Marble  is a metamorphic rock. Due to intense heat and pressure, there is a complete recrystallization of the original sedimentary stone (usually a limestone). The characteristic veining in most marbles is due to mineral impurities, such as clay, iron oxides, silt, and sand which were present in the original stone. The word marble comes from the Greek word mammaros meaning "the shining stone."
     Marble was the medium of choice for Greek and Roman architects, and sculptors. Marble is still used by the same artisans today. Marble has become the symbol of refined taste and tradition. Some common uses of marble around the home are vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, showers,  flooring, and table tops. Visit our gallery for more marble projects.

           

     Granite   is an igneous rock formed from magma and makes up a large part of the continental crust. Granite has a medium to coarse texture, and can occasionally develop larger individual crystals. The word granite comes from the Latin word granum meaning grain, which describes the crystalline structure of this rock.

   Granite is usually a massive and dense substance (having no internal structures), thus making this material very hard and strong. These properties have made granite the most widely used stone in the construction industry. Some common uses for granite are kitchen countertops, fireplace surrounds, showers, flooring, stair treads, and tables. Visit our gallery for more granite projects.

 

                

     Travertine  is a sedimentary rock formed near springs or running water. When water rich in carbon dioxide percolates through limestone, it is actually acidic enough to dissolve the limestone, and become saturated with calcium carbonate. When there is a change in the environment (a change in temperature or a drop in pressure) that the water is running through, the water releases the carbon dioxide as a gas creating a "fizzy" solution. The dissolved calcium carbonate then precipitates out of the solution and recrystallizes. Small debris, scrub, and biotic material (moss, algae, etc) become encrusted and form the travertine. Travertine is quite porous, and contains an abundance of cavities, giving it a very coral like appearance.
     Most travertine come filled and honed, though some do come polished. The most common use for travertine is flooring, though it can also be used for fireplace surrounds, vanity, and table tops. Visit our gallery to see more travertine projects.   

 

     Limestone  is a sedimentary rock composed mostly of the mineral Calcite. The bulk of Calcite in limestone is derived from marine organisms. As these organisms die, their shells settle on to the ocean floor and deteriorate over time forming what is known as pelagic ooze. When conditions are right the Calcite precipitates out of solution, forming Calcite crystals, thus cementing everything together.

     Over the years limestone has been very popular in architecture, the most famous structures being the Great Pyramids in Egypt. Many buildings in North America and Europe have also been constructed out of limestone. However limestone is very reactive to acid rain, so many of these structures have been severely damaged. When cleaning limestone be sure to use either a neutral or slightly alkaline cleaner. Some common uses of limestone are fireplace surrounds, flooring, vanity, and table tops. Visit our gallery for more limestone projects.

    
     Slate  is a fine grained metamorphic rock formed from an original shale type rock that was composed of clay or volcanic ash. Slate has two breakage lines; grain and cleavage. When cut with the grain the slate will have a smooth finish. If the slate is cleaved or cleft the slate was cut going against the grain giving the slate a rougher, more natural looking finish.
     In the home slate is mainly used for fireplace surrounds, and flooring. Slate tiles can come gauged; having the same thickness throughout the entire tile. Or, the tiles can be ungauged; having a varying thickness throughout the entire tile. Making the installation process more tedious and time consuming. Visit our gallery for more slate projects.