The Spaniards who reached the New World around end of the XV century or towards the beginning of the XVI century, guided by Christopher Columbus, used for the buildings of their new settlements and the main social buildings, a limestone denominated Coral Stone, which, even today, can be found in abundance in the Dominican Republic and Colombia.

This stone was formed in the riverbeds in the period Pleistocene, starting from the fossils, corals and other marine animals, thus the majority of the coral limestone has originated in the reefs.

By Geert Legein, Director Febenat (Belgium National Stone Association)

De gustibus et coloribus non disputandum est. A Latin proverb, know by many, and still forming the basis for discussions. Fact is you cannot really discuss colour and taste. Why is this still a subject leading to impossible discussions?

Choosing is part of being human

Jeffrey Matthews is a well known professional with 38 years of experience in the natural stone industry. An independent consultant he has managed more than 100 important architectural/construction support programs. He has been President of the Marble Institute of America. This interview was done on May 2012.

He can be contacted at stonetrade@bellsouth.net.
 

It is a lovely morning outside (or evening, or night)! A time to be sitting outside in the garden, with family, friends, or neighbors, enjoying a meal or just passing the time. Those memorable moments of life.
 

Sitting, where? Just look at these irresistible tables and chairs and benches made of natural stone!
 

In 2011 Italy exported over four million tons of marble, granite, travertine and other stones, including finished products and raw materials as well as chips and powders, thereby showing a decrease of 3.22% in terms of quantity, yet with an overall value of over 1.6 billion Euros there was an increase in overall value of 4.26%.

According to the study realized by Cid Chiodi Filho for the Brazilian association ABIROCHAS and released in the first months of 2012, the exports of the country of ornamental rocks were almost US$ 1 billion in 2011, out of which 75% consisted of processed stone and the remaining were rough blocks. This figure was 4% higher compared to 2010, though in physical volume there was a slight reduction of 2.25%. The following tables highlight the most significant aspects of the Brazilian industry.

In many cases the detergents are responsible for the loss of shine and some deterioration in the surface of the stones. This is the result of formation of salts inside the small pores which are in the stones.

The abundance of chemical compounds which permit that every detergent cleans more or cleans better, is responsible for dirtying from inside the pores of the stones with salts that when dissolved in water, enter easily but remain there when the water evaporates, because the salts do not evaporate.

For the lovers of modern designs who do not wish to renounce the traditional pleasures, there is a wide range of chimneys in stone to choose from which offer an agreeable sensation of warmth. The chimneys we show here have been designed by specialist Spanish companies.

Few things are as relaxing as a quiet winter evening in the house enjoying the heat from the chimney. And when this chimney is an elaborate work of art in stone, the sensation is even more inviting, more welcoming. We show here some classic designs made by Spanish companies.

Out of extremely wide range of stones that come from India and which have become popular all over the world, one of them goes by the name of Rainforest. In almost any stone stockyard anywhere in the world one will almost always find at least a few slabs of this attractive sandstone, though in true industry style, the name on the sticker may well be different. This article explains in more detail the complexities behind this stone much in demand.