Knowledge Platform

Natural Stone Encyclopedia

Technical specifications, geology, applications, maintenance, and pricing for every major stone variety used in North American construction and design.

Metamorphic

Marble

Marmara & Afyon, Turkey

Mohs hardness 3–4
Water absorption 0.2%
Freeze-thaw Moderate — sealed use
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Sedimentary

Travertine

Denizli & Afyon, Turkey

Mohs hardness 4–5
Water absorption 0.6%
Freeze-thaw Excellent — rated
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Sedimentary

Limestone

Anatolia & Indiana, USA

Mohs hardness 3–4
Water absorption 1.1%
Freeze-thaw Good — dense grades
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Igneous

Granite

Quebec, Brazil & India

Mohs hardness 6–7
Water absorption 0.05%
Freeze-thaw Outstanding
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Metamorphic

Quartzite

Brazil & Anatolia

Mohs hardness 7
Water absorption 0.1%
Freeze-thaw Outstanding
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Metamorphic

Slate

Vermont, Quebec & Spain

Mohs hardness 4–5
Water absorption 0.3%
Freeze-thaw Very good
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Metamorphic

Onyx

Turkey, Iran & Pakistan

Mohs hardness 3
Water absorption 0.15%
Freeze-thaw Poor — interior only
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Sedimentary

Sandstone

India, Australia & Colorado, USA

Mohs hardness 6–7
Water absorption 2.5%
Freeze-thaw Good — dense grades
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Igneous

Basalt

Pacific Northwest USA, Iceland & China

Mohs hardness 6
Water absorption 0.2%
Freeze-thaw Outstanding
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Metamorphic

Soapstone

Brazil, India & Virginia, USA

Mohs hardness 1–2
Water absorption 0.05%
Freeze-thaw Good
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Sedimentary

Bluestone

Pennsylvania & New York, USA

Mohs hardness 7
Water absorption 1.5%
Freeze-thaw Excellent
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