Natural Stone & Porcelain Glossary

Limestone

A limestone is a sedimentary rock. It is made up of layers of calcium carbonate formed from the accumulation of organic matter in shallow seas, which is then turned to stone by millions of years of pressure. Limestone's come in a variety of density and hardness and some rare limestones are as tough as granite. Click here to view our limestone range of tiles.

Travertine

Travertine is also a sedimentary rock, which is made up of layers of calcite formed from the accumulation of organic matter in hot springs and spa areas. The stone has a natural honeycomb structure, where water has flowed through the material. It is a very strong stone, which when cut into tiles exposes the small holes on the surface. These holes can be left unfilled to leave a natural texture or they are filled in the factory with a very hard resin and honed smooth. Small holes may appear on the surface of the tiles over time; this is part of the charm of this ancient stone. Click here to view our range of natural travertine stone tiles.

Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock and started its life as limestone, which is then crystallised by immense heat and pressure. Marble obtains its different colours from the minerals and chemical elements in the stone. Click here to view marble flooring.

Granite

Granite is an igneous rock, which means that they have been formed from liquid magma deep under the earth's crust, which has slowly cooled over a long period of time. Granite is a very hard stone, which can take a polish and has a low porosity; it should still be sealed for ease of maintenance. Click here for granite floor and wall tiles.

Slate

Slate is metamorphosed shale. Shale is made up of silt and clay that is similar in composition to sandstone except that the particle size is much smaller. The shale is subject to heat and pressure and the fine particles are melted together to form slate. Click here to view our slate tiles.

Sandstone

Sandstone is composed essentially of cemented grains of sand, sandstone has a granular texture and is the second most abundant of all sedimentary rock, shale being the first. In addition to quartz, sandstone may consist of sand sized particles of calcite, gypsum or various iron compounds. Click here to view our sandstone range.

Porcelain

Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating raw materials, generally including clay in the form of kaolin, in a kiln to temperatures between 1,200 °C and 1,400 °C. The toughness, strength, and translucence of porcelain arise mainly from the formation of glass and the mineral mullite within the fired body at these high temperatures. Porcelain is used as a building material, usually in the form of tiles or rectangular panels. Click here to view our extensive porcelain range.