When you hear the words "natural stone," what springs to mind? Perhaps it's the image of spectacular marble floors, gleaming granite benchtops, or even an opulent travertine staircase. In this article, we're taking a detour off the beaten path to uncover some lesser-known facts about the fascinating world of natural stone!
From Limestone to Marble
Did you know that every piece of marble was once limestone? It's true! Through the immense forces of high temperatures and pressure, limestone undergoes a remarkable transformation, turning into the denser, more luxurious rock we know as marble. The stunning array of colors and textures in marble is a result of minor impurities that become incorporated into the stone during this process. Though, when we gaze upon magnificent specimens like Verde Tinos Marble, it's hard to imagine anything less than perfection!
Marble: The Hypoallergenic Wonder
Marble is a beloved choice in interior decoration for many reasons, one of which is its 100% hypoallergenic nature. The natural high density of marble, combined with its non-porous finish when installed, creates surfaces that are incredibly easy to maintain. Allergens can be swiftly wiped away, leaving you with a pristine and allergen-free environment.
Marble + Ruby = Magic!
Did you know that marble can sometimes contain precious gem minerals, including rubies? In an astonishing discovery, a white marble specimen found in Afghanistan revealed the presence of a delightful red ruby, a true testament to the wonders hidden within the Earth's crust.
Marble: The Luxury Phone and Notebook Accessory
For those who seek the pinnacle of luxury, there's nothing quite like having your phone or notebook encased in marble. If you're the proud owner of an iPhone 7 or a notebook, consider rushing out to acquire a Carrara Marble casing and add a touch of opulence to your everyday gadgets.
The New York Public Library's Monumental Marble
A colossal 530,000 cubic feet of marble was used in the construction of the New York Public Library. This monumental project, which took 12 years to complete, was the largest marble building of its time when it opened its doors in 1911, becoming a symbol of knowledge and culture in the heart of the city.
The Majestic Marble Arch in London
Inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris, the Marble Arch in London, United Kingdom, is a 19th-century landmark designed by John Nash. Originally part of Buckingham Palace's courtyard, this architectural gem is primarily adorned with the pearly Carrara marble, adding a touch of timeless elegance to the cityscape.
The Palacio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial: A Granite Marvel
The site of the impressive Palacio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Madrid, Spain, was chosen by King Philip II to commemorate the 1557 Spanish victory at the Battle of St. Quentin in Picardy against Henry II, king of France. This fortress-like palace was primarily constructed using locally quarried grey granite and takes the form of an enormous quadrangle measuring approximately 224 meters by 153 meters.
Quartz: More than Meets the Eye
Quartz, a common mineral, has some truly remarkable properties. When you apply pressure to a quartz crystal's surface, it disrupts the crystal's ion balance, essentially turning it into a tiny battery with oppositely charged faces. Even more astonishing is the fact that this process can work in reverse! By passing an electric current through a quartz crystal, it can actually compress itself. This phenomenon, known as Piezoelectricity (literally meaning "pressing electricity"), is harnessed in quartz watches to maintain precise timekeeping by causing the crystal to oscillate thousands of times per second, with circuits converting these oscillations into a once-per-second digital beat.
Intriguing, isn't it? At Elsa Home & Beauty, we specialize in bringing the elegance of natural stone into your home, adding a touch of magic and timeless beauty to your residence.
