limestones in residential bathrooms

[Anonymous]

Would anyone be able to provide info on the use of limestones in residential bathrooms (countertop, floor, etc.)? What are pros and cons, measured against other materials, and if not limestone, what would be good natural stone in bathroom application other than marble?

Also would like feedback on the following limestones:
Galil Gold; Cream Beida; Kota Green (porosity, hardness, wear characteristics, etc.)

Thanks for your help!

	limestone LIMESTONE A sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate.

	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.

[jvcstone]

Maybe this picture thing will work.. Every thing in this bath room is Texas limestone, including the sinks carved from cubic stock.





I am not familiar with the stone names you mentioned. However, all limestone is relatively soft, will scratch, and, like marble, will etch if acidic liquids are spilled on the surface. If you realize this about the stone, and can live with it, and are willing to let the stone not stay pristene new, than go for it. Otherwise, be looking at granite.

JVC

	limestone LIMESTONE A sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate.

	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.

At this point I can only echo what was already said. If your bathroom is going to be a show peace go for it. If you plan to use it please keep a squeegee handy. Contact your local restoration guy and have them come over and recommended a maintains plan that would fit your needs. No matter what you choose, enjoy your piece of nature and the history it captured.

[Anonymous]

Can anybody recommend the best sealer to use on Limestone? and any other care/maintenance information would be appreciated.

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.

	limestone LIMESTONE A sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate.

[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone,
I'm an interior design student & I would like to get detailed information on marble,granite,limestone,slate,quartzite,travertin e&sandstone as much as possible.If anyone know any informative web-sites on these materials,please do help me.
Looking forward to hear from you all,

	limestone LIMESTONE A sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate.

	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.

Informative web sites

You are at the most informative web site for post installation of natural stone.

Marble
Marble is the geological name for massive, compact limestone which has been completely re-crystallized by heat and pressure, capturing many foreign substances, thus creating a unique variety of colors and veining (minerals). Marble is simply changed limestone, or to be more specific, metamorphic limestone. The veining, which is caused by dissimilarity of materials, often represents areas of weakness within many marbles. Like numerous other stones such as Calcareous stones, travertine and onyx, Marble is also composed chiefly of calcium carbonate.

Marble can be polished and used for architectural and ornamental purposes. Its color varies from white to black, being sometimes yellow, red, and green. Marble is sometimes beautifully veined or clouded. It is preferred for floorings and accentuates the living sphere with its sheer opulence.

Marble stone is relatively softer than other stones and offers less stain resistance. Thus it requires careful maintenance and should be treated as fine furniture. Marble is susceptible to damage from citric acids, alcohols and oils. Spills should be wiped up immediately. Treated properly, marble will remain elegant for decades.


Limestone
Limestone is formed as a result of millions of years of seashells and bones of sea creatures settling as sediment on an ocean floor (hence it is called a sedimentary stone). The calcium in the bones & shells combines with Carbon Dioxide in the water to form Calcium Carbonate, which is the basic mineral structure of all limestone and marble. Less than 3% of the stone is the colors, which are simply other natural elements present when the stone formed (ie iron deposits give you a real brown).

Limestone is available as plain rock. Since it is not crystallized, it cannot be polished.

It is available in elegant shades of yellow, blue, brown and black. Due to its durability and long life, limestone is generally used as building stone and for making statues. Its use as wall cladding material has also gained immense popularity.


Travertine
Travertine also began as limestone, which over time, through geological shifting, found its way deep in the Earth. The porous nature of limestone makes it a great reservoir for liquids. Aquifers, which are the enormous underground pools of water that feed our wells and water our cities, are the remnants of ice age melting, which sank below and was absorbed by limestone. Heated by the Earth's inner core, the water rises as steam and hot pressurized water, to form hot mud baths, "Old Faithful", " Mammoth Springs", and other gizers. This rising hot water, dissolves the limestone and brings with it granules from below, forming mud beds on the surface. If enough time transpires, and the mud beds cool, they will crystallize into solid stone called travertine.




Slate
Slate is metamorphic rock, like the marble. However, instead of forming from a pre-existing limestone (like marble), slate is formed from the low-grade metamorphism of the sedimentary rock shale and volcanic ash deposited on sea floors. Slate, like shale ("mudstone"), is a very fined-grained rock of mostly microscopic clay minerals with some microscopic quartz and calcite. Slate can also contain some of the same minerals found in granite, which make some slates iridescent and/or hard. The alteration of shale by heat and pressure produces the pronounced partings (slaty cleavage) that give slate its characteristics. Like limestone and marble, the color comes from trace metals. The wild colors on most Chinese and Indian slates are the result of splitting the slate along natural layers, which exposes the metals to the atmosphere, and they oxidize (rust).



Granite
Granite is an igneous rock, which, during its development, remains in the form of liquid magma in the center of the Earth. Unlike lava, granite did not come to the surface. It remained trapped inside the earth where it slowly cooled and crystallized. Due to the extreme pressure within the Earth, and the absence of atmosphere, granite is formed very dense with no pores. Granite is in-fact a host of ingredients, including common minerals like feldspar, quartz and mica, and the proportions vary considerably from deposit to deposit. The major mineral component of granite is feldspar. Quartz, which is the hardest part of Granite (it ranges from 70% to 80% the density of a diamond) comprises only between 10-30% of the rock, whereas feldspar (potassium and sodium varieties) makes up 60-80%. (This contrasts dramatically with GRANIREX, which is 93% natural Quartz).

Granite comes in various colors varying from stark white to beiges, browns, reds, pinks, yellows, greens, blues, grays and blacks. Textures range from clear to coarse and crystalline to heavily veined. These natural materials were created in the earth many years ago by processes and conditions, which gave each of them varying properties and characteristics.

Granite is the most durable of the stone surfaces, which makes it the best choice for the most worry free countertop. It is extremely durable, stain resistant and easy to care for. It is chip resistant and is unlikely to crack or scratch during normal use.

Please pay attention to the word Resistant.
If you are ever in need of someone to keep your stone look as great as it was on the day of installation, please let us know. I am sure there is someone in the trades lounge that is close to you.

	igneous IGNEOUS A geological term used to describe a type of stone formation. Granite is an example of an igneous stone.

	limestone LIMESTONE A sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate.

	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.