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characteristics
of specific others
| Q
2304: In your response to a question that read "Does anyone have
any particular do/don'ts when dealing with un-gauged
Indian Slate? Dave, March 4." You responded "don't".
Would you expand on that short answer please? I have also considered
12" gauged multicolored slate for kitchen, entry, hallway, but don't
care to make an expensive mistake. What is your opinion of china
white / gold quartzite? Thanks-much!! Leslie, July 26,
|
| R2:
Leslie, The white/gold "Quartzite" is really a schist stone. It does
have some Quartz in it, and is still a good material for exterior
use. Only drawback, don't use next to the pool! I have used this material
a lot in Hawaii, and have had some problems. Use a good penetrating
sealer, and remember to keep the regular household cleaners off from
it. A little simple green and warm water wont damage your stone, or
your sealer. As for multi color interior, its what i have in my own
home and I live it! Dawn, USA. |
R1:
Dear Leslie: Since I figured that you wouldn't care to make and expensive
mistake (who
would!!), I gave you all the answer that you needed to have. Indian
slate is tremendously absorbent, and no impregnator / sealer under
the sun will do a real good job at tackling that first problem. The
second problem being that the material scratches like crazy and, being
natural cleft finished, nobody could restore it. It sure doesn't belong
in a kitchen to me!!
About the China white/china gold quartzite is concerned I have not
a clue. Usually quartzite stone are extremely absorbent. Maurizio,
USA |
| Q 2295:
I need the technical data for Indian Slate: Gold Green (Deoli Green).
Lokesh, India, July 25, Reply |
| R1:
Dear Lokesh, I know only some petrographic data of GOLDEN GREEN or
DEOLI GREEN QUARTZITE from north India. The quartzites, as generally
metamorphic rocks, are formed from sandstones during increasing temperature
and pressure. The GOLDEN GREEN QUARTZITE contains minerals such as
quartz, chlorite, micas and limonite (iron hydroxide). Some quartzites,
including GOLDEN GREEN, are characterized by the presence of cleavages
along which they can be easily split into thinner tiles (similar to
slates). Planes of cleavage are folded to narrow parallel waves and
they are covered by mixture of green chlorite and silver micas, which
are locally weathered to golden limonite spots. Outside use of the
stone is problematic because of slow but continual weathering of chlorite
and micas. Size and shape of limonite spots can be changed. The quartzite
is polishable. Daniel, Slovakia |
| |
| Q
2278: I love your site but I swear, the more I read the more confused
I get. I don't know if there is a limit to how many questions you'll
so graciously answer from the same person though. I've read at least
twice that Baltic Brown doesn't need sealed. Wiping a wet paper towel
over my Baltic Brown
tiles instantly darkens the tile. Water droplets DO stand on the tile
and don't seem to "absorb". I'm thinking of the term "absorb" as a
sponge would absorb water. From what I can tell, you are determining
absorption by a piece of granite turning dark if liquid is spilled
on it. I did the lemon test on the sample (it passed) but I believe
it was probably sealed. My Baltic Brown has many pits/fissures that
I can feel with my fingernail. If this "granite" isn't to be sealed,
what does one do about food/liquids getting in there?
I have been reading this site for over 8 hours
and I'm still not sure whether or not to seal it! I
chose this stone for it's color. It was a good companion to our Porcelain
floor tile and it looked good with our cabinets AND we liked the colors
Thank you, Monica, July 23, Reply |
R2:
Dear Monica: Baltic Brown may or may not need to be sealed. What I
mean by that is that usually it's a very compact stone, but some batches
are a little less compact than others and absorb -- even if so slightly
-- oil. It's still a very limited degree of absorbency that can be
easily controlled with a good-quality impregnator / sealer. In conclusion,
even if I'm notoriously "lukewarm" about the sealing issue
(despite the fact that I manufacture a darn good impregnator!!),
in the case of Baltic Brown I concede that sealing could be considered
a good bet.
The reason why the Wipes make the surface temporary dark is not due
to the idea that the little liquid contained in them is getting absorbed,
but to the fact that the surface is wet for a little while. Every
wet surface is always somehow darker. On a side note, wipes are not
advisable to clean natural stone. The chemicals contained in them
may turn out to be too harsh either on the stone itself, or the sealer.
Finally, about the pits and fissures they are a natural "trademark"
of that particular "granite" (and many others, for that matter). They
are there to stay and will not get filled by any impregnator / sealer.
Maurizio, USA, |
| R1:
Dear Monica: Baltic Brown is not a true geological granite, but for
the intents and purposes of a kitchen countertop I consider it a better
stone than granite. So, if you like the way it looks, go for it! Most
of the times it doesn't need to be sealed, but it's one of those stones
in the "twilight zone." Some batches do absorb even if so slightly,
especially oil. As an extra precaution I would seal it.Maurizio, USA,
|
| Thank
you for your replies. I'm finally comfortable with the idea of sealing
my Baltic Brown granite. Maurizio, thank you for clearing up the issue
of exactly what you meant by absorption. I know that most everything
takes on a darker appearance when wet but in the descriptions I read
here it wasn't clear to me exactly what you meant when you would say
"If you see that under the drops of lemon it develops very quickly
dark spots, it means that it's a very absorbent stone..." Yes it turned
dark but no the lemon juice or water didn't "disappear" (absorb) into
the granite. There in laid my confusion. To clarify one other thing.
I didn't use "Wipes" (as in baby wipes) on the granite. I said "Wiping
a wet paper towel..." caused the granite to look darker. Trust me,
I've been so afraid to use ANYTHING other than water on my granite
so far. I'm waiting till I'm 100% clear on what to use and not to
use ....this forum has been
a GREAT help! Thanks again.
Monica |
| Q 2224:
I am doing an exterior suspended terrace project in NYC. A very hard
"sandstone" called Cathedral" was
recommended. It looks good, but it would seem that the nature of sandstone
would suggest that it is soft and would absorb liquid and thus stain
easily. Have you heard of this? Can it be sealed? with what? Thank
You. Jack, July 15,
Reply |
R1:
Dear Jack: It may be a very hard stone (and it is. But who cares,
nobody is going to walk on it!), but it sure absorbs like a sponge!
Your fear are certainly not groundless. A good-quality penetrating
sealer may help, but only to a certain extent, and considering that's
going to be outdoors in the NYC weather, it will be short lived, as
well.
Of course, since there's no way to change the architect's (or decorator's)
mind, just go ahead and install it. What do you care, unless you're
the homeowner?! ... Maurizio, USA |
| A
2093: Do you have some information about the material Dakota
Mahogany? John, June 20,
Reply |
| R1:
Dear John: It's a very good stone, very hard and very dense. Maurizio,
USA |
| A
2077: Please advise regarding Espenrz Auldstone
- Rosa Zarci. I am considering using this stone tile in my
kitchen. Terry, June 17, Reply |
| R1:
Dear Terry: Never heard of them! What are they supposed to be, "granite"
or something? I learn of some "new" stone every day!! So, now we have
"Espenrz Auldstone" and "Rosa Zarci" ... Quite interesting
... I'd love to know what the heck they are myself!! |
| A
1987: I am purchasing a new condominium and the developer has promised
"pietra del cardoso"
kitchen countertops. According to the info on your site, it is a grey
color, however the sample I was shown had a greenish tone and matte
finish. Is it posssible for pietra del cardoso to look green or is
our developer being dishonest? Thanks, Tom, May 29, Reply |
| R1:
Dear Tom: It is possible, Pietra Cardosa can have a greenish hue.
I do feel sorry for you, however, and I sure hope you're not going
to do a lot of cooking!! I sure wouldn't want that stone in my kitchen!
Make sure that the stone is sealed several times over with a sealer
designed for very absorbent stones, to minimize the likely hood of
staining, due the high degree of absorbency of that particular stone.
Maurizio, USA |
| A
1982: What is Jerusalem stone....Granite,
Marble? Can it be used for a kitchen table top? Golia, May 29. Reply |
| R1:
Dear Golia. It is limestone, and has all the associated properties
of limestone. In particular, it is pH sensitive, and will react (etch)
if exposed to anything acidic. JVC, USA |
| A 1974:
I would like to buy Jaisalmer yellow
for tabletops for outside. Is this a sandstone or a limestone? I like
the colour, but is the quality also good? What is nicest for tabletops
in garden, honed or polished glossy. Is it different in quality than
Kotah Blue? All information is welcome. Marc, Belgium, May 27,
Reply |
| R1:
It is a limestone from India, though most think wrongly
that it is a sandstone, FindStone |
| A
1883:Dr Hans, you recommended this magazine , article couldnot find
it. Desperately need info on installation and care etc. of Jerusalem
stone. Thanks, Russell, May 15. Reply
|
| R1:
Dear Russell, The magazine article in question documents the causes
of failure of a Jerusalem limestone floor and demonstrates the investigative
procedures carried out to arrive at a conclusion. It looks at the
geological structure of the limestone (Ramon yellow) and some of the
effects that can lead to failure. It must be stressed that it requires
a certain set of circumstances for failure to occur and only in a
small number of instances will all the circumstances eventuate. When
they do it is generally terminal. It must also be stressed that it
can happen with other limestones if these limestones have certain
structures and if correct procedures for laying these natural stones
are not followed. Just because a tiler or builder has laid ceramic
tiles, porcelain tiles or terracotta tiles for 20 years does not mean
that he is qualified to lay natural stone tiles in all situations!
Natural stone products demand some experience and knowledge! The reasons
why we are getting a rash of failures is also due to the extra availability
of natural stone to the average homeowner and builder and to the lack
of information and sometimes misinformation provided by the suppliers
and importers of some of these products. I had better stop here -
I am starting to sound like Maurizio! Dr. Hans, Australia |
|
A 1740:
Hi, We are thinking of using Gold Jerusalem
Limestone in our bathroom, as flooring, inside the shower
and for the countertop. Would anyone please tell us if this material
is hard enough for the bathroom. Charluddy, April 20. Reply
|
| R3:
No problem. We've used it extensively in a new hotel in Pietermaritzburg
/ South Africa with great success. Thomas, South Africa. |
| R2:
I don't think it is appropriate for the shower application. With a
proper mindset and attention to ongoing care it will be fine for the
other applications. Regards, Steven, USA |
| R1:
I would refer you to an article written by Dr Hans here, that appeared
in a March 2002 issue of a stone magazine which addresses the issues
of Jerusalem Limestone, before you use the product. cheers, Libi,
Australia. |
A 1589:
I'm looking for information on a type of brown sandstone commonly
known
as "Tennessee Crab Orchard". Where
is this stone quarried, what are its characteristics, uses, availability,
etc.? Thanks in advance. Doug, March 25. Reply |
| R1:
Doug. Tennessee Crab Orchard is quarried in Tennessee, and is available
here in Texas through stone yards in several major cities, so I assume
the same would be true for its availability in other states also.
It is quite pricey here, but then there are freight costs to consider.
It is a rather dense and hard stone, usually with a nice range of
color in the brown to yellow to red range, and comes in large flags
for patio use, and a chopped (split face) stone with face heights
up to 6 inches or so for use in retaining walls and building veneers.
Its a pretty stone, but it is expensive compared to the stone we have
to choose from locally. JVC, USA. |
A 1588:
I just read your response re the use of Pietra
Cardosa Sandstone for kitchen countertops. Do I understand
correctly that you are saying that this material will not hold up
as well as granite because it will "etch" more seriously?
I am not planning to polish this stone, but to leave it "natural"
with just a sealer. I hope that it will "age" nicely and pick up it's
own patina and character over the years. Would you change your mind/recommendations
in this case?
I have read elsewhere (in several magazines and elsewhere ) that this
particular form of Pietra sandstone is "tougher" than granite, that
is, more forgiving as to stains and scratches. Can you give me more
info.? Thanks so much. Jami, March 25. Reply |
| R1:
Dear Jamy: To the best of my knowledge Pietra Cardosa does not etch
(it's a 100% silicate rock). It's porous, all right, but certain "granites"
are much more porous than that. If you don't mind the "changes" of
appearance the stone will go through as it ages (most American do
seem to mind!), then you should be all right, after proper sealing.
Maurizio, USA. |
| A
1394: I'm interested in finding a Los Angeles or Orange County company
that sells Basaltina Granite. Also, would
like to know if it is appropriate for a kitchen countertop. Cathy,
Jan 31. Reply |
R1:
Dear Cathy: "Basaltina" is not a
granite by a long shot. In Fact, it doesn't even pretend to be one.
It's a volcanic stone called Basalt (hence the name Basaltina) and
is quarried in the proximity of Rome, Italy.
That said, you do NOT want to find out if anybody in Orange County,
CA carries it. In fact, you want to stay as far away from it as possible
(as a material for kitchen countertop). Too darn absorbent! No sealer
can do a perfect and decently lasting job while dealing with such
a degree of absorbency. Maurizio, USA. |
| A 1178: We
are looking for information on Ceasar stone.
Can you help us? Donna, Nov 10. |
| R2:
Dear Donna, Caesar stone is quartz-based artificial stone from Israel.
Daniel, Slovakia |
| R1: Donna, Caesar stone is an engineered quartz product. It has the
hardness of granite. It has more flexibility than granite. It is not
necessarily as shiny or heat resistant as granite. It is less porous.
It is 10% less expensive than granite. Best regards, Steven, USA |
A 1066: I am a supplier from Singapore
and looking for the specification for Moca Creme limestone,
and as well as the description of the marble. I hope U could help me,
because I am trying to get this material specified in a project. Your
reply would be greatly appreciated. Urgent Please. Thank You, Regards
Tan Yen Chuan, Aug 15. Contact
R1:
Stone Marketing Name: Moca Creme
Alias names: Classic/Relvinha
Test Unit Results:
Compression Breaking load kg/cm 2760.00
Compression Breaking load after freezing kg/cm 2796.00
Bending Strength kg/cm 2176.00
Volumetric Weight kg/cm 22433.00
Water absorption % 3.60
Apparent Porosity % % 8.92
Coefficient of Thermal Linear Expansitivity 10^6 per deg C 3.40
Abrasion Test MM 4.20
Impact test, minimum fall CM 32.50
CHEMICAL
ANALYSIS %
SIO2O
0.03
Al2O3
0
Fe2O3
0.12
MnO
0
CaO
54.85
MgO
0.44
Na2O
0.07
K2O 0.07
TiO2 0
P.R 43.49
MACROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION White cream limestone, calciclastic to oolitic,
scarcely bioclastic
PETROGRAPHIC ANALYSIS Pelbiomicrosparite (Calciclastic limestone)
MICROSCOPIC DESCRIPTION calcite 100%
Burzin,
India Contact
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