Natural stones have been used for centuries to create beautiful ceilings, floors, and walls. A property with natural stones properly installed and maintained can last hundreds of years. What are the types or classifications of natural stones? How to take care of them so that they can last for several years? The answers to the questions posed above are listed below.
Limestone. A sedimentary rock composed largely of the mineral calcite. Limestone is important for masonry and architecture, competing only with granite and sandstone to be the most widely used architectural stone. Limestone was most popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Train stations, benches, and other structures from that era are typically made of limestone. Limestone is used as a facade in some skyscrapers, but only in thin plates to cover instead of solid blocks.
Sandstone. These sedimentary rocks originated as loose grains or rocky materials, efficiently quarts but occasionally feldspar or other minerals. Sandstones are very weather resistant and yet easy to work with. Therefore, this makes sandstone a common building and paving material. Some types of sandstone are excellent materials for grinding wheels, for sharpening blades and other implements. Sandstone cement can be rich in various materials; Silica, iron, calcium carbonate, all of which contribute to the final color and characteristics of the sandstone. Sandstone beds also have natural joint systems.
Granite. A common and widely found type of igneous rock. The minerals that make up a granite are generally quartz, feldspars, and various mafic minerals. Granite is almost always massive, hard and tough, and has therefore gained widespread use as a building stone. Granite can be worked to achieve all kinds of finishes, from traditional hand, flame textured, shot blast, acid washed or polished finishes to highly polished mirror finishes.
Natural stone that is properly maintained and cleaned can last a lifetime. There are several tips on how to care for them. First, if possible, mop floors frequently and clean surfaces with a mild detergent or stone soap. After washing, rinse well and dry the surface with a clean soft cloth. Spills on natural stone surfaces should be cleaned up as soon as possible. To protect floor surfaces, cover with non-slip mats while placing trivets or placements on countertop surfaces. Do not use acid-containing cleaners on marble and limestone surfaces.
There are several natural stones and the ones mentioned above are the most common. Limestone, sandstone, and granite are natural stones commonly used in the stone industry. The brief tips listed above provide essential guidance on how to care for natural stone, especially limestone, sandstone, and granite. Hopefully this guide could help all homeowners in many ways.
