Natural Stone

Guaged

If a stone has a guaged surface it means that it has been leveled out to match roughly the height of a certain quantity of the same material. This is done to make it easier to lay the tiles during an architectural installation. If you try to lay uneven tiles, you can get gaps in the installation, which may cause cracking later on down the road.

If you purchase material which is ungauaged, and you find that it is difficult to work with a mechanical grinder can be used to remove excess stone from each tile.

Natural / Cleft

When slate has a natural clefted finish it means that the surface of the stone is rough, and has not been honed or polished down. The word cleft refers to the splitting that occurs within the stone, during its formation, and which causes the uneven features found in finished tiles.

Clefted stone is often used in architectural applications where the designer is going for a rustic, or unfinished “natural” look. Because it has not been processed, clefted slate most closely resembles the stone which is found in mountains, and in the greater natural world.

Another major advantage of using clefted material is that it is extremely slip resistant. That is why many restaurants and commercial kitchens use clefted slate, as it cuts down on lawsuits from customers who fall in wet puddles.

Clefted material also tends to wear down well in high traffic areas. The dimensional nature of the stone can soften over time,achieving an attractive brushed patina which many people find to be quite beautiful.

The drawback to using a clefted material is that it may be uncomfortable to walk on it with bear feet, due to the tiny ridges and peaks which poke out of its surface. However the cleft found in any particular material can vary wildly, so you should always buy a test box, or a couple of sample chips, in order to get an idea of how the whole floor will feel.
Polished

Polished slate starts off rough and uneven, and then is grinded by a machine to give the material a smooth, shining, glossy appearance. Polished slate tends to resemble marble, except that the colors are more unique, and the dimensionality that was in the original stone is retained to a certain extent, as shadow lines in the polished surface of the material.

Polished slate is considered more elegant than a natural clefted material, and has a more finished look. It also tends to retain many of the colors and features found in the original stone, making it both rustic and powerful, while still retaining its sophistication and style.

The problem with polished slate is that it is never as dramatic as the natural surface of the stone, and many of the powerful colors found within it will be washed out by this process. Polished slate is also quite slippery, and doesnt have any of the dimensional qualities that make the clefted version so popular in restaurants.

The polished version will also tend to show scratches and dirt much more easily than a natural finish will.

Honed

A honed finish is the halfway point between clefted and polished slate. A honed surface is smooth to the touch, but doesn’t have the glossy shiny appearance and texture that a polished material has.

A honed finish is generally used when you want a polished look, but you dont want material that will cause a slipping hazard. This type of finish gives slate a little bit of texture, just enough to catch your shoes on, making it much safer than a polished alternative.

Unfortunately you do lose many of the colors and features found in a natural stone when you hone it, making the outcome considerably less vibrant.

Brushed / Flamed

The brushed or flamed finish is relatively new in natural stone. It is a process where a natural cleft is honed down slightly, just enough to get rid of the most dramatic peaks. The difference between this and honing is that the resultant materials look more natural, with the same vibrant colors and the dimensionality found in a clefted stone, but without the sharp points and peaks that can harm bare feat.
Brushed material is very popular in hotel lobbies where owners are trying to achieve a look which is both dramatic and inviting, without presenting a slipping hazard.

Conclusion

There are many different choices you have for the finish of your natural slate. The style you choose should depend largely on taste, but also on the application you are trying to achieve. You have to balance slip resistance and color against uniformity and elegance, and figure out what is really important in your project.

Etymology

The word Marble is derived from the Greek word Marmaros which means “shining stone” This is probably a reference to the translucent property of pure white marble which seams to make it glow when light is shone upon it.

Formation

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock.

Marble starts off as either a Limestone or Dolostone, with a lot of the mineral Calcite in it. When this is exposed to the right amount of heat and pressure, the material changes into marble.

This heat or pressure causes a process known as recrystallization. That is where the tiny individual grains that make up the original stone are changed, in this case into larger grains.

The result is that the original stone is transformed, into marble.

Art

Marble has a long tradition of being used in sculpture. This is because of several reasons.

Marble is a relatively soft natural stone, making it easy to carve.

Marble formed from pure calcite can sometimes be translucent, and light can penetrate the stone slightly. This makes sculptures seam to glow when illumination is shone on them.

Unlike some stones, whose minerals form in layers, marble�s inherent grains don�t tend to arrange themselves in straight lines. When a stone which is formed in layers is chiseled, large chunks tend to break off at random, making it difficult to control what the final statue will look like. The individual grains in marble however do not form in lines and therefore you can chisel off as much or as little as you like.

Architecture

Marble is a very popular building material used in architecture and design.

Marble can be obtained in almost any shape, giant blocks, slabs, or raw chunks.

The most popular shape for marble is in tile form.

Tiles can range from 4″ - 24″ square, although larger tiles tend to be less stable and more apt to crack.

Other Uses

Ground up into a fine powder, marble is a component material used in some glues and mortars, as well as toothpaste and various plastics

Meaning

Marble tends to be considered an elegant material. It is also tied closely to the classical Greek and Roman periods. A relatively expensive, and difficult to maintain stone, it is most often used in delicate and upscale applications

Care and Maintenance

Marble has tiny pores in its surface, which are too small to see with the bear eye, but which are large enough to soak up moisture. Sometimes liquid, especially colorful liquids such as fruit juices can soak into the pores in the marble, permanently discoloring it.

To prevent this, a below surface sealer can be applied which will clog the pores making it impossible for moisture to penetrate it.

A chemical barrier can also be applied to marble which will form an invisible layer over its surface, protecting it further.

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Masonry is when you take a variety of components and assemble them into a structure using an adhesive mortar. This is done by stacking one piece on top of another, with some sort of bonding agent in between them. The materials used can be just about anything, but it is usually some kind of stone. The materials can also have almost any shape, although those with linear lines tend to create the most stable structures. Masonry generally creates buildings which are very strong, although their vertical power is much greater than their horizontal strength. This is because the various components that go into its structure are layered, one on top of another. This means that each piece is supported both from above and from below. On the left and on the right of the wall however, there are no stones supporting it, making it susceptible to twisting and shaking forces, such as those you get during an earthquake.

The final appearance of a masonry wall is determined by the type of materials used, and the way that they are patterned. You can use standard bricks set in a slightly offset pattern, this was very common in America in the seventies. If this is too uniform for you, you can try throwing in a few discolored bricks. Many designers add a charred or reclaimed brick to a standard pattern to create a unique look.

If you want to get even crazier, there are a variety of natural stones you can also use to create your wall. You have marble, slate, travertine, limestone, sandstone, quartzite, and granite to select from. These stones can have uniform colors in a variety of shades, or can be multicolored where each brick is a different hue. When using exotic stones it is important to understand their resistance to weathering in your geographical location, or they may start to fall apart after a few years.

Occasionally veneers are used to simulate the look of a masonry job. Veneers consist of thin stones or faux stone materials, which are designed to look like the stone components in a standard masonry installation. The individual parts of a veneer are usually extremely thin in order to conserve the space which is taken up by the thickness of the wall.

Masonry is an ancient profession, and the tolerances and properties of such projects have been well documented over the years. Those who practice this artistic profession often receive their training through an apprenticeship of 2-3 years. Others can be trained through various school and university programs which combine theory with practice.

Metamorphic Rock
Natural Stone

Slate is formed through metamorphism, a process in which the tiny elements that make up a rock are pushed closer together to form a crystalline structure, also known as recrystallization of the stone. This all occurs while the stone is in a solid state, and the materials that make up the stone are not changed, they are merely repositioned to be closer to one another in a crystal pattern. Metamorphism can be caused by heat or pressure. The materials which undergo this transformation to form slate are generally a shale type sedimentary rock.

Slate forms in layers that easily cleave off in thin lines, generally known as Slaty Cleavage. During formation the original sedimentary rocks are forced down into these plains due to immense pressure. The resulting slate can be comprised of many different beds of sedimentary rock, all of which are now reoriented in the same direction.

While slate is generally a grey or grey-blue color, it can also have multicolored effects in its surface. These come from the various different beds of sedimentary rock from which it is derived, often making this material a contrast of hues.

Slate is most commonly used for roofing because it can be sliced into thin layers. It is also very popular in flooring, counter tops, and architectural applications, due to its durability, its natural beauty, and it’s relatively low cost. Its clefted surface makes it slip resistant, causing it to be popular in kitchens, bathrooms, and restaurants, as well as public hallways and other high traffic areas. It is also used in decorative home furnishings, fish tanks, and even in novel accessories such as board games.

Slate is found naturally in mountains. When it is quarried, it is usually done so in large blocks known as slabs. These blocks are then chopped up into smaller slabs for distribution. The size of the slab they can make is dependent on the relative strength of the type of slate. The inherent layering of this material makes some rather large sizes difficult to maintain and keep from cracking.

In stores, slate is generally available in tiles of various sizes including 16X16, 12X12, 8X8 as well as in slabs of various sizes, usually running to about 80 inches in length. Installations are generally done with mortar backing to even out varying thicknesses. Then grout lines are run along the joints of the stones. It is important to adequately seal and protect all tiles before grouting them.

Slate is a type of natural stone which is becoming very popular in bathroom flooring jobs. A variety of characteristics which are inherent to the material make it perfectly suited for use in such applications. These traits include�

1. Resistance To Stains: When properly sealed during installation, slate can become nearly impervious to stains which would seep into the pores and ruin other stones
2. Durability: In high traffic bathrooms and public restrooms, you need a flooring material that can endure over time. Slate is one of the hardest building materials, and the natural colors and textures in its surface will often look better from wear and tear over time.
3. Hides Dirt: While you want to keep a clean bathroom, you also want it to look clean, even when it isn�t. Slate is the perfect material for this. Even the most monotone of colored slates is a wild variety of different tones and hues clashing in the surface of the material. In multicolored slates this effect is intense with powerful contrasting tones exploding through the pores of the slate. The natural effect of all of these contrasting tones is that dirt and grime tend to disappear within the surface of the material, waiting to be properly and easily removed.
4. Easy To Clean: Yes, slate is a relatively easy material to clean. Stains will tend to pool at the surface of a properly sealed installation, allowing you to wipe them up with a mop or sponge. As far as water spills, these will not harm the stone, and can even be left to just evaporate away.
5. Easy To Maintain: Slate can be sealed once during installation and then never touched again. This is done by people who like the look of weathered stone, and the character it adds to a room. However, if you want to keep the look and feel of the original installation, including the deepest contrast of colors possible, sealing the floor once a year should be enough to do this.
6. No Water Damage: Splash away in the tub or shower, and feel free to drip all over the slate floor. Water wont damage this material
7. Clefts Are Slip Resistant: The surface of your slate can have different types of textures. Naturally, slate has a clefted texture, which is bumpy, or craggy. This type of surface is resistant to slipping, even when wet, making the bathroom just a little bit safer. A honed surface makes the material flat, but still leaves it with a texture which can give you a grip when the floor gets wet. We do not recommend polished slate in a bathroom, as you will be slipping and sliding all over the room.

There are some disadvantages to slate in the bathroom however. One problem is that it is a little bit cold on bare feet in the morning. Some people find this invigorating, but others consider it a problem. Of course, this can be handled by strategically placing bath mats and rugs across the stone floor, coordinated with the colors in the slates surface.

Clefted slate can also be a problem on bare feet. Depending on the material the clefts might be too craggy, making barefoot walking uncomfortable. Be sure to question your dealer about this before making a purchase, and get samples of anything that you are considering.

You can purchase natural slate tile, slab, and flooring material at http://pebblez.com/stone/slate.htm

If you have any questions about this material, email a trained expert at info@pebblez.com

1. Marble generally has a smooth polished surface. While this adds an elegance and sophistication to the material, it also makes it extremely slippery, especially when wet. In the bathroom where falling accidents are common, this material can present an unnecessary hazard.

2. Marble is a chemical base on the PH scale. The consequence of this is that when it comes in contact with anything which is acidic in nature, a chemical reaction occurs, and the surface of the material can become ruined. In the bathroom strong and acidic cleansers are often necessary for removing the tough ground in stains which can occur in this room. While there are alternative cleansers you can use, you or someone you hire to clean the space can easily make a mistake and ruin the entire installation.

3. The bathroom is a very wet space. Marble, being a natural stone, has minute pores which can absorb this moisture. During times of extreme heat or cold this moisture can then expand or freeze within the marble, causing it to crack and explode.

4. The chillingly cold surface of a marble floor can be a nasty wake up call first thing in the morning if you forget to put on slippers or socks.

5. While acid is the biggest danger to a marble installation, any grime or mold which is left to sit on an unprotected surface can penetrate the stone and cause a permanent stain.

6. Marble is a rather delicate material. While it does have the weight of many natural stones, its surface is not nearly as durable and is subject to easily being chipped or broken.

7. Many marbles have serene monochrome patterns which reflect the classic beauty of ancient architecture, such as that used in the Parthenon. While this pristine beauty is a draw, it is also a problem in the bathroom where dirt and grime will stick out on its face like a sore thumb.

8. That smooth polished beauty, which can enhance the look and feel of any space, is also a drawback, as it can be scratched quite easily, effectively ruining the entire effect. What�s worse is that buffing out stains is often a task which has to be undertaken by a professional, and can be quite costly.

9. There are ways to protect the surface of your marble installations. Below surface sealers and various chemical defenses can be applied which will create a layer of protection over the surface of the stone. However these chemicals will often fade with time, making marble a material which has to be constantly tended to, in order to maintain its original appearance.

10. Marble can be a relatively expensive stone, especially when compared with other natural stones, even polished materials which can be used. This combined with the fact that it can be so easily ruined in a bathroom, often makes it prohibitive to use this material in that space.
Luckily, there are many wonderful alternatives to marble which can be applied with just as much style and elegance, and which will not suffer from the same problems in the bathroom.

Slate is a natural stone which can come in a variety of colors and patterns. There are literally hundreds of different kinds of slate which are available, if you look hard enough. This material is extremely durable; it is resistant to stains and will often actually hide dirt and grime in its colorful surface. It is also relatively low maintenance, only requiring an initial chemical treatment, and then optional repeat treatments once a year or less as desired.

Natural slate tile and slabs

Sandstone is slightly less durable than slate however it can be easily sealed and protected against the dangers of the bathroom. Its porous surface tends to soak up chemical treatments, making them longer lasting and much more effective than in other stones. It is also resistant to chipping and cracking.

Natural sandstone tile and slabs

Quartzite is one of the most durable building materials available on the market today. Extremely hard, resistant to stains, and easily cared for, it offers a more uniform pattern than many other natural materials.

Natural quartzite tile and slabs
For a wide variety of natural stone materials, more information on natural stone, and ideas and inspirations on how to use these materials in your home, visit http://PebbleZ.com/stone/index.html - The rustic stone home decor store.