Natural Stone Glossary

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ALUMINUM STEARATE

Anti-settling agents in paint, varnish, water repellents and cement for pigments and other colorings.

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE

Environment temperature

ANHYDROUS

A compound substance containing no water molecules.

ANORTHOSITE

Igneous rock characterized by large matrix grains that is dark in color.

ANTIQUE FINISH

A distressed textured finish applied to wood, stone and other surfaces.

APEX STONE

The uppermost stone in a pediment, vault, dome or gable.

APRON

A protecting trim piece under a stone top.

ARAGONITE (CaCO3)

A mineral consisting primarily of calcium carbonate, naturally occurring in seashells, that is translucent white.

ARCUATED CONSTRUCTION

The forming of an arch or vault in stone masonry by compression.

ARGILLITE

Sedimentary rock formed from consolidated clay that does not split easily and is in similar appearance to natural slate.

AROMATIC SOLVENTS

Organic aromatic compound hydrocarbon solvents.

ARRIS

The edge, corner or angle formed by the meeting of two flat or curved surfaces.

ARTIFICIAL MARBLE

Commercially produced product composed of resins and fillers crafted to look like natural quarried marble.

ARTIFICIAL STONE

Commercially produced product composed of cements and aggregates crafted to look like natural stones or other designs.

ABRASION RESISTANCE

The natural or finished property of a surface by which it resists abrasions from friction.

ABRASIVE FINISH

Non-reflective and flat finish.

ABRASIVE HARDNESS

Abrasion resistant properties of stone or tile for floors, stair treads, and other solid surfaces.

ABSORPTION

The state or process of moisture or liquids being soaked up and held.

ABUTMENT

A support structure such as arches, beams, trusses or masonry

ACCELERATOR

A substance that accelerates the setting of epoxy, resins and mortar

ACID WASH

Chemical based acids or mechanical method used to distress stones and other surfaces to achieve the desired etched or distressed finish

ACRYLIC EMULSIONS

A clear-water based latex made with acrylic polymers used in adhesives and coatings.

ACRYLICS

Resins comprised from acrylic acids that are carried in water or solvent solutions. Acrylics are found in a variety of coatings including paints, grouts, and caulk.

ACTIVE SOLIDS

The ingredients in a coating composition that are measured as a weight percent of the total.

ADHERED

Secured and supported stone veneers are attached (adhered) with bonding agents

ADOQUIN

Colored aggregates, pumice and quartz from volcanic based quarries are available in several colors.

AGATE

A quartz stone with veins and clouds. Available in a variety of colors.

AGGLOMERATE

Fabricated stone product designed to look like quarried stone comprised of stone chips that are embedded in resins and mortar.

AGGREGATE

Man-made and natural fragments added to mortar and resins to create solid surfaces.

ALABASTER

Fine grained white gypsum typically with transparent qualities that is easily carved for special design products.

ALTERATION

Change, adjustment or addition to any room or building.

ALUMINA

Aluminum oxide.

BACK ARCH

A hidden arch that carries the load of a wall when the exterior face is carried by a lintel

BACK FILLING

The process of refilling dirt removed during construction or the masonry built behind a facing.

BACKING ROD

Also known as a filler strip that is composed of a compressible and flexible substance often installed at joints.

BACKING

The exterior facing of a veneer that is designed to resist load.

BACKSPLASH TILE

Tiles that are used for kitchen wall areas - above sinks, ranges, and other areas.

BANKER

The surface (often times a workbench) where stone is cut, polished and finished.

BASALT

A volcanic rock with fine grains that often has a columnar structure. Low in silica and is generally charcoal or black in color. Unlike granite, it contains little or no quartz or feldspars.

BASE BLOCK

A block at the base of a column or casing which the baseboard abuts.

BASE COURSE

Sub layer of walls, supports or piers.

BATTED

A finish applied to stone type surfaces featuring parallel tool marks.

BED JOINT

A joint, normally horizontal, between stones that is filled with sealant or mortar.

BED

Geological formation of rock marked by planes separating layers from layers as in sedimentary strata. Beds can be differentiated by particle size, mineral type or rock.

BEDDING PLANE

The sedimentary stone in its original horizontal plane.

BELT COURSE

Romanesque style of architecture that features continuous layers or rows of tiles, bricks, shingles, or stones on a vertical surface.

BENCH

A seat of cubic stone or the steps that are formed in quarries as a result of the removing of stone slabs in bed joints.

BERM

Raised banks or a strip of land that borders a river or canal.

BIOTITE

A micaceous mineral that is black, dark brown or green.

BLACK GRANITE

A deep black igneous rock with medium to coarse visible grains and veins.

BLEED

The staining of surrounding areas caused by putties, mastics, paints, caulks, and other compounds.

BLENDS

A water repellent mixture comprised of raw materials.

BLUESTONE

Sandstone that is quarried exclusively in western Pennsylvania or New York state.

BRECCIA

Angular fragments of stones joined together. "Monogenetic Breccia" is comprised of a single mineral or rock. "Polygenetic Breccia" is comprised of a variety of rocks.

CALCAREOUS

Substance that is contains calcium carbonate, calcium, or limestone.

CALCITE LIMESTONE

Limestone that does not contain more than 5% magnesium carbonate.

CALCITE MARBLE

Crystalline marble that does not contain more than 5% magnesium carbonate.

CALCITE STREAKS

The white or milky streaks naturally occurring in stone.

CALCITE

A colorless or white mineral compound containing calcium carbonate found in marble, granites and limestone.

CONGLOMERATE

Stone that features an mix of pebbles and other rock particles.

CONSOLIDATION

The combination into a solid mass. In construction, typically refers to the treatment of the surface of stones to delay the decaying process.

CONTOUR SCALING

The crust that forms across the surface of limestone and sandstone that blocks the formation of calcium sulfates.

CONTROL JOINT

The groove joint that is tooled, sawed or formed in masonry structures to manage cracking, shrinkage and expansion.

COPE STONE

The typically flat horizontal stone at the top of a wall or other structure.

COPING

The covering cap atop a masonry wall that is designed to protect by shedding water.

COQUINA

A soft course-textured limestone that is highly porous and composed of broken shells and stone fragments cemented together by calcite.

CORAL LIMESTONE

A limestone rock that consists of calcareous coral skeletons and other organisms.

CORNERSTONE

The stone that forms the base of a corner in construction like in the joining of two walls. Also can be the first stone laid during a formal ceremony at the erection of a building.

CORNICE

A horizontal ornamental molding found in interior and exterior joints where walls meet ceilings.

CORROSION RESISTANT

Products that have been professionally coated or treated to become impervious to corrosion.

COUNTERTOPS

A flat solid surface in kitchens and bathrooms for working.

COURSE

The continual band of stone at a constant vertical height.

COURSED VENEER

In masonry, the use of veneer stones that have equal height to form continuous structure extending full length of the façade.

COUSSINET

The French term for the stone that supports the lowest stone of an arch.

COVE BASE

A thin strip or stone with concave lip to provide smooth transition from floors to walls.

COVE JOINT

The joint where a wall meets the floor.

CRACK

A split, fissure, separation, cleavage or break that extends across a surface of stone that is visible.

CRAMP

An anchor that holds two adjacent stones together.

CRANDALL

A hand-tool used for finishing stone that consists of sharp pointed bars in a hammer-like configuration.

CRATERING

A depression in the coating of a surface that has trapped bubbles.

CROSSETTE

An architectural term that refers to the projection at the corner of a door, window or arch.

CHAMFER

Beveled edge that connects two surfaces.

CHAT SAWED

A finish applied to stone by using chat sand to create textured surface.

CHIP

An irregular piece of stone or other surface that is removed and leaves a raw unfinished edge.

CIRCULAR FACE

The outside or convex side of a spherical shape on a stone face.

CIRCULAR SUNK FACE

The inside or concave side of a spherical shape on a stone face.

CLADDING

The exterior stone veneer finish of a wall or other surface.

CLASTIC

Rocks composed of fragments of older rocks and stones.

CLAY MORTAR

A mortar made of clay typically when lime is to expensive or difficult to procure.

CLAY

Fine grained material that is malleable when damp, hard when dry, and vitrified when fired under significantly high temperatures.

CLEAN BACK

In masonry, the end of a stone that is visible.

CLEANOUT HOLES

In masonry the spaces allowed for cleaning out debris and droppings before placement of grout.

CLEAR COATING

A coating in a variety of finishes including matte, semi-gloss, or high gloss that is applied to protect, resist moisture, or repel moisture.

CLEARANCE

The space required for the installation and movement of materials during construction.

CLEAVAGE MEMBRANE

In masonry, also known as the "slip sheet" is the membrane that prevents the mortar bed from bonding to the substrate.

CLEAVAGE PLANE

The plane in which a crystalline substance may be split.

CLEAVAGE

The capacity of a rock to break along the natural plane.

CLIFT FINISH

A rough finish on natural stones that have been separated along naturally occurring planes and seams such as slate.

COATING

A decorative or protective finish applied to the surface of stones to alter the appearance, enhance resistance to weathering or make waterproof.

COBBLESTONE

Rounded rough finished granite or other stones used for paving pathways, sidewalks and driveways.

COMMERCIAL FLOORING

Flooring products that are designed for commercial applications that have specialized Coefficient of Friction and other industrial standards.

COMMERCIAL MARBLE

A rock capable of taking a polish that is composed primarily of serpentine, dolomite, or calcite, or a combination of these minerals.

COMPACT LIMESTONE

Non metamorphic rocks with natural sedimentary nature that are traded as marble.

COMPOSITE

As in masonry, a surface that is comprised of various minerals bonded together into a composite form.

CONDENSATION

The water that collects on cold surfaces when humid warm air comes into contact with it.

DOVETAIL MOLDING

A molding of a zig zag pattern that resembles dovetails.

DRESSED/HAND DRESSED

Hand cut square or rectangular stones in rough chunks. Dressed typically means it is ready for installation.

DRESSING

The squaring and shaping of stones, rocks, slabs and blocks for easy shipment and storage.

DRIP MOLD

A projection from a cornice or sill that is designed to protect the area below from rainwater running down the face of a vertical surface.

DRIP

The recess cut into a stone to divert water and throw it from the vertical surface.

DROVE

Also known as a drove chisel. A masonry chisel with a broad edge used to dress and finish stones.

DRY PACK

The process of placing a mud bed, concrete or mortar into a space by force.

DRY SEAM

The unhealed natural or caused fracture in a stone that may show an inherent weakness.

DRY WALL

A stone wall that is constructed without the use of mortar.

DUAL FINISH

Refers to the process of using two separate finishes in a single process for example a polished and a thermal.

DURABILITY

The measurement of a products ability to resisting force, wear and tear.

DUTCHMAN

A stone or piece of wood that is used to repair a larger area. It is specially crafted to ensure proper look and size.

ERECTION

The process of building or setting a stone into place in the vertical plane.

ETCHING

In masonry, a finish where the stone is eroded by an acid. Etching can be done in specific designs or patterns in small areas, or for an overall finish.

EXFOLIATION

The peeling off of flakes of stone or mineral in thin layers cause by chemical reaction, weather, or heat.

EXPANSION

The enlargement (in all directions) due to natural phenomenon including absorption of water or rise in temperature.

EXPOSED AGGREGATE

A type of finish on concrete that is crafted to expose special stones and fragments for their colors, shapes and sizes.

EFFLORESCENCE

A deposit of white carbonates or sulfates that form on the surface of brick, concrete, mortar or stone when moisture is absorbed.

EGGSHELL FINISH

A finish for woods, walls, or stone that is matte in appearance, like an egg shell.

EIGHT-CUT FINISH

A replicated corrugated finish of parallel markings.

EMULSION

A mixture of particles, liquids and binders where particles are suspended.

ENCRINAL MARBLE

A marble saturated with shells and fossils creating unique patterns and colors.

ENDOLITHIC

In masonry, the process of adding color or textures to stone.

ENGINEERED STONE

A man-made composite material that is comprised of resins, rocks, glass, epoxies and other ingredients.

ENTABLATURE

Architectural term that refers to the horizontal stones above columns.

ENTASIS

A convex curve crafted into the shaft of a column to create a visual illusion.

EPOXY RESIN

A flexible thermosetting resin used in coatings, laminates and adhesives normally used for surface coatings, mortars, cements, floor surfaces and adhesives.

EPOXY

An adhesive made from synthetic thermosetting polymers which are chemical resistance and tough.

FABRICATION

In masonry, the process of transforming quarry stones into finished stone.

FACE

The exposed surface of a structure or stone.

FACIES, METAMORPHIC

Groups of mineral compositions in metamorphic rocks that come from specific pressure temperature areas.

FACTOR OF SAFETY

The mathematical calculation by which the expected stress or weight is multiplied to determine the strength or resistance required for safety.

FACTORY-FINISH INSTALLATION

Stones, tiles, floors or walls that have surface finishes manufactured and tooled in a factory, and not onsite.

FALSE JOINT

Also known as a dummy joint; refers to the lines and grooves that appear on stones or other surfaces.

FASCIA

The long flat surface between moldings.

FAT MORTAR

A sticky mortar that contains cement components.

FAULT

A break in bedding planes of stones, granites, limestone, and marbles that can interfere with underground drainage.

FEATHER EDGE

A fine edge finish crafted by beveling or cutting stone.

FELDSPAR

A rock-forming mineral that occurs as pale-colored crystals resulting from crystalline minerals.

FERRUNGINOUS

A limestone, sandstone, or other quartz-based stone that contains a high percentage of iron oxide.

FIELD STONE

Stones scattered over ground cover.

FIELDSTONE

A naturally weathered stone collected from the top of the ground. Popular areas from which fieldstones are gathered include the High Plains and New England.

FILLER STRIP

A resilient material placed in the joint to provide sealant properties.

FILLET

A flat thin molding strip used to separate larger or ornamental moldings.

FILLING

A masonry term that refers to the filling of the natural voids with resins, mortars, cements, or shellacs.

FINES

The residue created from processing rock.

FINISH

The final coating and texture applied to the surface of stone, walls, or wood.

FIREPLACE

A fire-proof structure engineered for the purpose of housing an intentional fire.

FIREPROOFING

The process of making a product or surface resistant to sparks, flames, and fire.

FIXING

A European term referring to the installation of stone work.

FLAGSTONE

Stone cut into thin slabs primarily used for patios, walkways and driveways.

FLAMED FINISH

A rugged finish for stone accomplished by heating surface to extreme temperatures and then rapidly cooled.

FLASHING

A thin strip of metal or other material used under a roof to stop water and moisture from being absorbed by the junction.

FLEURI CUT

A process in which quarried stone or marble is cut parallel to the natural bedding plane.

FLEURI

An effect crafted when marble and other stones are sawn parallel to the natural bedding plane in the quarry.

FLINT

A hard, finely grained deep gray stone that is nearly pure silica that fractures conchoidally.

FLOAT COAT

The thin layer of mortar that is applied to a surface and given a float finish.

FLOAT

A masonry tool used for smoothing and spreading plaster, cement, or mortar.

FLOORING

Materials used to cover floors. These can include granite, tiling, marble and wood.

FLUTED

A stone that has a channel or groove carved into it such as a column.

FLUTING

Shallow groove or grooves carved into stone columns or pillars for decoration.

FOUR-CORNER FINISH

A coarse hammered finish.

FOUR-MAN BOULDERS

Rough cut stones weighing less than 750 pounds.

FOYER

An entrance space or hall between a building's entrance and interior.

FREESTONE

A stone that can be cut in any direction without risk of splitting or fracture.

FRIEZE

A horizontal ornamental band at the junction of walls and the ceiling.

FROG

The indentation on the surface of a brick.

FRONT

The primary façade of a building that has the main entrance.

FULL MORTAR BEDDING

Refers to the process of applying mortar to the entire masonry base; typically used in load-bearing construction of foundations and walls

FURRING

A finishing method for a masonry wall that prevents moisture absorption, provides for insulation or simply to provide a smooth surface for finishing.

GNIESS

A metamorphic coarse-grained rock primarily consisted of quartz, mica and feldspar. It is sometimes referred to as "Trade Granite".

GRADE COURSE

The grade level that is waterproofed.

GRAIN

The most clear cleavage of natural stone.

GRANITE COUNTERTOP

A flat working surface area composed of natural coarsely grained igneous rock composed of quartz, feldspars and mica.

GRANITE SLAB

A slab of igneous rock that can be used for countertops, walls, flooring, table tops, and other design projects.

GRANITE

A very dense igneous rock comprised mostly of quartz, feldspar and magnesium.

GRANULAR

The innate and natural texture of stones characterized by small grains and particles.

GRAVEL

Small aggregate stones of quartz, limestone, basalt, and granite used for landscaping and driveway applications.

GREEN MORTAR

Mortar that has not yet fully dried but has set.

GREENSTONE

Natural or altered igneous stones that have a greenish hue.

GREYWACKE

A variety of sandstone that is characterized by flakes and fragments of quartz, feldspar and other fragments that are set in a clay matrix.

GRIND-IN-PLACE INSTALLATION

A method of installation where tile, granite, marble, or other stones are set into mortar and then finished in place.

GROG

A brick that is made from crushed bricks and mixed with clay.

GROUT CORE MASONRY

The process of filling masonry products (that have hollow cores) with grout for extra stability and strength.

GROUT LIFT

The height in which grout is placed in joints or cavities.

GROUT POUR

The overall height of a masonry wall.

GROUT

A paste or mortar made from cement, aggregates and water used for filling crevices between bricks, tiles and stones on walls and flooring

GROUTED MASONRY

Masonry projects that have joints and voids filled with grout.

GUIDE SPECIFICATION

The recommended specifications for the installation of stone and other masonry products.

GYPSUM

A hydrated calcium sulfate sedimentary stone formation typically soft white or light gray in color.

GABBRO

A coarsely grained plutonic crystalline rock containing pyroxene, plagioclase and feldspar.

GABLE

A part of a wall that enclose the end of a pitched root from the eaves to the apex.

GALLET

A chip of stone

GANG SAW

A machine saw with blades primarily used to cut quarry blocks into slabs.

GANG SAWED

The rough surface of a stone after having been gang sawed.

GANTRY SAW

A single blade diamond saw with a mobile rail and blade that is repositioned between cuts along the tracts of the rail.

GARRETING

The process and craft of inserting stone fragments into mortar joints prior to mortar setting up.

GAUGED

The grinding process that makes all pieces of material are the same thickness.

GLASS MOSAIC

Tiles of a mosaic design made from glass. Can be translucent, textured, and mounted to mesh backings for easy installation.

GLASS SEAM

A narrow streak, vein or joint similar in appearance to glass that does not affect structural soundness.

GLOSS

A finish with significant luster and shine and is measured by the amount of light reflected.

HAIRLINE CRACKING

The naturally occurring superficial thin cracking of a concrete surface.

HALF BULLNOSE

An edging option for stone surfaces such as a granite countertop that is convex.

HALF ROUND

An edging option for stone or other hard surfaces such as a countertop that as a semi-circular finish.

HALITE

Colorless cubic crystals including rock salt.

HAND CUT RANDOM RECTANGULAR

The process in which stones are hand-cut into geometric shapes with consistent joints for a patterned finish.

HARD-BURNED

Clay products, for example bricks, that have been fired at extremely high temperatures to a nearly vitrified state.

HARDNESS

The measurement of hardness in stones and other surfaces as determined by the Mohs Scale.

HEAD JOINT

A vertical joint between masonry stones where mortar is placed.

HEAD

In masonry, the end of a stone or rock that has been machine or hand-tooled to match the face of the stone. These heads are used as corner pieces for door jams, windows or other areas where corners are visible.

HEADER

Also referred to as a bonder, in masonry is a unit that overlaps adjacent units.

HEADSTONE

The principle stone in a construction project such as a keystone or cornerstone.

HEARTH

A fire-proof, typically raised, section of the floor directly in front of a fireplace or wood-burning stove.

HEMIHYDRATE

A crystalline hydrate that contains one water molecule for every two molecules of the compound.

HERRINGBONE

A pattern for setting tiles or stones in a slanted design in alternating polarities.

HEWN STONE

A finish for stones created by chipping with a mallet and chisel.

HIGH-STRENGTH ADHESIVE

A high-strength adhesive and bonding agent used to join pieces of stone and other materials.

HONE FINISH

A type of finish available for stones and other hard surfaces that has a smooth satin appearance.

HONES/HONE FINISH

A type of finish recommended for commercial flooring constructed from marble, granite and quartz that has a smooth satin finish.

HORNEBLEND

A dark green, black or brown mineral that can be found in igneous stones including granite.

HYDRATE

A mineral composition that was formed by a combination of organic elements and compounds with water.

HYDRATED LIME

The product of heating limestone that creates this caustic substance.

HYDRAULIC

In masonry projects it refers to the process of hardening with or under water.

HYDROPHILIC

The characteristic in which substances absorb, mix with, or dissolve in water.

HYDROPHOBIC

The inherent characteristic in substances that repel water.

IMPREGNATOR

Chemical compounds that are engineered to penetrate the surface of a stone. Typically applied to reduce absorbency rate inherent in stone.

INCISE

The action of cutting or engraving a stone or other solid surface.

INDENTING

The intentional practice of omitting stones in a pattern to allow for future bonding work.

INLAY

An ornamental decoration that is crafted by removing a portion of the base stone or wood and inserting a different surface including wood, glass, tile or stone.

IGNEOUS ROCK

A rock that is formed by the solidification of molten magma.

IMPORT BROKER

A professional that acts as an import agent for foreign sourced products.

IMPORTER

A business or individual that purchases, distributes and resells foreign sourced products.

IMPREGNATION

The process of applying a chemical compound to penetrate a stone for a variety of purposes including stain inhibition.

JOINT REINFORCEMENT

A steel reinforcement that is placed in mortar bed joints.

JOINT

In masonry, the space between stones or tiles and the abutting materials.

JOINTING SCHEME

An architectural drawing of location, dimensions, design and configuration of stones indicating the joints in the pattern.

JOINTING

A process in which the joints of masonry are finished before mortar has completely hardened and cured.

JUMPER

A piece of a stone that is raised in comparison to the adjacent stones or material. Typically used in horizontal joints.

KAOLINITE

A mineral that is white or light gray comprised of aluminum silicate.

KERF

A slit made by cutting with a saw blade.

KEY BLOCK

The first block removed from a new ledge in a quarry that is removed by lateral shifting, undercutting or drilling.

KEYSTONE

A wedge-shaped stone placed at the top of an arch.

KILN RUN

Brick from a single kiln that have not been sorted or graded.

KILN

An oven or furnace designed for firing clay or brick.

KING CLOSURE

A brick that has been crafted to have one 2-inch end and one full-width end.

KNEELER

A stone that supports inclined masonry projects as part of walls or other projects. May include cope stones.

LIMESTONE

A hard sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate or dolomite created from the decomposition of marine organisms.

LINE PIN

In masonry, a metal pin that is used to attach a line for alignment.

LINERS

A structured engineered section of masonry structures that are constructed to give strength, increase joint depth and in the cases of chimneys provides fire resistance.

LINTEL

A horizontal beam or other support structure of concrete, steel, timber or stone across an opening such as a door or window.

LIPPAGE

An uneven floor surface that occurs when tiles or stones are not laid flat. Typically lippage should not be greater than 1/32 of an inch.

LIPPING

The result when flooring or paving surfaces are not flat or the adjoining pieces of tiles or stones are warped causing an uneven surface where one of material pieces is higher.

LOAD BEARING

A supporting wall or structural system that is designed to carry structure loads.

LUG SILL

A stone sill that is set into the jambs on either side of a masonry opening.

LUG

In masonry terms, a slightly protruding stone that is used to attach to a bordering structure.

LAMINATION

The process of adhering two pieces of stones or other surfaces together.

LANDSCAPE STONES

Natural stones cut for landscaping projects including driveways, outdoor fireplaces, and other projects.

LAP

The process of overlapping one surface with another.

LATERAL SUPPORT

Engineering practice where walls and columns are braced by floors, beams, roofs or walls.

LATEX ADHESIVE

An emulsion of rubbers and resins used to adhere a variety of surfaces together.

LAVA

Igneous rocks that were created by volcanic activity. These include rhyolite and basalt.

LEAN MORTAR

A mortar that is difficult to spread due to its cement component deficiency.

LEGS

The vertical dimension of a stone used on sides of vertical openings including fireplaces.

LEDGER PANELS

Ready to install panels of stone for fireplaces and walls that have the appearance of individually stacked or laid stones.

LEDGER STONE

A flat horizontal slab of stone used in foundations.

LEGS

In masonry work, the vertical stones used to line a fireplace opening.

LEWIS BOLT

An anchor bolt that has a conical base where concrete is poured to secured.

LEWIS HOLES

Holes that have been cut or drilled into stone for the lifting or installation of stones with anchor bolts.

LIME HYDRATED

A quicklime that has water added to convert inherent oxides to hydroxides.

LIME PUTTY

A hydrated lime in a plastic form ready for the addition to mortar.

LIME-HYDRAULIC

A compound that has a chemical reaction with water.

MACHINE FINISH

A finish produced by mechanical planers to create a variety of surface finishes.

MALPAIS

A dark colored rock found in rough terrain typically from a volcanic source.

MANTEL

A stone, arch or a beam design to support masonry above a fireplace opening.

MANUFACTURED

In masonry, refers to fabricated stones that are ready for installation.

MANUFACTURER

In masonry, the company that fabricates stone.

MARBLE

A crystalline metamorphic stone with veins and streaks of color and texture that is capable of being polished.

METAMORPHIC ROCK

A rock that has been altered by intense pressure, high temperatures or both. Examples include quartz-based stones, granite, shale and marble.

MICRO FIBER

A fabric made from synthetic yarns less than 1 denier.

MOHS SCALE

The commercially recognized scale for determining the hardness of solids. The lower the number, the softer the material. (1) Talc, (2) Gypsum, (3) Calcite (Marble), (4) Fluorite, (5) Apatite, (6) Feldspar (Granite), (7) Quartz (Granite), (8) Topaz, (9) Corundum, (10) Diamond. For countertops it is recommended to choose a 6+.

MOSAIC

A pattern or picture created by arranging small colored pieces of stone, tile or glass.

MOSAIC TILE

Tiles that are mounted on mesh sheets or adhesive strips that have a pattern or picture.

MOSAICS

A pattern or picture created by arranging colored pieces of tile, stone, or glass.

NATURAL BED

Typically stratified materials such as stone that have been set on the same plane.

NATURAL CEMENT

An organic product of lime that has a high clay content.

NATURAL CLEFT

In masonry, a type of finish created by splitting the stone to the cleft surface leaving a natural appearance and finish.

NATURAL STONE MOSAICS

Stones that are attached by a mesh or adhesive backing in a design or pattern.

NATURAL STONE

A stone, including granite, quartz, slate, marble and others that occur naturally.

NEAT CEMENT

A cement product that is uncut by sand, making it pure.

NEGATIVE LIP

The result of an installation where tiles or stones are installed lower than surrounding tiles.

NOMINAL DIMENSION

In masonry, a dimension that is greater than the specified dimension as determined by the mortar joint thickness. In carpentry, the labels given to lumber prior to finishing.

NON-COMBUSTIBLE

Materials that will not ignite or burn when subjected to extreme temperatures or flames.

NON-CORRODING

Materials that resist oxidation and corrosive actions.

NON-FERROUS

A metal, including alloys that does not contain appreciable percentages of iron; it includes nickel, titanium, zinc, lead and many more.

NON-STAINING MORTAR

A stain resistant mortar comprised of materials that have a very low alkali content .

NOSING

A rounded edge on a molding or step.

OBSIDIAN

A dark, hard volcanic rock (normally black) formed by the rapid solidification of lava.

OFF FALL

The remnants from slabs of marble, granite, or other stones. They can be used for other projects.

OFFSET

A design feature when pieces of material including wood, stones and tiles are intentionally set in an opposite manner.

OGEE

An edge finish, as for countertops, that feature an S-shaped curve.

ONE-MAN BOULDERS

Stones that weigh less than 150 pounds.

ONYX MARBLE

A dense and semi-transparent crystalline rock comprised of calcite and sometimes aragonite.

ONYX

A semiprecious agate stone that is a variety of quartz featuring different colors and layers with varying degrees of translucency,

OOLITIC LIMESTONE

A sedimentary rock formed from spherical grains in concentric layers. This calcite calcareous limestone is often formed from shells and is available in some areas of Indiana, Texas, Alabama and Kansas.

OPALIZED

A stone that has an opalescent nature of reflecting a variety of colors and hues as does a natural opal.

OPHICALCITE

A metamorphic rock that is similar to a serpentine marble; can be white due to high calcium content, green, or red.

ORGANIC

Naturally occurring compounds that are biological in origin.

OUT-CROP

Rocks or stones that appear above ground level.

OUT-OF-WIND

In masonry, typically refers to veneer stones that do not feature perpendicular or parallel lines that are irregular or rustic in their appearance.

OVER BURDEN

The waste stone in quarries that covers the useful or prized underlying stones.

PERPENDER

A stone or piece of wood that extends through a wall as an ornamental design that is finished on both ends.

PERRONS

An external platform of slabs of stones for steps. A feature of Palladian architecture.

PETROGLYPHY

A prehistoric rock carving often times depicting animals, symbols and people.

PHENOCYRST

A large crystal in a porphritic or igneous rock.

PHENOL

A mild acidic toxic white crystalline solid used in the manufacturing of resins.

PICKED

A finish for stone that has been dressed with a masonry point.

PIER

A support structure made from stone that is smaller than a column.

PILASTER

From classical architecture, a rectangular column that projects 1/3 of its width from a wall.

PISCINA

In ancient Roman architecture, a pool or pond for swimming or bathing. Also refers to a stone basin set near an altar in a Catholic church.

PITCHED STONE

A finish for a stone crafted by a pitching chisel creating a rough cut face.

PITCHED

A finish for stone that resembles a rock face that is crafted with a pitching tool.

PLANER

A machine that gauges stone and produces finishes.

PLATE TRACERY

A design that has been carved from a flat plate of stone.

PLINTHS

The lower slab at the base of a column that provides support and stability.

PLUCKED FINISH

A finish for stone that is created through a rough planing of the surface while breaking and plucking particles to give a rough texture.

PLUG AND FEATHERS

Tools that are used to split stones and rocks.

PLUMB BOMB

A lead or heavy metal weight that suspended from a line to determine vertical trueness.

PLUMB RULE

A plumb line that is attached to a board with lines of measurement, like a ruler, used for determining the vertical plane.

POINT FINISH

A finish for stone that is rough and tooled.

POINT

A spike or nail that has a point formed by 2 sides meeting at a sharp angle.

POINTING

In masonry and tiling, refers to the final finishing and filling of mortar joints.

POLISHED

A finish that has been rubbed or sanded to a smooth shiny finish. Can be accomplished on dense materials such as granite, marble, and others to bring out full character and colors inherent in stone.

POLYESTER RESIN

An unsaturated resin that is formed by diabasic organic acids and polyhydric alcohols. Used in the composite industry for reinforcement of plastics and fiberglasses.

POLYETHYLENE FILM

A film with very low absorption rates.

PORCELAIN

A ceramic made from clay and fired to over 2500 degrees for strength and toughness.

POROSITY

The property of being porous; the total measurement of absorption.

PORPHYRY

A hard igneous rock that contains crystals, usual feldspar (granite) in a fine-granite groundmass.

PORTLAND CEMENT

A cement manufactured from clay and limestone that hardens under water.

POSITIVE LIP

The result when a factory-finished stone or tile is intentionally installed higher than adjacent tiles.

POULTICING

The method and process of drawing stains or other soluble out of stone by applying an absorbent material like clay that is mixed with a cleaning solvent.

PREFABRICATED GRANITE

A mass produced granite product that is cut, finished and polished in the factory.

PREASSEMBLED UNITS

In masonry, two or more stones or rocks that are combined into a single unit with epoxies, mesh backings, or steel frames.

PRE-CAST

A concrete product that has been intentionally shaped and poured off-site. Examples include concrete slabs.

PREFABRICATED COUNTERTOPS

A mass produced countertop that is cut, finished and polished at the factory. Can be granite, marble, composites, quartz, or other countertop materials.

PRESSURE RELIEVING JOINT

The open horizontal joint typically below floors that are caulked and sealed to prevent moisture absorption.

PRODUCER

In masonry, the individual or company that quarries stone.

PROFILE MACHINE

A machine that cuts molding on stone.

PROFILE

The outline an object as seen from the side.

PROJECTIONS

In masonry, refers to the process of removing stones or rocks in veneer walls to create rough visual characteristics.

PYRITE

An iron sulfide with yellow and brass metallic hues.

PALLETIZED

The system for safely stacking stones on wooden pallets for storage or shipment.

PANEL

In masonry refers to a fabricated unit of stone veneer.

PARGING

A cover of plaster or mortar that provides damp proofing.

PARQUETRY

Inlaid work and designs of woods, stones, or tiles for floors, furniture or countertops.

PATCH

A compound that is used to fill cracks, chips or naturally occurring voids.

PATINA

The green or brown color that occurs on metals through oxidation.

PAVER

A fabricated interlocking stone used for pathways, patios and driveways.

PEDESTAL

A supporting structure crafted from stone or wood.

PERMEABILITY

The state or quality of a material that causes it to allow gases or liquids to pass through it.

QUARRIED STONE

A stone that has been removed from the natural planes in a quarry by use of machinery and tools.

QUARRIER

The individual who works in a quarry.

QUARRY BLOCK

A rectangular piece of stone that comes from a quarry.

QUARRY RUN

In masonry, the general waste of unselected materials.

QUARRY SAP

The naturally occurring water or moisture present in stone when it is removed from the ground.

QUARRY

A deep pit where stones or other materials are extracted.

QUARTER ROUND

A convex molding.

QUARTZ

A white or colorless mineral found in sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks typically responsible for the natural veins and streaks.

QUARTZATIC SANDSTONE

A metamorphic sandstone that consists of quartz fine grains that are cemented with silica.

QUARTZ-BASED STONE

A sedimentary stone such as sandstone or a metamorphic stone as in quartzite.

QUARTZITE

A compact, extremely hard granular rock that consists of quartz crystals. Most often it is quarried in stratified layers

QUEEN CLOSURE

A brick that has been cut with a two-inch face dimension.

QUICKLIME

A white crystalline oxide made from crushed limestone.

QUIONS

The external angle in a building or wall.

RABBETT

A recessed groove cut into the edge of wood or stone to form a match with another piece.

RACKING

In masonry, the process in which successive courses are stepped back from the face of the wall.

RAKE

A stone's face that has been angularly cut.

RANDOM ASHLAR

In masonry, the layout and design when geometric stones are not laid in continuous regular courses but are arranged at different widths and heights.

RANDOM MASONRY

When stones and rocks are laid in varying heights.

RANDOM

In masonry, a pattern where joints appear web-like.

RANGE OF COLOR

In masonry terms, the measured variation of shades, hues, colors, veins, and textures in stones including granite, marble, quartz, and onyx.

RANGE

In masonry terms, the course of thickness across the façade. All range courses are not necessarily of equal thickness.

REBATED KERF

The additional cut made by cutting that sinks a kerf on stone for anchoring.

RECEPTOR

Also known as a shower base; it is the curb and combined floor structure.

RE-CRYSTALLIZED LIMESTONE

The crystalline patterns in limestone that have be replaced with crystals, fossils or other materials.

REEDED

A specially crafted and shaped molding of woods or stone that have a semi-cylindrical face.

REGRATING

A finish for stone where the surface is removed or cleaned to expose fresh stone.

REINFORCEMENT

The process or act of strengthening and structure.

RELIEF

A decorative or ornamental detail of embossing or carving.

RE-POINTING

The process of raking out, refilling or finishing joints with mortar.

RESINING

The process or action of treating stone with resins to fill nicks, crevices and fissures.

RESTAURANT FLOORING

Flooring that is engineered specially for the necessary requirements needed in a restaurant such as anti-slip and skid.

RESTORATION

In masonry, the process of cleaning, finishing or repairing stone.

RETAINING WALL STONE

The stones that are used in retaining walls engineered to resist lateral pressure.

RETARDING AGENT

A chemical mixture added to grout or mortar that slows the curing and hardening.

RETEMPURING

The process of moistening mortar and remixing it to bring it to the proper consistency.

RETUCLITATED WORK

Also known as "opus reticulatum" is a design of brickwork from Ancient Roman architecture that features diamond-shaped bricks that are placed at 45 degree angles.

RETURN HEAD

In masonry terms, the stone façade that has the same finish on two sides for corners.

RETURN

A right angle wall, molding or other horizontal structure.

REVEAL

In masonry, the depth of stone between the outer face and an opening typically at 90 degrees from the front face.

RIFT

The pronounced cleavage of a stone, or the direction that the grain runs.

RIPRAP

Loose irregular shaped stones use to form the foundation of a breakwater or other structure such as foundations. Can be used for stepping stones and patios.

RISE

In masonry terms refers to the varying heights of stones.

RISING RAMP

The natural capillary action where ground water travels through masonry.

RIVEN

A finish for stone where it has been cut or slit along the natural cleavage planes.

ROCK (PITCH) FACE

A finish for stone that is similar to "split face" except that the stone is pitched in a given line that produces a bold appearance.

ROCK

Solid mineral materials that are part of the earth's crust.

ROCKED FINISH

A finish for stone that leaves a bubbled and textured appearance.

RODDING

The reinforcement of a structure, including stone, cured by cementing reinforcing rods into channels or groves.

ROMAN ARCH

Also referred to as a "Norman Arch", it is a semi-circular arch where the stones are wedge shaped.

ROSE WINDOW

A circular window or stone that radiates in a pattern suggestive to the petals of a rose.

ROUGH BACK

The finish on stone where one side is rough and the other has been gang sawed.

ROUGH SAWN

A stone finish crafted by gang sawing.

ROUGHING OUT

The process of cutting or carving a raw stone to remove the unwanted bulk.

ROWLOCK

A pattern or design of masonry where bricks are laid on their face with ends visible in the façade.

RUBBED FINISH

A finish for stone where machinery rubs for smoother finish.

RUBBING STONE

The abrasive stone that is used to finish and smooth the edges of stones and tile.

RUBBLE

The term used for dimension stones that are used for building walls and foundations that include irregularly shaped pieces.

RUSTIC

A grade of limestone characterized by the coarse texture. Can also refer to stone that has been roughly hand-finished.

RUSTICATED

In masonry, joints that have been beveled or recessed for ornamental or design purposes.

RUSTIFICATION

The process of recessing cut stones for the purpose of creating a channel in the joints.

SLATE

A fine-grained bluish, gray or green metamorphic rock that is easily split into smooth flat plates.

SOUNDNESS

The property and characteristics of stone used to describe the cracks, imperfections, and faults.

SPALL

A fragment or splinter of stone separated from the base stone.

STONE CARE AND MAINTENANCE

The process of caring for natural stones, tiles, grouts and mortars. Maintenance can include period re-sealing as with granite.

STUNNED CRYSTALS, (MARKS)

Whitish markings in stones that are the result of damage occurring to the crystals when subjected to high stress.

SAND BLASTED

A finish for stones that is matte in appearance created by the application of sand under high pressure

SANDSTONE

A sedimentary rock that consists of quartz, feldspar and sand. Available in a wide array of colors and designs including reds, yellows and browns.

SAWED EDGE

A smooth edge finish for stone that is created by the cutting with a diamond blade or gang saw.

SAWED FINISH

A finish for stone that features textures from rough to smooth accomplished by chat sawn, shot sawn, diamond sawn, or other processes.

SEALING

The process of applying a chemical compound designed to make joints water tight. Tiles, stones, countertops, grouts, foundations, windows and more can be sealed to resist water.

SEDIMENTARY STONES

Rocks that have been formed by the natural sedimentation process within the Earth's surface. Can include rocks or fossils.

SERPENTINE

A dark green mineral comprised of hydrated magnesium silicate that is spotted or mottled like a snake's skin.

SETTER

A professional journeyman who installs stone and tile.

SHALE

A soft, finely stratified sedimentary rock that is formed from consolidated clay or mud that can be split into plates. Typically not as hard as slate and comes in a variety of shades including blacks, browns, grays and reds.

TCA (Tile Council Of America)

The professional association of manufacturers of ceramic and porcelain tiles. The leading resource for education and installation techniques.

TEMPLATE

A pattern made from plastic, wood, or metal that is used to apply a repetitive pattern through chemical process, drilling or cutting.

TERRAZZO

A hard durable flooring material comprised of chips of granite and/or marble set in concrete and then polished.

TEXTURE

The appearance, consistency and feel of a surface.

TEXTURED FINISH

A finish for stone obtained by hammering and chiseling.

THERMAL FINISH

A finish for stone that is rough and non-reflective that is achieved through the application of intense heat or flames.

THIN STONE

A stone that is less than 2 inches thick.

THRESHOLD

The flat strip of stone, wood or other material that projects above the floor between rooms.

TILE

A thin composite of clay or porcelain used for flooring, walls and countertops.

TOLERANCE

An allowance in the fabrication process.

TRANSLUCENCE

The quality of allowing light to pass through.

TRAVERTINE

A white or light colored calcareous rock that is a variety of limestone.

TUMBLE FINISH

A finish for stone that is produced by machine tumbling creating an uneven surface.

TUMBLED TRAVERTINE

A travertine finish that has a rough textured finish and rounded edges.

TUMBLER

A drum like rotating machine used to produce the tumbled finish on stones including marbles and travertine.

VEIN CUT

The process where a quarried stone is cut perpendicular to natural bedding or cleavage.

VEIN

A naturally occurring seam or layer of minerals different from the surrounding material.

VENEER

A thin facing stone used for vertical coverings including exterior and interior walls and fireplaces.

VITRIFICATION

The result of high temperature firing that causes grains and pores of clays to fuse.

VOUSSOIR

A wedge-shaped or tapered stone used in an arch.

VUG

A natural cavity in a rock sometimes lined with mineral crystals.

WARPED

In masonry terms, a natural condition of slates and flagstones that are not treated with rubbing, honing or polishing.

WALL TILE

Tiles that are used for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom and shower walls.

WASH

In landscaping, a sloped area where water will run.

WATER BASE

A solution that contains a water soluble or water dispersible binder.

WATER MARK

Stains on woods, tiles, stones or other hard surfaces caused by acid in water.

WATER OF CRYSTALLIZATION

The water molecules that form as an essential part of the crystal structure of compounds.

WATERPROOFING

The process of making a surface impervious to water.

WAXING

In masonry terms, the process of filling natural voids with shellac or cements.

WEAR

In masonry terms, the removal of materials from the façade of stones through impact or friction.

WEDGING

The process of splitting a stone by driving wedges into the planes of inherent weaknesses.

WEEP HOLES

A drainage opening in joints to allow release of moisture.

WETTING

The ability of a coating or film to penetrate or spread over a surface.

WEATHERED JOINT

A mortar joint that has an outward and downward slope to shed water.

WEATHERING

The process in which the appearance or texture of a surface is changed by natural atmospheric phenomena or by chemical or mechanical processes.

WHOLESALER

A person or entity that purchases a product for resale.

WIND (WINED)

The warp in a semi-finished slab of stone that is removed during further fabrication.

WINDOW SILL

A horizontal shelf like structure below a window frame.

WINDOW STOOL

A narrow horizontal shelf fitted across the inside of a window opening.

WIRE SAW

A tool with one or more wire cables that run on a pulley system to cut natural stones into slabs and blocks.

WIRE SAWN

The method of cutting a natural stone with wire that has been immersed in abrasive liquids to create various effects.

WRAP AROUND

The ability of a coating or film to cover all areas of a substrate including edges and sides.