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| Signature Hardware's stone products are handcarved from natural materials, including granite, marble and travertine. Each stone features unique characteristics that are created as it is formed over millions of years. These variations are what give each piece its natural beauty and include such things as mineral deposits in the forms of gold and silver flakes, distinct veining and areas of dense color. These variations are to be expected in any stone piece and are what add to its individuality and beauty. |
Stone Classifications
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| Igneous Stones "created by fire": Granite, Rhyolite, Basalt, Obsidian, Pumice |
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Granite: forms as magma slowly cools deep underground, allowing crystals to form. These crystals create speckles, flecking and larger flakes depending on the mineral and temperature at which the granite forms. The variations in color are due to the chemistry and mineralogy of the stone. Granite is very dense and tough, making it an excellent stone for everyday use. The word granite comes from the Latin word granum, literally a grain, which refers to the coarse-grained texture of the stone.
Rhyolite: forms in a similar manner as granite, but cools much more quickly. Rhyolite has much finer crystals that are not able to be seen by the naked eye. The faster cooling also give this stone a glassy look.
Basalt: forms by the rapid cooling and hardening of lava flows. Basalt is dark in color and has grains so fine they are not distinguishable by a magnifying glass. Basalts are the most common of all igneous rocks.
Obsidian: forms when lava cools so quickly that crystallization does not have time to form. Obsidian is usually black or dark green, but can also be found in an almost clear variation. Obsidian breaks in a conchoidal fracture, which creates extremely sharp edges. For this reason, it has been widely used as arrow and spearheads, knives and cutting tools, and even to this day is used by doctors in certain delicate eye operations.
Lava Stone: forms when gaseous lava is ejected into the air and cools quickly. Due to this creation method, pumice is full of holes, and even floats in water. Pumice is often ground and added to abrasive cleaners, polishes and soaps. Lava stone and pumice are two types of igneous rocks created from molten lava and can also be buffed to a smooth finish. |
Metamorphic Stones "created through transformation": Marble, Slate, Quartzite, Gneiss |
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Marble: results from the metamorphosis of limestone. The characteristic swirls and vein patterns of marble are caused by minerals that were originally grains or layers in the limestone. Marble has long been used as a sculpture medium due to its ability to be shaped and its resistance to shattering.
Slate: created by relatively low temperatures and pressures. Slate easily splits into thin sheets, which is called perfect cleavage, making it a less than ideal construction stone.
Quartzite: results when sandstone comes into contact with extremely hot magma underground. Quartzite looks similar, but is a much stronger stone than sandstone. If struck, quartzite will not break into grains of sand, but cracks across the grain of the stone.
Gneiss: forms when various igneous and sedimentary stones are subjected to high heat and pressure. This stone is composed of similar minerals as granite, and usually has distinct color banding. Gneiss is often used as a paving stone and in buildings. |
Sedimentary Stones "consolidates into stone": Travertine, Sandstone, Limestone, Halite |
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Travertine: forms when carbon-dioxide rich waters experience a significant change in temperature or pressure and are forced to release their calcium carbonate. This chemical compound then re-crystallizes, often encasing debris which causes the stone to be somewhat porous when dry. The striations and bands of color are due to various minerals that are present when the stone is formed.
Sandstone: results from the compression and cementing of sand-sized grains of rocks and minerals. Sandstone is often composed of feldspar and quartz. The various coloration of sandstone is due to other minerals that are present during the creation. Iron oxide is a common colorant which produces red tones.
Limestone: produced from calcium carbonate and sediment. This is one of the most abundant sedimentary rocks, and is mostly formed by the ocean. Limestone dissolves when it comes in contact with acids.
Halite: forms when brackish (salty) lakes and sea beds dry out. Usually forming crystals, this stone is ground into common table salt. Often colorless, halite can also have a reddish-brown coloration due to the iron oxides in the water it is formed in. |
Mineral Composition
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Silicates - This is the largest group of minerals, and is composed mostly of silicon and oxygen. Quartz, mica, feldspar and garnets are important minerals in the formation of many stones like granite, slate and sandstone. These stones are generally acid resistant and very strong.
Carbonates - These are minerals containing the carbonate ion and, most commonly, calcite or dolomite. Calcium carbonates are the primary minerals present in the forming of travertine, marble and limestone. These stones are generally softer than silicate formed stones and are acid sensitive. |
Crystallized Glass
Stone
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Crystallized Glass - This manufactured stone is created by heating glass crystals at high temperatures until the crystal particles adhere to each other creating a non-porous surface that is easy to maintain and never needs to be sealed. It has the classic look of White Thassos marble, but the durability of granite, making it ideal for countertops. |
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