The oldest of all the elements on earth, stone is the epitome of durability and permanence. Stone can impart a refined and elegant look or a downright rustic appeal.
As a dense material, stone is slow to gather heat and slow to release it. This particular attribute makes stone a wonderful choice for spaces designed with passive solar heating in mind, as well as spaces using under-floor heating systems. Stone is used in construction in areas of the world that experience hot summers and cool or cold winters because of its ability to retain and release heat slowly.
Stone comes in many forms and is found in every part of the world. There are three main types of stone, each reflective of how the stone was deposited when formed.
- Igneous rock, which is formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava, also known as molten rock, is the oldest of all stones. The most commonly used igneous rock in interior design is granite, which comes in a variety of shades and colors to suit most design palettes.
- Metamorphic rocks, found in mountainous areas, are deposited when mountain ranges are formed; they are the by-products of intense heat and pressure from those formations. Slate and marble are fine examples of metamorphic rocks.
- The third type of stone is called sedimentary. These rocks, such as limestone and sandstone, are formed by deposits on lake, sea, and river bottoms. The weight of additional deposits compacts the lower levels and creates these softer stones. Softer than both granite and marble, sedimentary stone requires extra expertise during installation and finishing to ensure superior performance.
Stone is also very heavy, and it requires expert installation to ensure that cracks do not appear under floors and on countertops. extra support must always be used when installing flooring or counters to support the additional weight stone brings to any use. It still remains, however, the first choice of many clients and professional interior designers for floors, countertops, and bathrooms.
Types of stone found
- Granite
- Marble
- Slate
- Limestone
- Sandstone
