A Guide to Natural Stone |
|---|
 |
|---|
|
A Guide to Natural StoneThroughout the ages natural stone has stood the test of time and has always been the principal element in building and decoration. Ancient structures realised in natural stone have survived to modern times and still provoke astonishment and admiration. Architecturally, stone has lasted not just for its aesthetic properties but for its own mechanical qualities such as its strength and resistance to wear and tear and to all weathers. Stone is demonstrably the best material for the realisation of buildings that defy time: the Pyramids, the Coliseum, castles, cathedrals, and religious buildings all over the world. The classification of natural stone can be difficult due to varying mineralogical compositions. Rocks frequently find themselves in intermediate positions between several contiguous geological groups. However, natural stone can be broadly classified according to their formation process. There are three dominant categories: magmatic rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks. Magmatic Rocks These are rocks formed by the cooling of Magma: a mass of melted substance formed at an extremely high temperature. It is cooled either through volcanic eruption or within the Earths crust. Granite is a typical magmatic natural stone frequently used for kitchen worktops and surface areas that require a high degree of wear resistance. Examples of common granites found in the Marbella area
Sedimentary Rocks Sedimentary rocks are formed by the build up of years and years of sea bed deposits. The deposits can either be liquid or solid (shells, sand and dead sea life). They are aesthetically characterised by horizontal veining (in the case of travertine) which shows a very distinct perpendicular bedding plane or by the inclusion of tiny fossils (in the case of limestone). Examples of common sedimentary rocks found in the Marbella area
Metamorphic Rocks Marble is a good example of a metamorphic rock which is an aggregate of calcite and dolomite crystals and has undergone a transformation due to movement in the earths crust while under intense heat and pressure. Marble is characterised by its fine crack line veining and is the most common material for flooring homes in the Mediterranean basin. Examples of common marbles found in the Marbella area:
Floor Polishing The most common types of marble found on the Costa del Sol are stones originating from Macael in Almería. They range from the grey, sometimes white marble commonly known as Macael Blanco to the soft cream stone known as Crema Marfíl. They all have different characteristics of wear, impact resistance and tensile strength. However, the durability of a polished marble floor will depend on the amount of traffic (influencing surface wear and tear) and the humidity content of the stone. Marble, travertine and limestone are very porous natural materials and can readily absorb moisture prior to installation. Over time, the moisture within the stone sweats out causing carbonatic mineral deposits on the surface which can only be removed using the correct floor polishing processes and chemicals. Natural stone lends itself very well to polishing and is the main most frequently applied finish. However, using the correct methodology is the only way to guarantee a good result. By not applying the correct chemicals to the problem (such as using solvents or alkaline chemicals) the floor can be seriously damaged. Floor polishing is a two stage process: firstly, the calcite deposit is removed using acid thereby thoroughly cleaning the surface and exposing the pores of the stone. Secondly, a crystallizing resin is impregnated into the stone to provide long lasting shine and protection. Once the floor has been correctly treated, it is recommended that the floor is crystallized on a yearly basis. If you require more information on natural stone or would like an assessment of a particular natural stone problem, contact info@metroclean.es |
  
|
| © METROclean | Site Map |