Stone Types

Geology 101

Metamorphic Rock - (Marble & Slate) is formed by the chemical and physical alteration of existing rock. Metamorphic stone originates from a natural change from one type of stone to another type thru the mixture of heat, pressure, and minerals. The change may be a new development of veining, texture change or color change.

Sedimentary Rock - (Limestone & Travertine) is formed one of two ways. Some are formed by pressing together or compacting loose particles such as mud, sand, shells, or pebbles and/or the remains of living things such as plants and animals, which have been deposited on land or in bodies of water such as seas or lakes. Other sedimentary rocks are formed by crystallization of dissolved minerals.

Igneous Rock - (Granite) is formed by the cooling down and solidification of molten magmas and lava. As they cool, crystals form and grow upon one another until the entire molten body has turned to stone. This group of rock was the first to form on the planet and today makes up 95% of the earth's crust.