What is natural stone?

Natural Stone” is defined as an organic solid composition made up of natural minerals quarried from the earth. The origin story of natural stone starts million years ago, as a combination of heat and pressure condensed various minerals to form solid rocks in the ground. As the earth’s crust began to grow and erode, it pushed these minerals from its core and formed massive rock deposits, which serve as the quarries from which we mine natural stone today. These products of the earth are more than just rocks. The stone is quarried for design and architecture is hand-picked from the best, highest-quality sources. Stone experts around the world select the most consistent, beautiful, and durable natural stones, combining art and science to produce timeless products.

Characteristics of stone

Stone is a natural substance quarried or mined from the earth. Due to certain inherent characteristics (such as heat retention, durability, ease of cleaning and so on), natural stone may be a desirable material for the production of flooring tiles.

For flooring applications, one important aspect of natural stone is its absorption rating. This refers to the degree to which a material is porous, with the more absorbent being more susceptible to staining and cracking damage. These ratings include:

• Non-vitreous : highest absorption level, making it susceptible to staining, cracking and poor slip resistance.
• Semi-vitreous : less porous, but still susceptible to damage from excessive liquid.
• Vitreous : even less porous than semi-vitreous, making it suitable for low to mid traffic floors.
• Impervious : relatively waterproof, easy to maintain and suitable for high traffic floors.

Most natural stone flooring materials (other than those with an impervious absorption rating) require some type of regular sealing treatment to protect them from moisture damage.

Types & Classification of natural stone? 

There are various types of stones available in the today’s stone market. All these stones are the mixture of different minerals and have different levels of durability, hardness. The questions like what kind of minerals are present in it…? where these stones come from…? at which place the particular stone suits well…? often comes to the mind while selecting natural stones. All these stones are real and durable but differ in their properties and compositions. After the deep study of the earth’s physical structure and substances, natural stone classifies on the geological basis. Let’s discuss the types of these stone.

IGNEOUS ROCK

Also popular with the name magnetic rock, igneous stone forms with cooling and solidification of volcanic material such as lava or magma. It may form on the surface of the earth (extrusive rocks) or deep inside the Earth’s crust (intrusive rocks).

• Granite: Granite forms through the crystallization of magma underneath the Earth’s crust. Quartz, plagioclase feldspar and alkali feldspar all together helps in composing of a true granite. This light-colored igneous rock is granular and phaneritic in texture whose color may vary depending on its mineralogy. Aberdeen in Scotland constructs principally from the granite and known as “The Granite City”. It suits well on the countertops, stair treads, driveway cobbles, wall panels, patios, fireplaces, building veneer.
• Basalt: Basalt is volcanic stone form through the rapid cooling of basaltic lava. It has fissures and small holes on its surface. Most of the basalt quarries are available in the states of East Asia. The dome of Pantheon, Rome constructs from Basalt. It is suitable for countertops, paving, wall cladding, driveways.
• Porphyry: Porphyry is a fine-grained igneous rock mainly consists of crystals of feldspar and quartz. Porphyry plays an important role in the construction of Mosque of Cordoba, Spain. It is perfect for walls, outdoor kitchens, paving.

METAMORPHIC ROCK

Metamorphic rock is the outcome of metamorphism process which refers to the change occurs in the pre-existing rock due to heat, pressure. As a result, these are more solid than the pre-existing substance.

• Quartzite:  Quartzite forms after the conversion of quartz-rich sandstone under the tectonic compression by the process of metamorphism. It makes this stone hard and non-foliated. A historical federal office in the U.S. the Courthouse, Sioux Falls constructs with quartzite. It suits well on the countertops, pool surrounding, pool deck, kitchen, bathroom, patios, exterior-interior wall cladding.
• Slate: Shale-sedimentary rock (compose with volcanic ash and clay) is put under the heat and extensive pressure to form a slate stone. It is fine-grained and foliated in its nature. The Guildhall in Landon and Saint Leonhard’s Church in Germany protects roof with slate stone. It looks good on the stairs, patios, pool surroundings, pillars, walls, windows, countertops, walkways, and gardens.
• Marble: Re-crystallization of carbonate minerals, especially calcite or dolomite helps in the formation of marble. Marble is a common product for making sculpture and buildings. Dome of the Rock, Palestine and Taj Mahal, Agra construct with marble. It is perfect for Mosaics, bathroom, fireplaces, stairs, countertops, entryways.

SEDIMENTARY ROCK

The formation of this stone is a result of subsequent cementation and deposition of organic elements such as wind, glaciers, plants, rivers, and oceans. Sediments (small organic particles) are set in a place through sedimentation process.

• Limestone: Skeletal fragments of marine organisms like coral, forms, and mollusks lead to the formation of limestone. Comprises mainly of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and form due to the breakdown of rocks and shells. The white town of Landon constructs with limestone. People adopt it to accent walls, pool surroundings, fountain, stairways, windows, kitchen countertop, façade, bathroom, sidewalks, driveways, patios.
• Sandstone: Sandstone consists of mineral particles (quartz and feldspar) and grains of rock fragments which are the most resistant minerals to weathering processes. Red Fort & Qutub Minar in India, the part of UNESCO world heritage sites are the proof of the beauty and durability of sandstone. It is perfect for walkways, flooring, and facade. It can as a veneer for the pillars or walls cladding also.
• Travertine: Pitted holes and troughs on the surface of the natural stone is the recognition of travertine. Its formation takes place due to the precipitation of calcium carbonate when deposit by mineral springs, especially where there is a waterfall or hot springs. Most of the travertine quarries are there in the countries of the Middle East, North America, South America, and East Asia. Tonto Natural Bridge is the largest natural travertine stone bridge in the world. It is perfect for paving, garden paths, facades, wall cladding, bathroom flooring, kitchens, outdoor spaces and for decorating walls.

Types of Natural Stone Finishes

Natural stones are available in a vast array of finishes and surfaces, with new finishes regularly appearing on the scene. Whether the surface or finish is a classic one or a new one, it has its own unique characteristics. The variety of stone finishes is achieved using different mechanical processes and techniques which allow the stone to be adapted for specific uses, especially stone pavers.

As such, it’s important to choose a finish type that will suit your intended use for the stone.

In this article, we highlight the most frequently requested stone finishes, which stones they are best suited for and their ideal place of installation. 

 Natural Split finishes 

A natural split finish, like the name suggests, is truly natural stone that has that split stone look. Once it is extracted from the quarry, the stone is not treated in any way. It is simply cut into blocks and sold on the market as is. The final appearance of the stone depends on its natural look and because it is natural, no two stones will look the same. When installed outside, stones with a natural split finish require sealing to protect them from the elements. Porphyry pavers, Himalayan Sandstone pavers, Quartz crazy pavers and Slate crazy pavers are available with a natural finish at Murad Floors.

Tumbled finish

The tumbled finish is essentially an ageing effect, best suited for highly resistant natural stones. This is a popular finish because it creates softer surfaces and rumbled edges. It’s a very aesthetically pleasing choice for external pavers.

The stones that are most suited, and popular, for a tumbled finish include Travertine Paves, Limestone Pavers and Marble Pavers. The tumbled finish gives immense natural aged character and warmth to these natural stone pavers.

Sandblasted finish

A matte-textured surface finish is produced by small particles (“sand”) striking the stone surface at high velocities. A sandblasted finish is achieved by blasting the stone several times with an air gun containing an abrasive agent such as silica sand. This gives the stone a textured finish and can even lighten its color.

One of the advantages of sandblasting is that it can add a degree of slip resistance to the stone, making it an ideal finish for external stone paving. Stones such as limestone, marble, sandstone and bluestone respond particularly well to a sandblasted finish.

The sandblasted Chilla Marble Pavers, pictured below, add elegance and class to this suburban Sydney pool.

Flamed or Thermal finish

For a flamed or thermal finish, the surface of the stone is directly exposed to high temperatures, typically in the form of a flame. This process alters the natural color of the stone and gives it a characteristic roughness. Stones that have a flamed finish tend to have greater anti-slip properties. This makes them a perfect choice for outdoor paving.

Sawed Finish or Swan finish

A sawed (or sawn) finish describes a stone’s appearance where it has been cut by a blade and some of the saw marks are still visible. This results in a textured, irregular surface with a rough feel. As a sawed finish can make stones slip-resistant, it’s a popular choice for external applications such as paving, walkways, patios, driveways and outdoor steps.

The semi-sawn finish is popular with Bluestone Pavers and sandstone pavers.

Acid- Washed finish

An acid-washed finish is achieved by applying corrosive chemicals on the stone’s surface. These chemicals burn through the stone, creating small pitted indentations on the stone’s surface. This gives it a naturally rustic look and feel. The advantage of an acid-washed finish is that any scratches on the stone (which will happen over time with wear and tear) are much less visible. 

Most natural stones can withstand an acid-washed finish. The surface of the gorgeous Frostine Marble, pictured below, has been both acid-washed and tumbled.

Honed finish

A honed finish is achieved when rubber heads smooth out the stone’s surface to create an overall consistency and uniformity in the stone’s texture. Honed finishes have a smooth, non-reflective, satiny sheen and are used for both interior stone surfaces. When manufacturers are finalizing a honed finish, they typically sand the stone just before it reaches the polishing phase. This accounts for its lack of glossiness and gives the stone a more matte appearance.

To achieve a polished finish, the natural stone undergoes repeated treatment with abrasives until a glossy, mirror-like surface is achieved. This process brings the stone’s natural colors and character to life and makes its porosity virtually invisible. An advantage of a polished finish is that it can boost the stone’s overall resistance.

Polished finishes are best suited to indoor applications such as walls and benchtops. A polished finish can be slippery, so it’s not recommended for outdoor paving.

Micro- Sanded

This finish is used mostly on our outdoor Porcelain Tiles and Pavers, a favorite in our Porcelain Pavers range. Micro-sanding technology creates a sand-paper-like finish that gives these pavers a high slip resistance and recreates the look and feel of natural sandstone. This finish makes Sandstone Porcelain Pavers, pictured below, an ideal choice for pools, wet areas and walkways exposed to the elements.

A process that produces textured surfaces with small evenly spaced pits produced by hand or pneumatic hammer. A bush-hammered finish is typically applied to granite. Specialized tools are used to give the stone more texture.

 Facts About Natural Stone

When you love something, you want to know more about it. So here are some cool and interesting facts about the natural stone worth noticing:-

• It is 100% natural and 0% man-made.
• Natural stone helps and maintains ecological balance.
• Avoid acidic cleaners at the time of cleaning natural stone.
• Marble Institute of America says, “Natural stone stands well to weathering and time”.
• Natural stone is in today’s emerging trend, but it’s not a new product in the market. It is in use for the last thousands of years.
• Usage of natural stone not only limited to the construction of the building. Rather, it is perfect as a decorative material also.
• Variations in natural stone are worth observing. These natural stones are a product of mother nature and exhibit slight variations in colors.

Natural Stones- A Boon For Nation

Natural stones are a big blessing of nature to the nation. In each stone of nature, there is always something marvelous. Each stone has its own texture and hue which is unique from the other one. These are not only beautiful but beneficial as well. “Why should I construct or reframe my project with natural stone?” Out of the infinite benefits, Murad floors is going to mention some of the pros to make natural stones your foremost choice. Let’s get familiar with some of the key points that prove natural stone a boon for nation:-

• A Real Stone: Being a material of mother nature, natural stone is real and pure. Its rich mineral composition and traditional look are a proof of its purity. Murad floors understands the value of one’s health. A real stone is always chemical-free and no synthetics are present in it. Thus increase in a number of stone buildings will lead to less airborne chemicals, diseases and keep the nation healthy.
•  Care and Maintenance: It is not wrong to say this benefit is really a boon for ladies. Unlike concrete stone, natural stone retains its original look for a long and demands for less care. This gives cheeriness to the homemakers. Mild detergent with warm water is the best way-out to keep it clean. Make sure to clean liquid spills immediately because they have acidic nature. Use of products like vinegar, bleach, or any acidic cleaners should avoid otherwise it will degrade the surface of stone over the time.
• Environmentally Compatible: In this fast-moving world, contributing a little towards the environment will be a great cause. Natural stone is an original green building material of mother nature. It does not form in a factory. Natural stone thin veneer and flooring need no replacement for a long time and moreover, these are 100% recyclable. It resists emission of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) from entering your home. On the whole, it helps in maintaining ecological balance. “Save The Environment with Natural Stones”.
• Dynamic Material: When it comes to the projection of dream house or dream projects, people always like to have a choice in abundant whether it’s about color, shape or pattern. In today’s scenario, only the dynamic material is in demand. So, natural stones provide the diversity of textures, shapes and the palette of colors. Murad floors has a range of bright to light hues which compliment your surroundings such as antique black, black slate, lime black, California gold, ruby red, antique yellow, brown mist, pearl grey.
• Tenacious: Homes are neither easy to construct nor easy to leave. So make your one-time investment in such a way that leads to lifetime return. If you want something reliable for your space, then the natural stone is the best option as it exhibits the feature of durability and longevity. People have been constructing natural stone buildings since ages. A hard and dense, natural stone is able to withstand wear, tear, pressure, or any other type of damages. This hard-wearing stone stands well to the tests of time.
• Fascinating Beauty: As fingerprints of two persons can never be same, similarly two natural stones cannot look alike. Each stone has its unique look and texture which reflects the beauty of nature in it. The feature of uniqueness in these natural stones touches the heart of people and makes the place fascinating wherever it applies. Get ready to astonish the onlookers with the beauty of these stones.
• Wide Applicability: Natural stones are perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications. Widely applicable for industrial, commercial and residential applications such as apartment building, office complexes, shopping malls, sidewalks, wall cladding, waterfalls, BBQ, driveways, entryways, fountains, walls, patios, stairways, swimming pools, washbasins, walkways, kitchen, bathroom, windows, terrace, fireplaces. Every walk on nature’s stone paver gives relief to your soul.

At Murad Floors, our professionals help you choose a natural stone that reflects your style, preferences, and personal taste. We can help you achieve the look you want. Visit our website or give us a call to learn more!