays dramatic features where it has been stretched, squeezed, and shattered. Slate, on the other hand, is created closer to the surface, making it a lower-grade stone.
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The Odd Stone
It's true of people, and it's also true of stones. Not everyone fits neatly into a box. Soapstone, for example, is not at all like other rocks. It manages to be both soft and dense at the same time. You can scrape it with your fingernail, but no matter how negligent you are, you can't discolour or burn it. Soapstone is more of a group of stones than a single item and is one of the distinct objects of natural stone history.
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The Mohs Scale
In 1822, a German named Frederich Mohs devised the Mohs scale to assess the hardness of various stones and estimate natural stone history to find suitability for particular tasks and settings. This determined which tools were ideal for cutting, carving, and polishing and the level of care required to keep the finish in good condition.
Today, the Mohs scale of measuring is still in use. Understanding the Mohs scale can help natural stone owners avoid damage when caring for their surfaces.
Sand with a grit rating of 6 will damage softer materials like marble with a grit rating of 3.
A material like granite with a rating of 6 is better for kitchen benchtops since it doesn't scratch or etch easily, whereas a marble kitchen benchtop with a rating of 3 is more prone to etching and scratching.
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|
Rating |
Particulars |
|
10 |
Diamond |
|
9 |
Sapphires and Rubies |
|
8 |
Topaz |
|
7 |
Granite and Manufactured Stones |
|
6 |
Granite and Manufactured Stones |
|
5 |
Opal |
|
4 |
Platinum, Serpentine |
|
3 |
Marble, Limestone, Slate, Gold, Silver and Copper |
|
2 |
Can be scratched with a fingernail |
|
1 |
Will crumble like talc |
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Conclusion
Natural stone history has had a significant influence onĀ World of Stones' current products. The tradition of using stone for paving, cladding, and other purposes inspired us. Every quarry, we realise, creates a different range of colours and veining in the marble, granite, slate, or whatever stone is removed.
As a result, no two stones can have the same appearance because each variety has its own set of characteristics. We deliver intricate and exquisite craftsmanship that will boost the architectural beauty of a landscape. Our items have a rich and natural feel to them, adding to the comfort of your living environment.
