The Commercial Use of Natural Stone Makes Perfect Sense

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Post Date: 08 Apr 2009    Viewed: 809

There are many types of natural stone that have a commercial use. The more popular ones include granite, limestone, sandstone and marble, but other types can certainly be used as well. Natural stone is stone quarried from its natural location in the earth's outer crust. The commercial use of this kind of stone exploits its naturally appealing characteristics while also maintaining its natural state.

One common commercial use of natural stone is seen in the popularity of granite countertops in kitchens. Granite is a hard wearing volcanic stone that doesn't react with acidic foods and liquids; wine or orange juice won't leave stains that can't be removed. Granite is also resistant to bacteria, which is why it is so often used in kitchens.

Granite is not sensitive to heat. Hot pans can be placed on a granite countertop without any problems arising. Some synthetic stone materials can actually melt under the heat of cooking utensils and are not really suitable for kitchen use. Granite on the other hand is extremely durable and very difficult to scratch or chip.

Marble is a more aesthetically pleasing stone, especially when highly polished. However, it is a softer stone than granite and the commercial use of natural stone marble is therefore more often decorative rather than purely practical. Marble will scratch if treated roughly. It can also burn and will react with acidic foods.

Natural stone is also used for patios in tile form. It can be used to surround swimming pools and for the paving of paths. Perhaps the most obvious commercial use of natural stone is its use as a primary material in building large structures such as houses.

Houses are often built from concrete blocks or bricks these days, but they can still be built from stone. This, unfortunately, is a more expensive way to build a house, but the end result is stronger and more pleasing to the eye than concrete blocks or even bricks can ever be.

Buildings made from quarried stone usually last a long time. In the case of the Ancient Egyptians, their pyramids still stand as testimony to a remarkable building period back on the edge of history. Nearer to our own age, the majestic towering cathedrals of medieval Europe that blossomed from around the 11th century with their impossible arches that span and support great stone roofs are perhaps the finest example of the commercial use of natural stone.

Fireplaces are obvious locations to show off the beauty of stone. The solidity and natural strength of the right type of stone can secure and show off a fireplace at its best. The parts furthest from the fire's heat can be softer stone with more decorative qualities, such as marble. A well-planned stone fireplace can be a thing of great beauty and a natural focal point for any room.

Mankind has produced a multitude of different synthetic materials, often combining natural materials that we use every day. However, natural stone is so versatile and appropriate for an extremely wide range of uses that it is a wonder why we ever starting using synthetic materials. In fact, its practical and aesthetic uses are almost unlimited.