Lessons in Geology: How does Natural Stone Form?
The strength and durability of natural stones like granite, marble, and slate make them a natural fit in the home as kitchen countertops, bathroom surfaces, and flooring. These characteristics are often a result of the way natural stone is formed deep within the earth. Read about how natural stone is formed to learn more about the origins of your home’s surfaces.
Igneous Rock
Granite is a popular natural stone that is available in a wide variety of colors, patterns and veining. As an igneous rock, granite is formed as magma cools and compresses under the surface of the Earth over a long period of time. Depending on where and how rapidly magma and other components cool, granite may be composed largely of quartz with varying quantities of feldspar and other surrounding minerals. The different compositions of granite are what give each slab an appearance unique to its region and from granite produced in other areas.
Metamorphic Rock
Marble, quartzite, and slate are all metamorphic rocks. These stones are formed when they metamorphose, or transform their original crystal structure, to form an entirely new rock. This means that these stones actually begin as a different type of stone before they become recognizable as the marble slabs and slate samples seen in showrooms. Quartzite begins its life as sandstone before it re-crystallizes, while slate forms from shale.
Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary rock is formed when layers of sediment are compressed under great weight and over long periods of time. An example of a sedimentary rock is limestone, which is generally formed in shallow marine waters with warm temperatures. Created from calcium carbonate deposits like those left by coral skeletons, limestone incorporates other minerals and materials in its formation. It can also go on to form travertine when found in cave formations like stalactites or stalagmites.
To order granite, marble, or exotic stone for your own design project, contact IMC Stone today. We offer an extensive and exclusive selection of exotic granite, marble, and natural stone. In business for over 27 years, IMC Stone is the largest importer and distributor of natural stone in the Southwest. For more information about our Dallas and Fort Worth showrooms, please visit us online or call us today at (972) 488-5700.
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