How To Choose The Right Stone

To avoid mistakes, architects form stone center for example need to know each material’s characteristics and consider several factors when choosing the best type of natural stone for the intended use. The analysis should consider the type of environment – indoor or outdoor, commercial or residential -, the traffic of people, the types of materials that are handled on-site, and the characteristics of the rocks.

In this aspect, each stone’s composition materials are differentiated by the type of soil in which it was constituted, the minerals of its composition, and the geological process to which it was submitted. These variations determine how they should be applied, as the inappropriate use of the material can lead to premature wear and economic losses.

See which stones are most used in projects and their indications and learn What Is Flagstone here:

Crushed or ‘crushed’ stone – ideal for making concrete, foundations, structures, sidewalks, etc.;

Granite – is formed by three minerals: mica, feldspar, and quartz. Used in the execution of sinks, countertops, washbasins, facade coverings, fireplaces, thresholds, skirting boards, and window sills, it is harder, resistant, and less porous than marble. It can have different types of finishes: polished (the most used), rough, blanched, sandblasted, flamed, and spiked, and a wide variety of colors such as greyish, greenish, brown, black, yellowish, and red;

Marbles – suitable for internal floors, low-traffic stairs (residential), sills and windowsills (no exposure to the weather), washbasins, bathtub edges, sideboards, tables, and internal walls. As well as granite, marble can receive polished, rough, levigated, sandblasted, flamed, and spiked finishes. – some of these make the product non-slip – in addition to a range of colors such as crema Marfil, emperor brown, Bahia pink, Nero black, etc. It should not be applied in the kitchen, on the shower floor, as well as in external areas, as it has a high degree of porosity; that is, it can easily absorb substances and stain;

Limestone is a rock composed of the mineral calcite, reminiscent of marble. The material has low resistance to wear, scratches, stains, and traffic impact but does not retain heat. It is usually white but can range from orange beige to dark gray. It is suitable for indoor environments except for wet kitchen areas and low-traffic outdoor areas. One of the advantages is that it does not need seams, providing a great finish wherever it is used;

Basalt, Miracema, Goiás, São Tomé, Seixo Rolando, Mineira, Pirenópolis, Portuguese Mosaic, and Slate – are used both in wall coverings and floors. In general, they are recommended for outdoor areas. São Tomé and Goiás are perfect for pool areas.