Expert Answers in stone

ANSWER – There are ASTM standards for the minimum/maximum physical property requirements for a travertine stone, which is ASTM C1527.   They do classify the stone as either Class I Exterior or Class II interior use,…

ANSWER – We deal a lot with static coefficient of friction and dynamic coefficient of friction on stone and other hard surfaces per ASTM C1028 and ANSI A137.1 respectively.   There are many types of slate…

ANSWER – The photos clearly show that the vein separation is a fissure, which naturally occurs in some stones.

By definition of the American Geological Institute a fissure is an extensive crack, break, or fracture in…

ANSWER – Flagstone is a shape and not a specific type of stone.  It can be a sandstone, granite, slate or ?

Regardless, if the stone is properly installed and structurally sound then you could install a…

ANSWER – I assume you have a natural stone hearth. Vinegar is an acid with a low pH. Some natural stones are more sensitive to acids than others. Acid sensitive stones can etch from being…

ANSWER – It sounds like you have what we call spalling and efflorescence on the granite slabs.   This is normally a symptom of having a moisture problem; meaning the stone is being subjected to excessive moisture…

ANSWER – I assume you have a class 1 sandstone which is the most absorbing and has the lower physical properties within the quartz geological classification.

This stone is suitable for many applications, including back yard…

ANSWER – There are all types of glues, so what removes it just depends on the type of glue. Flagstone is a shape of a stone, not a geological classification of a stone. Some more…

ANSWER – The MIA (Marble Institute of America) has standards for tolerance of fabricating stone from one supplier or shipment. They have a category of Thin Stock (3/4” to 2”) thickness that is limited to…

ANSWER – Travertine stone naturally has open holes within it as it is a fresh water sedimentary stone where naturally water runs through it. Although sometimes people install this stone without filling those holes if…