Throughout the centuries, stone has been used as the enduring and classic building material, for both exterior and interior applications. From the great pyramids to cathedrals, from skyscrapers to kitchen countertops, stone has played an important role in building and design.
Generally, natural stone is broken down into the following categories: Granite, Limestone, Marble, Onyx, Quartzite, Sandstone, Serpentine, Slate, Soapstone, and Travertine, with some overlap among groups. Detailed information on each type of stone can be found on the Marble Institute of America’s website, with details involving composition, applications, care, and cleaning.
Stone finishes, including polished, honed and flamed, are explained on the MIA website as well. The most popular finish for interior applications is polished, as it provides a durable surface that accents the stone's coloring and composition. Honed finishes provide a soft, natural look and are often used for limestone or travertine to accentuate their sophisticated qualities. Flamed finishes provide rough, nonreflective surfaces ideal for flooring and high traffic areas where safety and endurance are priorities.
The use of stone in residential and commercial settings offers consumers a wide array of choices from all over the world. Visiting a stone yard or fabricator’s shop can be both educational and fascinating. Designers and consumers alike can frequently feel like kids in a candy shop when viewing all of the stone options available, and a background in the basics of stone can be helpful and rewarding.
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