Following on from my origins of marble piece here's a little info on Greek Marble -
The greek marble types are well known all over the world since they have been associated with the masterpieces of sculpture and architecture of ancient Greece, with unique and exceptional works of art, that through the centuries have always been the focus of world attention and praise. The Greek sculptors and architects had discovered that stone and marble were the building materials with the exceptional beauty that with their natural grace could convert the lifeless constructions into masterpieces of art.
The Venus of Milos, Hermes of Praxitelis, Victory of Samothrace, but also the Parthenon, the Erechtheum, the Propylaea of Acropolis of Athens are only a few representative samples of expression of the ancient spirit upon the unrivalled Greek marble.
Marble quarrying in Greece started several centuries ago. Since the Medium Neolithic era (about 5000 b.C.) we have marble female idols, whilst later the series of the famous Cycladic idols followed. In the 6th b.C., marble was used in combination with porous stone for the construction of several monuments such as the Zeus in Olympia, as well as the temple Apollo in Delphi, with the marble of Paros in the façade and the porous stone for the rest of the construction.
In the 5th and 6th b.C., marble had wide uses. The quarries on Cyclades islands offered plentiful raw material. In Paros the white homogenous marble was quarried and easy to carve. The marble was known to ancient people as Paria or Parios lithos or Lychnitis, because its excavation was made in underground galleries under the light of small lamps (‘Lychnaria’). This type of marble was used in several masterpieces of sculpture, such as Hermes of Praxitelis and Venus of Milos etc.
Monday 11 August 2008
Thursday 7 August 2008
Slate.
I found this interesting article on Slate today -
Slate is found extensively, throughout the British Isles and has, for centuries, been a major source of building stone. Historically, and, in common with other stones, it was first used in and around the immediate areas of availability.The term slate is often used to describe any rock that can be easily split into thin sheets, principally for roofing purposes. True slate is defined by the presence of a ‘slaty’ cleavage; this allows the slate to be split at almost any point through the stone parallel to the cleavage plane. Most true slates are metamorphosed sediments, often formerly mudstones; however, some British “slates” are derived from volcanic ash sequences and are not true slates in the strict geological sense. AppearanceThe major UK sources of slate, with their distinctive colours, are the Lake District blue/grey, light green, olive green and silver grey, North Wales blue, grey, blue-black and red, and Cornwall - grey.
Slate is easily split (“riven”) into thin sections, giving a natural finish. Other finishes include sawn, sanded, fine rubbed, flame textured, bush hammered and water jet. ApplicationsFrom the very early, basic applications, British Slate is now used for very wide and diverse purposes. Modern quarrying and machine processes allow prime blocks to be sawn or split into large slabs and a variety of thicknesses. Current products include: roofing, cladding, cills, copings, flooring & paving, treads, plaques & memorials, worktops & fireplaces.Slate is typically a very durable construction material and rarely exhibits visible degradation, even when placed under extreme atmospheric conditions for many years. For flooring purposes U.K. slate is unlikely to delaminate or exhibit efflorescence.
High flexural strength and typically very low porosity makes slate eminently suitable for flooring purposes and it requires little maintenance. Caution should be exercised when choosing material marketed as slate as some may not be suitable for flooring. If any doubt exists about the material being considered, specialist advice should be sought. Very thin, split, natural riven sections are used for roofing and the same methods produce thicker material for flooring and cladding. Slateis readily available in sawn, fine rubbed and other finishes wuch as sand-blasted and flame textured.Performance British Slate has a proven record of durability and being supplied fit for its intended purposes. This is readily seen on countless buildings in the UK and many areas of the world. Such examples of installation are witness to the ability of slate to withstand the rigours of extreme atmospheric conditions. Slate is extremely stable and will not degrade, warp or twist. Quality Assurance, management systems are widely used throughout the industry.
Slate is found extensively, throughout the British Isles and has, for centuries, been a major source of building stone. Historically, and, in common with other stones, it was first used in and around the immediate areas of availability.The term slate is often used to describe any rock that can be easily split into thin sheets, principally for roofing purposes. True slate is defined by the presence of a ‘slaty’ cleavage; this allows the slate to be split at almost any point through the stone parallel to the cleavage plane. Most true slates are metamorphosed sediments, often formerly mudstones; however, some British “slates” are derived from volcanic ash sequences and are not true slates in the strict geological sense. AppearanceThe major UK sources of slate, with their distinctive colours, are the Lake District blue/grey, light green, olive green and silver grey, North Wales blue, grey, blue-black and red, and Cornwall - grey.
Slate is easily split (“riven”) into thin sections, giving a natural finish. Other finishes include sawn, sanded, fine rubbed, flame textured, bush hammered and water jet. ApplicationsFrom the very early, basic applications, British Slate is now used for very wide and diverse purposes. Modern quarrying and machine processes allow prime blocks to be sawn or split into large slabs and a variety of thicknesses. Current products include: roofing, cladding, cills, copings, flooring & paving, treads, plaques & memorials, worktops & fireplaces.Slate is typically a very durable construction material and rarely exhibits visible degradation, even when placed under extreme atmospheric conditions for many years. For flooring purposes U.K. slate is unlikely to delaminate or exhibit efflorescence.
High flexural strength and typically very low porosity makes slate eminently suitable for flooring purposes and it requires little maintenance. Caution should be exercised when choosing material marketed as slate as some may not be suitable for flooring. If any doubt exists about the material being considered, specialist advice should be sought. Very thin, split, natural riven sections are used for roofing and the same methods produce thicker material for flooring and cladding. Slateis readily available in sawn, fine rubbed and other finishes wuch as sand-blasted and flame textured.Performance British Slate has a proven record of durability and being supplied fit for its intended purposes. This is readily seen on countless buildings in the UK and many areas of the world. Such examples of installation are witness to the ability of slate to withstand the rigours of extreme atmospheric conditions. Slate is extremely stable and will not degrade, warp or twist. Quality Assurance, management systems are widely used throughout the industry.
Glossary of stone terms.
I thought I would post this Glossary of stone terms taken from my site - http://www.stoneandporcelain.com/ If any one has any extra terms leave a comment and i will add them as soon as i can. Thanks, Ryan.
Antique(d) – A word used to describe various ageing and distressing methods applied to give a material a weathered effect. This method can often make the material more fitting to traditional surroundings. In different countries different methods are used to achieve the antique effect, therefore the appearance of antique stone will vary from source to source.
Brushed – Similar to antique, brushed stone has only slight surface texture and soft, rounded edges.
Calibrated – When the stone has been manufactured to a uniform depth.
Chipped – When the stone has been worked (usually by hand) to give the edges a rough ‘chipped’ appearance.
Filled – Filling stone is a process applied predominantly to Travertine. This is when the small holes on the surface of the material are filled with a similar coloured resin.
Honed – When the stone is machine worked to give a smooth flat surface to the face of the stone.
Polished – When the stone is worked to achieve a high gloss finish to the face of a tile.
Riven – When blocks of stone are split to achieve an un-even, natural finish to the face of the stone. This is particularly common with sandstone and can provide a more traditional feel.
Tumbled – A process which provides round soft edges to a tile.
Un-calibrated – When there is a slight variation in the depth of a tile.
Veining – A term used to describe natural mineral lines found in stone.
Antique(d) – A word used to describe various ageing and distressing methods applied to give a material a weathered effect. This method can often make the material more fitting to traditional surroundings. In different countries different methods are used to achieve the antique effect, therefore the appearance of antique stone will vary from source to source.
Brushed – Similar to antique, brushed stone has only slight surface texture and soft, rounded edges.
Calibrated – When the stone has been manufactured to a uniform depth.
Chipped – When the stone has been worked (usually by hand) to give the edges a rough ‘chipped’ appearance.
Filled – Filling stone is a process applied predominantly to Travertine. This is when the small holes on the surface of the material are filled with a similar coloured resin.
Honed – When the stone is machine worked to give a smooth flat surface to the face of the stone.
Polished – When the stone is worked to achieve a high gloss finish to the face of a tile.
Riven – When blocks of stone are split to achieve an un-even, natural finish to the face of the stone. This is particularly common with sandstone and can provide a more traditional feel.
Tumbled – A process which provides round soft edges to a tile.
Un-calibrated – When there is a slight variation in the depth of a tile.
Veining – A term used to describe natural mineral lines found in stone.
stoneandporcelain.com PRESS RELEASE
Natural stone and high quality porcelain wall and floor tiles can add subtle elegance and make stunning features in your home. These materials were once the preserve of kings, but due to the modernization of manufacturing processes in recent decades these materials now offer practical, affordable and luxurious solutions for walling and flooring.
Introducing the newly launched www.stoneandporcelain.com the UK’s leading online supplier of natural stone and porcelain wall and floor tiles. Stone and Porcelain Ltd have an ever expanding range of natural and man made tiles which are ideal for residential use.
Because Stone and Porcelain import directly from quarries all over the world and have no showrooms and limited overheads they’re able to offer the highest quality materials at the lowest possible prices.
Their materials are available to purchase directly online and they offer a range of useful services through their site, including –
A dedicated customer enquiries telephone line open five days a week, 8.30 am – 5.30 pm
Free samples available by request through there customer services line or the online sample request form.
A range of interesting articles detailing the differences in the materials they sell, laying advice and a handy glossary of stone tile ‘terminology’
Nationwide delivery within five working days and a next day delivery service if required.
An excellent range of end of line, discounted offers.
An all in-compassing range of tile adhesives, grouts, sealants and tools, offering everything required to install their materials, with free delivery for anyone who is ordering tiles also.
Stone and Porcelain strive to ensure that their customer service is second to none; their friendly and experienced sales team are always on hand to answer any queries.
“We fully appreciate that for many of our customers this is a once in a lifetime purchase, which will effect their standard of living for years if not decades to come. This is why we do everything we can to ensure our customers are completely happy with the choices they make and the end product” (Ryan Beecroft, Sales Manager)
“Stone and Porcelain sent me several samples and once I had made my decision they helped me pick out the right size tiles and accessories. They organised a delivery for the day I wanted to start the job and overall their level of service was brilliant. The most important thing for me though, was that I couldn’t find the same tile anywhere else for less.” (Nicholas Langworth, Peak District)
www.stoneandporcelain.com 08456784200 sales@stoneandporcelain.com
Introducing the newly launched www.stoneandporcelain.com the UK’s leading online supplier of natural stone and porcelain wall and floor tiles. Stone and Porcelain Ltd have an ever expanding range of natural and man made tiles which are ideal for residential use.
Because Stone and Porcelain import directly from quarries all over the world and have no showrooms and limited overheads they’re able to offer the highest quality materials at the lowest possible prices.
Their materials are available to purchase directly online and they offer a range of useful services through their site, including –
A dedicated customer enquiries telephone line open five days a week, 8.30 am – 5.30 pm
Free samples available by request through there customer services line or the online sample request form.
A range of interesting articles detailing the differences in the materials they sell, laying advice and a handy glossary of stone tile ‘terminology’
Nationwide delivery within five working days and a next day delivery service if required.
An excellent range of end of line, discounted offers.
An all in-compassing range of tile adhesives, grouts, sealants and tools, offering everything required to install their materials, with free delivery for anyone who is ordering tiles also.
Stone and Porcelain strive to ensure that their customer service is second to none; their friendly and experienced sales team are always on hand to answer any queries.
“We fully appreciate that for many of our customers this is a once in a lifetime purchase, which will effect their standard of living for years if not decades to come. This is why we do everything we can to ensure our customers are completely happy with the choices they make and the end product” (Ryan Beecroft, Sales Manager)
“Stone and Porcelain sent me several samples and once I had made my decision they helped me pick out the right size tiles and accessories. They organised a delivery for the day I wanted to start the job and overall their level of service was brilliant. The most important thing for me though, was that I couldn’t find the same tile anywhere else for less.” (Nicholas Langworth, Peak District)
www.stoneandporcelain.com 08456784200 sales@stoneandporcelain.com
Origins Of Marble.
The word ‘marble’ derives from the Greek marmaros “shining stone”. This stem is also the basis for the English word marmoreal meaning “marble-like”.
Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from regional contact metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks, either limestone or dolomite rock. This metamorphic process causes a complete re-crystal-lization of the original rock in to an interlocking mosaic of calcite, aragonite and / or dolomite crystals. The temperatures and pressures necessary to form marble usually destroy any fossils and sedimentary textures present in the original rock. Pure white marble is the result of metamorphism of very pure Limestone’s. The characteristic swirls and veins of many coloured marble varieties are usually due to various mineral impurities such as clay, silt, sand, iron oxides, or chert which were originally present as grains or layers in the limestone. Green coloration is often due to serpentine resulting from originally high magnesium limestone or dolomite rock with silica impurities. These various impurities have been mobilized and re-crystallized by the intense pressure and heat of the metamorphism.
Natural patterns on the polished surface of “landscape marble” can resemble a city skyline or even trees. Some historically important types of marble, named after the locations of their quarries, include: Thassos (Greek) Thassos is one of the most known Important quarries relating to the Prehistoric, Neolithic and Archaic era have been found in Thassos. There is also Paros and Penteli in Greece. Even since in antiquity, Penteli has been famous for its marble which was used for the construction of the Acropolis and other buildings of ancient Athens. Penteli marble is flawless white with a uniform, faint yellow tint, which makes it shine with a golden under sunlight. The ancient quarry is protected by law and used exclusively to obtain material for the Acropolis restoration project. The roadway used to transport marble blocks from the quarry to the Acropolis in the past was a continual downhill and followed the natural lay of the land.
Marbel can also be found in Italy in the Carrara and Luni regions. Carrara marble has been famous since the times of ancient Rome. The Pantheon and Trajan’s column in Rome are constructed from it. Many famous sculptures of the renaissance, such as Michelangelo’s David, were carved from Carrara marble. The stone tradition meets with the most up-to-date techniques of the stone industry. All this, in deep connection with the territory and a back ground of more than one hundred companies and almost one hundred quarries working within the sector.
The derivation for the word ‘Carrara’ possibly comes from the ancient term “Kar” (stone). Ancient Romans quarried the marble, loaded it onto ships at the port of Luni and took it to Rome by sea.
White marbles, like Carrara in Italy and Royal white and Bejing White in China, have been prized for sculpture since classical times. The preference for this material comes from the softness, relative isotropy, homogeneity and a relative resistance to shattering. Also, the low index of refraction of calcite allows light to penetrate several millimetres into the stone before being scattered out, resulting in the characteristic ‘waxy’ look which gives ‘life’ to marble sculptures of the human body.
Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from regional contact metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks, either limestone or dolomite rock. This metamorphic process causes a complete re-crystal-lization of the original rock in to an interlocking mosaic of calcite, aragonite and / or dolomite crystals. The temperatures and pressures necessary to form marble usually destroy any fossils and sedimentary textures present in the original rock. Pure white marble is the result of metamorphism of very pure Limestone’s. The characteristic swirls and veins of many coloured marble varieties are usually due to various mineral impurities such as clay, silt, sand, iron oxides, or chert which were originally present as grains or layers in the limestone. Green coloration is often due to serpentine resulting from originally high magnesium limestone or dolomite rock with silica impurities. These various impurities have been mobilized and re-crystallized by the intense pressure and heat of the metamorphism.
Natural patterns on the polished surface of “landscape marble” can resemble a city skyline or even trees. Some historically important types of marble, named after the locations of their quarries, include: Thassos (Greek) Thassos is one of the most known Important quarries relating to the Prehistoric, Neolithic and Archaic era have been found in Thassos. There is also Paros and Penteli in Greece. Even since in antiquity, Penteli has been famous for its marble which was used for the construction of the Acropolis and other buildings of ancient Athens. Penteli marble is flawless white with a uniform, faint yellow tint, which makes it shine with a golden under sunlight. The ancient quarry is protected by law and used exclusively to obtain material for the Acropolis restoration project. The roadway used to transport marble blocks from the quarry to the Acropolis in the past was a continual downhill and followed the natural lay of the land.
Marbel can also be found in Italy in the Carrara and Luni regions. Carrara marble has been famous since the times of ancient Rome. The Pantheon and Trajan’s column in Rome are constructed from it. Many famous sculptures of the renaissance, such as Michelangelo’s David, were carved from Carrara marble. The stone tradition meets with the most up-to-date techniques of the stone industry. All this, in deep connection with the territory and a back ground of more than one hundred companies and almost one hundred quarries working within the sector.
The derivation for the word ‘Carrara’ possibly comes from the ancient term “Kar” (stone). Ancient Romans quarried the marble, loaded it onto ships at the port of Luni and took it to Rome by sea.
White marbles, like Carrara in Italy and Royal white and Bejing White in China, have been prized for sculpture since classical times. The preference for this material comes from the softness, relative isotropy, homogeneity and a relative resistance to shattering. Also, the low index of refraction of calcite allows light to penetrate several millimetres into the stone before being scattered out, resulting in the characteristic ‘waxy’ look which gives ‘life’ to marble sculptures of the human body.
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