Hardscapes - Masonry Stone
About Masonry Stone
Overview
From the time pyramids were first built to the present modern day, architects all over the world choose masonry stone as a staple product in construction. Masonry stone can bring about totally unexpected character to almost any space.
It enhances the look of a design and transforms a building structure from the ordinary into an art. Stones give a tranquil natural feeling and add a touch of elegance to any project.
As with other masonry materials, it is very important that masons, contractors, and architects are knowledgeable about the type of stones to be used for building construction. Understanding how each type of stone is formed - its qualities, hardness, porosity and other characteristics - and knowing the types of mineral and natural elements present in the stone, would be very helpful in determining how to best use a particular type of stone in a given project.
Natural stone can be very expensive and may not readily be available. When budget and availability becomes a concern, cultured stones can be an option. Cultured stones are manufactured stones cast in molds taken from selected natural stones using a process that captures even the faintest detail of the real stone. Cultured stones are less expensive, lighter in weight, and are easier to install. But while natural stones can be very expensive, it still is a popular choice in masonry projects because of its uniqueness, durability and minimal maintenance.
Types of Natural Masonry Stone
Granite
Granite is a very hard natural igneous rock which is formed from magma and is typically used as a dimension stone and flooring tile in commercial buildings and monuments. Polished granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops because of its high durability and aesthetic qualities. Known for its strong and durable characteristics, granite is also often preferred over marble as a monument material especially in those areas where acid rain is frequent. But when the use of real granite becomes impractical, sandblasted concrete with a heavy aggregate content can be used as a substitute as it appears similar to rough granite.
Limestone
Limestone is known to be one of the best, high-quality building materials as it is a very strong and durable material and stands up well to exposure. It is a rock formed chiefly by accumulation of organic remains like shells and corals, and consists mainly of calcium carbonate. Limestone is less resistant than most igneous rocks, but more resistant than most other sedimentary rocks, thus it is usually associated with hills and down land and occurs in regions with other sedimentary rocks like clays. Limestone, like marble, is very reactive to acid solutions, making acid rain a significant problem. Acid-based cleaning chemicals should also be avoided as it can damage the limestone, which should only be cleaned with a neutral or mild alkaline-based cleaner.
Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of limestone and is composed mostly of crystalline form of calcium carbonate called calcite. Marble is a very strong building material commonly used for sculpture. It can also be polished to a beautiful luster producing a very appealing finish.
For lesser cost and greater design flexibility, cultured marble can be used as an alternative for the real stone. Cultured marble is a fabricated solid surface made from a mixture of resin and ground marble or limestone.
