Stone Partnership: About Stone




	Travertines, Limestones, and Marbles are quarried throughout the world in the form of huge blocks, some weighing up to 20 tons. These blocks are then cut into slabs and tiles and the faces are worked to the specified finish.

	Limestone	Limestone is a sedimentary stone, layered and formed from the skeletons and shells of sea creatures that lived in vast, warm seas millions of years ago. When the mineral dolomite is present, it makes the limestone harder and capable of being polished in the same manner as metamorphic marble. Most limestones are generally pale and light in color, which makes them subtle and easy to blend into any color scheme. Limestone tile & slabs are quarried throughout the world and are used extensively, not only for interior residential flooring, but also for exterior paving, commercial flooring, and large institutional projects. Our limestones are durable, hard materials that are appropriate for any project. These materials are available in honed, sandblasted, bushammered and (in some cases) flamed finishes. All limestones must be sealed for long term protection.

	Marble	Marble is a metamorphic rock that was created through a metamorphosis involving heat and pressure. It was once limestone, but over time, the combination of intense heat and pressure caused the limestone to re-crystallize. Although normally white, the recrystalliztion process can cause foreign substances to enter the stone and create an infinite variety of colors and textures. Other minerals often grow from impurities within the stone which can bring about veins and colored streaks. Marble is usually finely crystalline, hard, and dense and as a result can be highly polished. It is versatile enough for use throughout the home, such as fireplace facings, ornamental furnishings, walls and window sills. You can use it on almost every surface, including vanities, shower walls, tub decks and flooring. Our Marbles are also available in a honed or brushed finish for a more traditional look.

	Travertine	Travertine is a sedimentary rock and type of Limestone formed hundreds of millions of years ago in areas where ground water percolated through the forming stone creating holes and fissures throughout the body of the material. Extremely durable and hard, travertines are used throughout the world for major commercial projects. Most travertine is white or cream colored but can come in yellows, reds, etc. when minerals mix within the bed of the stone formation. It consists mainly of calcium carbonate. It forms when calcium carbonate separates from water through evaporation. Travertine is often used as decorative building stone because it is easy to cut. These materials are available crosscut, honed, filled or unfilled, distressed, tumbled, or straight cut. Travertines must be sealed for long term protection.

	Tumbled Stone & Cobblestones	These materials are limestones, marbles and travetines which have been "tumbled" at the fabrication plant in order to achieve an antique cobbled effect. These materials are either tumbled or unfilled and honed with distressed edges. Sealing is necessary for long term protection.