What is Natural Stone?

What is Natural Stone?

Natural stones are any type of stone that can be found on Earth’s continental crust, or the outermost layer of our planet.

As the creation of these materials occurred over a slow and diversified process that ran over millions of years, it won’t come as a surprise the sheer volume of different types of stones that can be found in nature, spanning from precious ones showcased in a jewellery shop, to the polished ones we step on, on a daily basis.

The three main types of natural stone found on earth are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic; this classification is dictated by how the stone was formed over the course of the years – or millennia – and gives us interesting and useful insights on the qualities of that specific natural stone

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The three types of Natural stone

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As the creation of natural stones occurred over a slow and diversified process that ran over millions of years, it won’t come as a surprise the sheer volume of different types of stones that can be found in nature, spanning from precious ones showcased in a jewellery shop, to the polished ones we step on, on a daily basis.

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The three main types of natural stone found on earth are igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic;

this classification is dictated by how the stone was formed over the course of the years – or millennia – and gives us interesting and useful insights on the qualities of that specific natural stone. 

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Igneous stones are those that were solidified from magma or lava; they usually feature a crystalline texture and are quite hard. Examples of igneous stones are granite, gabbro or basalt. On the other hand, sedimentary stones are made from layers of sediments that have been compacted together over time; due to this process, these kinds of stones tend to be softer than igneous ones and have a less Regular grain. Some examples of sedimentary rocks are sandstone, shale or limestone. Lastly, metamorphic rocks are rocks that have been changed by.

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There is a vast array of natural stones to be found on Earth, each with its own unique qualities. Igneous stones are those that have been formed by the cooling and solidification of molten rock, and tend to be very hard and durable. Sedimentary stones, on the other hand, are made up of smaller rocks or particles that have been combined together over time – think of sandstone or limestone. Metamorphic stones are those that have been changed by heat or pressure over time, resulting in a completely different type of stone – for example, marble is metamorphic limestone. Each type of stone has its own advantages and disadvantages, making it important to choose the right one for your needs.

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Whether you're looking for a beautiful piece of jewellery or a durable flooring material, natural stone is sure to have something to offer.

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