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.

Paul Daniel

paulantdaniel@arrakis.es

Compared with neighbours Turkey and Greece, Bulgaria´s dimension stone industry is small. Vratsa limestone however has remained popular for a long time. The growth of private enterprise since 1989 has seen imports grow, and the market further developed with accession to the EU in 2007. But the past 2 years have not been easy.

 Cid Chiodi Filho

cdchiodi@terra.com.br