The world is a massive organism of gas and liquid minerals that steadily cools down and condenses into a solid core. Minerals in stones are derived from the same liquid and gas minerals that constitute the earth. When the earth’s surface shapes under strain, heavy minerals become trapped down the earth’s core. As the body becomes thicker, it creates extreme heat and pressure that causes vapors to emanate. From the mineral vapors released, crystals and other solid forms develop. The earth’s surface becomes stretched, and the solid minerals are swallowed back into the earth’s structure.
Minerals, then form natural solids known as stones. Most of the stones compose of dirt and soil that drawn to each other. There are quarries worldwide where the natural stone comes from, such as Italy, Spain, Turkey, Mexico, China, Taiwan, Germany, India, Greece, Brazil, Canada, and France.
The color, structure, and the formation of most of these minerals can be described in different sizes and forms that crystals come in. It is also difficult to classify the extensive range of such minerals. Many stones look similar, but they’re all different. You can find more information on natural stones from e-commerce sites like Saturnia Travertini.
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Stone Categories
Metamorphic stones come from the natural difference of heat, pressure, and minerals between one type of stone and another. The change could lead to the creation of various shapes, a change in texture, or color.
Sedimentary rocks are formed by organic elements, including glaciers, rivers, winds, oceans, and vegetation. Minor sedimentary parts break off and accumulate into rock beds.
Igneous stones are formed primarily by volcanic material, including magma. The molten magma cooled and solidified below the earth’s surface. Mineral gasses and liquids join the stone and create new and varied crystalline formations.
How is Natural Stone Formed
Sandstone:
This is a durable form of quartz grains. The stone comes to form after millions of years of heat and pressure. Current shapes come in colors of light brown or red. The most common bonds are silica, calcium, and iron oxide.
Fossil stone:
Considered a calcareous stone contains natural fossils, such as shells and vegetables.
Travertine:
Varies in cream or stained reddish color. The formation is characterized by calcite build-up from thermal springs. It contains several troughs created by water flowing through the rock. These holes are often filled with synthetic or cemented resins. If the holes are not filled up, the stone requires more maintenance.
Limestone:
Consists of calcite material that has a porous and crystalline structure revealing little. The surface is smooth with variations. Black, gray, white, yellow, or brown are some typical colors. The chance of a stain forming is low compared to other types of stones.
Marble:
Unlike other stone types, this forms when the calestone softens. It turns into marble as the minerals become altered. Calcium and dolomite are the primary components. The material comes in many colors and is typically deeply veined with displays of grains. MOH scale hardness values between 2.5 and 5.
Serpentine:
This rock has markings like a serpent’s skin. Green and brown are the most common colors. Grades of hardness at the MOH scale are from 2.5 to 4. It contains a lot of magnesium and has an ignorant basis in serpentine minerals.
The material does not always respond well to recrystallization or polishing.
Granite:
Mainly made from quartz and potassium (35%), but also feldspar (45%). Occasionally, the colors are darker. It contains little calcite and has a solid crystalline granular look with mineral grains. The material is tough and more manageable to preserve than marble. However, it remains brittle and might smear. Depending on the percentage mix of quartz, mica, and feldspar, various forms of granite can be formed. Black granite contains very little quartz and feldspar and has a composition distinct from real granite.
Slate:
This stone forms as heat and pressure alter the shale and mudstone sediments. Slate is available in black, lard, blue, green, and gray colors. The stone is common for roofing, as cold temperatures can cut thinly and minimally damage it. Slate is most often used as a tiling floor because of its robust existence.
Quartzite:
We get quartzite from heated and compressed sandstone. The stone is predominantly white but also comes in brown, gray, or greenish shades. It stands out to be one of the hardest natural stone styles and is a perfect choice for facades, countertops, and other structures requiring heavy rock.
Bluestone:
North American bluestone is usually made of calcareous or sandstone, each forming subsequently by depositing other rocks and minerals’ granular remains. These deposits are compressed in strong layers over a long period by geological pressure and heat. Sedimentary rock also preserves fossils as its formation typically doesn’t require pressures and temperatures high enough to kill animals’ remains.
The distinct layers usually found in sedimentary rock often permit geologists to spend years identifying and researching the environmental changes. The word “bluestone” in England refers to many types of igneous stones that form as magma cools under the earth’s surface. You can see that natural stone is one of the most common materials from your kitchen countertops to your favorite bar countertops. It offers the aesthetic and longevity that matches your needs for both homeowners and business owners.
Conclusion
The natural stone exists naturally under the earth’s crust. No human intervention is needed; only the force of mother nature produces it. Each type of stone is formed using the original material coupled with separate heat levels to form the particular stone. The process takes ages to be complete, and minerals give the stone its characteristics; some are superior to others, which translates to the product’s pricing.
The finished product, however, is a masterpiece that never gets old with time. Each type of stone needs individualized care. This will ensure that it retains structural integrity and will not be susceptible to damages easily. Make sure you know exactly what chemicals to avoid and how to hold the stone properly during selection.