Mr.Building Material

  MINERALS-STONE COMPONENTS
Stones are made up of a mosaic of interlocking mineral grains that have definite
chemical compositions. Minerals have been divided into groups. The groups we
are primarily concerned with are the Common Rock-Forming Mineral Groups
which can be subdivided into two mineral categories Silicates and the Carbonates.
Silica is the most common chemical component of the earth. Silicates which contain
silica are generally the harder minerals and the most common rock-forming minerals.
These stones can be referred to as Siliceous based stones.
Carbonates are the next most important minerals in the rock-forming group. This
mineral group generally contains the softer minerals. These stones can be referred to
as Calcareous based stones.
  THE THREE MAJOR GROUPS 
Rocks have been divided into major and minor groups according to the process
by which they are formed and each of these groups are subdivided into further
stone categories. Only the Three Major Groups from which dimensional stones
being  used commercially will be covered.
           Igneous : This group has been formed from molten or partly molten material
                                i.e. from magma. Lava is a form of magma that has cooled and
                                solidified on the surface of the earth.
                                Granite is a igneous rock that has cooled and crystallized below
                                the earth's surfaces, having a fine to coarse-grained mineral crystal
                                structure. It is a "Siliceous" based stone. Composed primarily of
                                quartz, feldspar, and other accessory minerals. 

 Sedimentary : There are four main types of sedimentary rocks...
            1.   First there are the types that are the result of some preexisting rock's
                  demise through the weathering process. Sandstone "Siliceous" 
            2.   The second kind is biogenic, stone produced by living organisms such
                   as marine creatures or vegetation which eventually died and the remains
                   became part of the sediment on the bottom of ancient sea beds. Certain
                   Limestone's, Coralstones, Fossilstone, Shellstone "Calcareous"
             3.   The third is produced by inorganic chemical material being deposited
                   on the floor of ancient sea, lake beds and springs through the process
                   of precipitation or evaporation. The white fur deposits in kettles in which
                   hard water has been boiled is a good example of this type of stone.
                   Certain Limestone's and all Travertine's. "Calcareous" 
          4.   The last sedimentary category are produced as a result of volcanic
                    activity. This stone is composed of volcanic ash with a variety of
                    secondary older rock materials from the surrounding area, volcanic
                    and igneous in nature. This category is considered a tuff sedimentary
                    stone. It is also classified as a igneous stone due to its volcanic origin.
                    Cantera and Adoquin are of this variety. "Siliceous"

 Metamorphic : Metamorphic is derived from the Greek meta denoting a change                       and morph meaning form...a change in form. This changing of
                             one rock type into another new type takes place by an increase in
                             temperature or pressure or a combination of both. The original
                             minerals of the stone recrystallize, small crystals merge to form larger
                             crystals with no changes in the mineral chemistry, fine-grained calcite
                             in limestone recrystallizes to a coarse-grained calcite crystal structure
                             in marble; or there may by a transformation into a different set of
                             metamorphic minerals. This recrystallization transforms the...Shale
                             into a colorful Slate "Siliceous". Limestone becomes a multi colored
                             Marble "Calcareous" and the grainy Sandstone alters into a highly
                             crystallized sparkling Quartzite "Siliceous".                                      The caterpillar transforms into a beautiful butterfly.


Marble...Commercially describes a wide range of stones that are capable of taking a polish.
            True geological Marbles, Limestone's that can take a polish, Dolomite stones,
               Travertine's, Onyx and Serpentines (green marbles).

Granite...The commercial classification has taken on a broader meaning, generally referring
                to granite-type stones with similar characteristics.