The relationship between sandstone and quartzite follows a similar theme. MarbleвЂ™s distinctive grey streaks are clay layers from the original limestone that got heated and swirled. Both stones are made of the same mineral вЂ“ calcite вЂ“ but in marbleвЂ™s case the calcite grains have been crystallized together, making the stone less porous. Limestone can get buried and heated to taffy-like consistency, wherein it turns to marble. ItвЂ™s made of shells, shell fragments, and dissolved shells. Limestone forms in shallow, warm oceans and coral-rich beaches. Sedimentary rocks turn into metamorphic ones It also helps you appreciate the events that gave rise to all those beautiful slabs in the showrooms. Understanding the relationships between different stones can make it easier to see why some share similar traits. In fact, thatвЂ™s exactly whatвЂ™s been happening all through EarthвЂ™s history. Over deep spans of time, any rock can turn into a whole new rock if it gets melted, squeezed, uplifted, or eroded. In the world of geology, all stones are related to each other. Relationships between different types of stone Strong acids like oven cleaner and some bathroom cleaners will damage almost any stone, so keep those away from your stone, or better yet, use less toxic means to clean your home. When we talk about acid resistance, weвЂ™re referring to things like vinegar or citrus. ThatвЂ™s just a coincidence of mineral chemistry, but itвЂ™s convenient for those looking for a hard, resistant natural surface. It turns out that hard minerals also tend to be unaffected by household acids. Note the empty category of hard stones that are damaged by acids. HereвЂ™s an overview of rock types sorted by hardness and their ability to withstand an onslaught of marinara sauce.

Instead, we can group stones by the properties that matter to us, like how they hold up in the places we use them. IвЂ™ll admit that geologic categories arenвЂ™t all that helpful for the way natural stones are used. Making more useful categories: Grouping stone by their properties

Did a rock erupt from a fiery volcano, or take shape in a placid river bed? We group rocks by the process that formed them. Geologists, like all scientists, love to put things in categories. You learned this in 8th grade: Geologic categories of stone Organizing natural stones into categories This article touches on 13 different types of natural stone, with links to each type to explore further. Geology also helps us appreciate that every slab of stone offers a little glimpse into deep time and the dramatic forces that shape the planet. Nonetheless, a bit of geology can shed light on why or where weвЂ™d want to use a given stone. Regular people appreciate rocks because theyвЂ™re useful, practical, and beautiful. Geologists study rocks to learn more about what happened in EarthвЂ™s past. The two disciplines have different ways of organizing and thinking about stone, which makes sense because weвЂ™re interested in different things. We all share a similar zeal for a glimmer of garnet and the sexy sparkle of marble. Fans of natural stone countertops, tiles, fireplaces, walls, and building stone are natural allies to geologists. Rinse the stone thoroughly without scrubbing it and let dry again.Do you love natural stone? Me too. With our water-based, non-toxic stains you will be able to skip this step. If you are using an acid-based stain you will need to remove the residue that is built up during that time by adding a pH-neutralizer. If you stain it and decide you want darker, bolder coloring, you can apply another coat and that usually makes it pop even more. This is particularly beneficial with large, porous stone. You can apply darker colored stone stain into deep crevices and then coat the whole thing with a lighter color if you are looking to create variation on the stone. The brushing needs to be done in circular motions to push it deep into the surface of the stone while maintaining a natural look. Or, ideally, you can have someone else follow behind as you spray. By spraying small areas at a time, you can take a brush to work the stain into the stone as you go. The best way to apply the stone stain is by putting it into a plastic spray bottle or garden sprayer.

Porus stone