Archive | Q&A

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Granite, Quartzite and Quartz: How do they Differ?

(photo credit: www.connecticutstone.com) Quartzite “Super White” So, it’s back to school time, we’re sharpening our pencils and off for a little knowledge about stone. This can be very helpful in selecting materials, so let’s forge ahead! Granite is an igneous rock which means that it has crystallized and solidified from lavas molten state. Granite is […]

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Custom designed limestone fireplace with mantle by stone center inc

Q&A: Limestone Fireplace Process

Q: I think I want a limestone fireplace surround in my house. What’s the process for having that done? Because each home is unique, each fireplace is unique. We custom design each surround based on the style and look that you, the homeowner, want. Before you come in, it’s a good idea to look around […]

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Bookmatched Slab Shower in Tiger Onyx by Stone Center Inc Portland

Q&A: What is bookmatching?

A: Bookmatching stone refers to matching the edges of two (or more) stone pieces to create a near mirror image. A great example of where this is commonly used is in slab shower walls, like this one which you can also see in person in our showroom. Bookmatching can only be done with some slabs. […]

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Blue Bahia Granite Price

Q&A: How is granite priced?

A: In most cases, granite price is a direct reflection of its availability. Rarer stones are more expensive. More readily available stones are less expensive. Because marble, granite, limestone, etc. are natural products created by Mother Earth herself, they are all available in limited quantities. Some granite deposits are vast and expand hundreds of miles across. In other […]

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Rock of Ages Quarry by Libby on Flickr

Q&A: What is granite?

A: Granite is a crystaline, igneous rock which is well suited for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, shower walls, tub surrounds, fireplaces, and more! Granite is a plutonic igneous rock. For those non-geologists out there (ie, most of us) that means that it’s a rock that forms by being cooled under the surface of the earth. […]

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Q&A: What is marble?

Marble is a beautiful stone that has been used for thousands of years for everything from crafting buildings to sculptures to fireplace mantles and bathroom vanities. Geologically, marble is a metamorphosed rock made of carbonate minerals. It is essentially a limestone or dolomite that has been subjected to high levels of heat and/or pressure within […]

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Lemon etch marble sample

Q&A: Why does marble etch?

A: Etching is the result of a chemical reaction between acid and the calcium carbonate found in marble (and also limestone and travertine). Here is a picture of a sample of marble that has been etched by a lemon left on it for 5 and 10 minutes. You can see how quickly the chemical reaction takes […]

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Marble Granite Remnant Section Stone Center Sustainability

Q&A: Is marble, granite, limestone, or quartz a “green” choice?

A: With the movement towards green building, we are often asked how “green” natural stone is as a building material. Many factors should be taken into account when choosing material for your home remodeling projects, and the environmental factor is becoming increasingly important for homeowners. Quarries: All natural stone products come from quarries where large […]

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