Natural stone or synthetic?
2006-07-24
Which would you prefer?
Natural stone is as timeless as the universe. A design of creation’s own architecture frozen in time and space, it speaks a sensuous and evocative language; one of color and textures, of feelings and richness, of its passage from its geological beginnings through 4 billion years to the present day.
For this reason, it evokes deep feelings in people who handle or use it every day. Natural stone is not just another stone. Though admired for its physical properties, it creates a sense of awe, and allows for deeper levels of understanding. When you hold a piece of granite in your hand next, remember you are looking at what scientists call the big bang – the exact moment of creation of our universe!
Most astronomers believe the Universe began in a Big Bang about 14 billion years ago.
Can you think of a single man made material, that arouses the same kind of feeling?
Even manufacturers of man made materials recognize its immense appeal - many synthetic materials today simulate the appearance of natural stone. And fail. At the end of the day, nothing can emulate nature’s creativity. But because natural stone is so affordable today while providing many qualities inherent in its nature, it really does not make sense for most consumers to choose anything else.
High-Tech Age
We live in a high-tech age. Technology provides many benefits, improving our lives in myriad ways. But advances in technology also arouse interest in developing new materials for construction. In addition, the ease of transporting goods to global destinations, and the opening up of the world economy flood world markets with synthetics. This kind of technology-driven mass production of environmentally damaging materials cannot augur well for the world’s already fragile eco-system.
Nowadays, we, as our ancestors did, like to bring some of the awe and mystery of natural stone into our homes. We do it to add our bit to the environment. We owe it to ourselves and to our future generations to try to maintain whatever ecological balance we can. Not to use man made materials that cause pollution to the environment and deplete the ozone layer. Not to use synthetics that overload our already full landfills with damaging waste. Waste that toxifies the soil and the nutrients within. We prefer to create eco-friendly homes that blend with the environment, and induce a sense of well-being.
Psychological tests prove that colors enhance the mood of people
This sense of wellness reflects in the colors of natural stone. Psychological tests prove that colors enhance the mood of people. And what better way do it than to bring them naturally to your home using natural stone? Because natural stone comes in a variety of colors, it contributes to the atmosphere of your home with its natural hues. The blues and greens of natural stone are very calming, reminiscent of blue skies, of seascapes and blue mountains in the distance. Its fiery reds generate energy and vibrancy, as heartening as fire. And greens and earthy tones in all shades of the landscape bring a sense of coolness and a feeling of connection to the elements to your home.
Natural stone is cost efficient in a way few other man made materials are, due to its competitive pricing and efficiency in architecture. Its inherent properties allow its use in several applications, like granite cladding where it reduces curtain wall costs and dead load in the building frame. Planed
limestone allows cost cutting as it is easily shaped into cornicing and molding due to its physical properties.
Incomparable beauty
A lot of people will tell you that nothing compares to the beauty of natural stone. They are right. Its feel, its tone, the richness of its texture and its shine add to its incomparable beauty. Whether its granite, with its luxuriant, smooth, polished sheen, or the shimmering gossamer of
marble; whether it is the understated elegance of beige or lemon of
limestone, evocative browns of sandstone or the rustic Grey hues of slate, natural stone adds a style of distinction to your home. It creates more than a home. It creates a place that you can remember pleasurably, a place where you enjoy peace and quiet amid serene surroundings.
Most people will agree that no synthetic stone, no matter what its effort to appear “real” can match that.
With the graceful movements of its components captured in timelessness, natural stone offers grace, durability, incomparable qualities and astounding beauty. It is affordable and cost efficient. And environmentally friendly, creating a blend of harmony, a feeling of peace, merging as it does with your environment. And most of all it gives you sense of pleasure; a reward that awaits as you end your busy day. So you can unwind in this aura of immense beauty, relax, and forget the cares of the world.
Source
marble.com
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 | | Marble | MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS
This standard includes general information on the characteristics
and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems
associated with the material.
INTRODUCTION
Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite
(CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of
limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic
processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone
with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite
porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high
polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and
sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially
polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects
of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed,
is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is
readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the
actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the
acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds
react differently with marble and produce various by-products,
which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability
of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine
the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration.
Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the
other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid
attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the
brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red,
yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition.
TYPICAL USES
Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for
outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture
it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative
features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is
used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of
exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the
feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not
the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage
to which marble is susceptible. | |  |
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Linear Mode
