Natural stones exist in numerous varieties, each with its own texture, color, hardness, and chemical composition. Some of these varieties are hard, rugged, acid resistant, and slow to erosion. Other varieties are softer, erode quickly, and are vulnerable to acid attacks. Let us study these varieties one by one:
Granite
Granite is one of the most popular natural stones. It is an igneous rock composed of alkali feldspar, quartz, and plagioclase. Granite and marble have existed since ancient civilizations as far back as Ancient Egypt.
Characteristics
Quartzite
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed when heat and pressure are applied to quartz sandstone under the Earth’s surface. Quartzite is naturally dark gray in color. However, it often has an infusion of hematite resulting in various shades of red and pink colors. Other mineral infusions can also result in shades of yellow, green, and blue.
Characteristics
Marble
Marble is one of the most popular all-natural stones. It is a metamorphic rock made under the Earth’s surface by the transformation of limestone. It consists mainly of carbonate minerals such as dolomite or calcite.
Characteristics