Designers, landscapers and architects that develop attractive outdoor living space are now turning to natural stone to match the season's 'eco-chic' and feng shui trends. Outdoor living spaces such as gardens, pools and extended decks are ideal spaces to embed natural stone fixtures, and companies such as Stone Mart, an exotic and natural stone importer, are making it easy for clients to find fresh new styles and create a signature look.
With one of the largest selections of natural stone slabs including granite,
marble,
limestone and quartzite, Stone Mart is leading the stone and tile industry by providing unique products to cater to all tastes. The exclusive color combinations and textures derived from nature help capture the historic beauty and colors of each type of slab and tile; eco-friendly color palettes can create an elegant ambiance even in an outdoor setting, and the high quality, durable materials available exclusively from Stone Mart mean clients can enjoy their investment for decades.
Each natural stone slab is made with genuine, all-natural materials that are excavated from various sites around the globe. Natural stone selections are completely unique, with their own set of characteristics that can rarely be imitated or duplicated. Stone Mart explains that natural stone is also "good for health and follows feng shui principles." The neutral colors create a soothing, peaceful and tranquil environment, and are ideal for outdoor living spaces that are designed to embrace nature.
Stone Mart's dedicated and professional staff makes it easy for clients to select the right type of natural stone slabs and tile for any type of project, and work with several high-profile designers on a regular basis. Clients looking for a fresh new look for the backyard, or those who want to update any type of outdoor space, can turn to Stone Mart for a vast collection of natural, eco-inspired stone that can last for years.
About Stone Mart
Stone Mart (stonemart.com) has grown to become a premiere destination for designers, architects, and luxury homeowners searching for only the world's finest selections in natural stones. From granite countertops to
marble flooring, Stone Mart has become a leader in importing quality stone from around the world. All products are now showcased in the Designer Collection Showroom in California.
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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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