Interesting Facts About Natural Stone

6 Interesting Facts About Natural Stone

As the first building blocks known to man, natural stone is just as popular today as it was thousands of years ago. With such a wide variety of colours, patterns and finishes available, finding the perfect product for your splashbacks, benchtops, tiles or wall cladding has never been easier. 

But there is a lot more to natural stone materials than what meets the eye. To show you what we mean, we have rounded up 6 interesting facts you need to know about natural stone

1. It Has Been Used in Most Ancient Monuments 

Everything from the Colosseum of Rome to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Temple of Artemis, the Taj Mahal and many more ancient monuments. World wonders and heritage sites were constructed using different types of natural stone; and because of this, it comes as no surprise to find that most of them are still standing today! Thanks to the high durability and longevity of natural stone materials, we are able to take a glimpse into the past and understand more about the ways in which previous civilisations lived.  

2. Granite is One of the Hardest Materials Around

Ever heard of Moh’s scale of mineral hardness? As the name suggests, this qualitative scale is used to characterise the durability and scratch resistance of various materials. On this scale, granite ranks 7, which is only 3 steps down from diamond, ranking 10. This makes granite one of the hardest and strongest materials you can use in your home. 

3. All Marble Used to Be Limestone

Can you believe that every slab of marble you see used to be limestone? Considering the look of limestone vs marble, it might be a bit of a shock. But think of it as something similar as to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. Limestone is formed in one of two ways. First, it can be formed in shallow parts of the ocean, where skeletal debris from ocean-dwelling organisms break down and accumulate over time. On the other hand, it can also form in caves through the evaporation of water. When this limestone is exposed to high temperatures and pressures, it converts into marble as the calcite forming the limestone recrystallises and becomes denser. 

4. Onyx Is Believed to Have Special Powers

Now, not everyone is entirely convinced that crystals promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. But whether you believe in the enigmatic powers of these semi-precious stones, it is interesting to discover what onyx meant to people in ancient times. Onyx had various meanings across different cultures. In China, it was feared for its power to invoke sadness and bring bad luck. In India, it was believed to be a protector from evil. Today, onyx is thought by practitioners to absorb and transform negative energy, whilst also strengthening emotional and physical stamina. 

5. Travertine is Formed in Hot Springs

Travertine is a popular choice of material for numerous applications around the home; especially in the bathroom, since it comes in either a rough or polished surface. Travertine is a form of limestone, so they are formed in a similar way, however travertine is commonly formed in areas where hot springs are located. It is also a much more porous stone than limestone but is usually darker in colour than the latter. 

6. Marble is Hypo-allergenic

If you and your family suffer from allergies, then you can use that as an excuse to install marble into your home. Apart from offering a ravishing look and increasing the value of your home, marble also resists dust collection and has a low-porous finish. It is also incredibly easy to clean, so it is perfect for homeowners everywhere.  

At Aurora Stone, we offer a wide range of genuine natural stone materials, including granite, marble, onyx, and travertine. Our naturally crafted stone can be used for benchtops, splashbacks, wall cladding, floors, and other applications. Furthermore, we offer measuring, drawing, cutting, polishing, delivery and installation services!

To arrange for a free measure and quote for natural stone products, contact Aurora Stone now!

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