#River blue quartzite

[moon--meeks]

hello i have the geology flavor of autism an am so so normal about honkai star rail an have not stoped thinking about the myriad celestia trailer so im going to make a thread of fun facts about the gems/minerals each of the stone hearts are named after topaz: ❥ topaz is naturally colorless but gets its color from elemental impurites ❥ the word topaz comes from the greek word Τοπαζος (topazos) ❥topaz is most commonly used in jewelry ❥ its the state gemstone of Utah! Aventurine: ❥ Aventurine is a form of quartzite ❥ the word Aventurine comes from the italian word a ventura meaning by chance ❥ its a mineral! not a gem! ❥ green aventurine is the most common Jade: ❥ Jade is actually the common term two diffrent minerals, nephrite an jadeite. ❥ nephrite is usually darker than jadeite due to it haveing more amphibole an jadeite having more pyroxene ❥ the word jade comes from the french l'ejade meaning kidney area Sugilite: ❥ imma be honest i havent heard of this mineral before the trailer droped an thats probably because its very new as it was discovered in 1944! ❥ sugilite was discovered by Kenichi Sugi who it was named after ❥ most sugilite is purple or pink Agate: ❥ Agate is the common term for the banded variety of chalcedony ❥ the word comes from the ancient greek word for the dirllo river, Achates where it is said to first be discovered ❥ Agate is formed from lava an volcanic rocks Pearl: ❥Pearl is not a mineral as it comes from living creatures making it an organic material ❥ pearls are made of the same thing shells (an tums!), calcium carbonate ❥ natural pearls were most commonly found in the persian gulf Sapphire: ❥ Sapphire is the blue variety of corundum, the second hardest mineral on the mohs hardness scale ❥ the word comes from the greek word σάπφειρος (sappheiros) but back then was talking about lapis lazuli ❥ Sapphire is one of the minerals used on sand paper! Amber: ❥ not a mineral, it is fossilized tree resin so it is organic material ❥ 90% of the worlds Amber is located in Lithuania ❥ the word comes from the arabic word anbar Opal: ❥ Opal is a mineraloid because its naturally occuring but doesnt have the crystaline structure of other minerals ❥ the word opal comes from the sanskirt word upala meaning jewel ❥ Opal is the national gemstone of australia Obsidian: ❥ Obsidian is classified as a rock since it is formed rapidly cooling lava ❥ this baby is VERY sharp it was used in paleolithic times to make cutting an hunting blades and was used as surgical tools ❥ the word comes from the latin lapis obsidianus

[jomindraws]

Here we are !! A little ugly, but a fairly comprehensive map of every basic rock type on Jom'Gol!

As another overview, here is a recap of the different rocks:

(Dark grey areas indicate primarily basaltic rock, light grey indicate primarily granitic rock) Igneous Rock -Granite (Orange) -Diorite (Light Pink) -Tuff (Dark Grey) -Gabbro (Red) -Basalt (Brown) -Andesite (Greyish-Red) -Rhyolite (Yellow) -Obsidian (Black)

Sedimentary Rock -Conglomerate (Light Blue) -Sandstone (Light Tan) -Shale (Navy Blue) -Breccia (Dark Green) -Limestone (Mint Green) -Chert (Purplish-Blue) -Evaporites (Lime Green)

Metamorphic Rock -Slate (Dark Purple) -Phyllite (Lilac Purple) -Schist (Magenta) -Gneiss (Bright Red) -Marble (Turquoise) -Quartzite (Pink)

Now that all these basic igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks are mapped, these will let us be able to map out MINERALS across the planet. Mapping out minerals? Yes. Too much work? Yes. Way too detailed? Yes. Insane? A smidge.

HOWEVER, the mineral map will help us greatly figure out key features of Jom'Gol. Firstly, it helps me figure out the soil types across the planet, which can very well dictate if certain types of plants can grow here, if certain events happen like flooding, or where SAND is, all things important to figuring out the distribution of life later on. Secondly, it helps me figure out where to place Karst topography. This, in combination with river maps, will let me determine where cave systems are across the planet. Lastly, when I FINALLY get around to civilization on this planet and all that JUNK, it obviously would dictate where precious resources and metals are found.

STAY TUNED BECAUSE I AM ON A ROLL

[daily-coat-of-arms]

Alta, Finnmark, Norway

A white spearhead on a blue background. The spearhead comes from a quartzite spearhead dating back to the stone age found in the area. The spearhead was quarried in the municipality and similar tools made in the municipality where used all over northern Norway. The blue represents the local river (Altaelva), sea, and mountains (Seilandstuva)

[quarry-asia]

SHADES OF TRANQUILLITY: EMBRACING THE BLUES AND THE GREENS IN NATURAL STONES

In a fast-paced world filled with chaos and stress, finding moments of tranquillity in our surroundings is a necessity. What better way to surround yourself with than natural stones that offer us a serene escape through soothing shades of blues and greens. These calming hues have the power to transform our spaces into havens of peace.

Blue and green natural stones bring an element of refinement. With their intricate veining these stones evoke a sense of grandeur and calm at the same time. Picture a bathroom adorned with blue marble, where every visit becomes a luxurious retreat.

Sodalite

Sodalite introduces an air of mystery and depth to our surroundings. It’s one of the rarest stones created by mother nature and curated by The Quarry all the way from Brazil, only for you. It unveils its rarest form of natural stone, captivating with its deep blue hues and intricate patterns. Each piece is a testament to nature's artistry, making it a prized natural stone. Explore the extraordinary allure of sodalite, a treasure brought to life through The Quarry.

Amazonica

From deep earthy browns to shimmering greens and flecks of gold, Amazonica’s colours evoke the mystical allure of the Amazon rainforest. Elevate your living space with Amazonica’s rare, rich green tones, found exclusively in South American quarries. This onyx and quartzite combination adds luxury to any space.

Amazonite

Amazonite, a true gem, mesmerises with its soothing shades of aqua and green. Its tranquil colours evoke the calming essence of flowing rivers and lush landscapes. Discover the serene beauty of Amazonite, a stone that truly captures the essence of nature.

Azul Macaubas

Azul Macaubas quartzite, with its swirling patterns of deep blues, creates a sense of movement that mimics the calming flow of water. It effortlessly adds a touch of luxury to any room, making it an ideal choice for countertops or bathrooms.

Azul Montagna

Azul Montagna is a breathtaking stone that exudes a feeling of quiet and hush. Its deep, captivating blues intertwine with delicate patterns, creating a mesmerising experience. This natural masterpiece brings serenity to any space, leaving a lasting impression.

Emerald Green

Emerald Green, a rare quartzite found in South American quarries infuses our spaces with the rejuvenating energy of nature. The lush green hues and captivating patterns remind us of vibrant forests and bring a sense of vitality indoors. Incorporating these stones into our living rooms or kitchens creates an oasis of tranquillity where we can recharge and reconnect.

Labradorite Lemurian

Labradorite Lemurian, a gentle yet magnificent stone handpicked from Madagascar is unmatched. Its blend of black-green to deep black with iridescent blue patches make it eye-catching. The stone creates a mesmerising effect when backlit. It has the power to transform every space it’s a part of.

Blue and green shades generally offer a respite from the chaos, reminding us to slow down. So, bring home Azul Macaubas quartzite, Sodalite marble, Emerald Green quartzite, and other rare natural stones from the farthest quarries and let their transformative power take you over.

The Quarry brings you the finest natural stones from all around the world. We travel across 35 countries – Brazil, Italy, Madagascar, France, Spain, Ireland, and more to find the rarest slabs of marble, granite, and rare onyx. Experience curated brilliance close to home.

[stonexpert]

The Timeless Elegance of Natural Stone: A Guide to Different Types and Uses

The popularity of natural stone as an architectural and interior designing material has cherished a major revamp and despite our preferences for the ultra-modern trends in this domain, there is a perpetual liking for the simple and rustic charms of natural stone which can totally transform any living space and building.          

Natural stone has been used as a building material since ages, and it continues to be a popular choice for homeowners, architects and interior designers today. With its remarkable durability, top-notch versatility, and natural beauty, natural stone can add a sense of timeless elegance to any architectural or interior design project.  

Exploring the Beauty and Diversity of Natural Stone in Architecture and Interior Design    

Let’s embark on the adventure to explore the different types of natural stone commonly used in architecture and interior design, and examine their unique qualities and characteristics.        

Marble      

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that is formed from limestone or dolomite that has been subjected to heat and pressure over time. It is a very soft and porous stone, and is prone to scratching and staining. However, marble's unique veining and coloration make it a popular choice for decorative accents like fireplace surrounds, wall cladding, and sculptures. You can also adorn your buildings with the amazing white marble jali from KW Stone.      

Granite  

Granite is a type of igneous rock that is formed from the slow cooling and solidification of molten magma beneath the earth's surface. It is a very dense and durable stone, and is resistant to scratches, heat, and staining. Granite is available in a wide range of colours and patterns, from classic black and white to more exotic hues like blue, green, and gold. It is often used for countertops, flooring, and exterior cladding.        

Sandstone  

Sandstone is a type of sedimentary rock that is composed of sand-sized grains of minerals, rocks, and organic materials. It is a relatively soft and porous stone, and is often used for exterior cladding, paving, and decorative features like columns and arches. Sandstone is available in a range of colours, from pale beige to rusty red and brown.      

Limestone  

Limestone is also a type of sedimentary rock and it is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. It is a relatively soft and porous stone, and is often used for flooring, wall cladding in stone designer walls or stone feature walls, and decorative features like columns and balustrades. Limestone is available in a range of colours, from pale beige to deep grey and blue.      

Travertine  

Travertine is a type of sedimentary rock that is formed from the deposition of calcium carbonate minerals from hot springs and rivers. It is a relatively soft and porous stone, and is often characterized by its distinctive pitted surface. Travertine is available in a range of colors, from creamy beige to rusty orange, and is often used for flooring, wall cladding, and outdoor paving.      

Slate    

Slate is a type of metamorphic rock that is formed from shale or mudstone that has been subjected to high pressure and heat over time. It is a very dense and durable stone, and is resistant to scratches, heat, and staining. Slate is available in a range of colours, from dark grey and black to green and purple, and is often used for roofing, flooring, and wall cladding.    

Quartzite  

Quartzite is a type of metamorphic rock that is formed from sandstone that has been subjected to high pressure and heat over time. It is a very dense and durable stone, and is resistant to scratches, heat, and staining. Quartzite is available in a range of colours, from white and grey to pink and red, and is often used for countertops, flooring, and wall cladding.            

Creating a Sense of Natural Beauty with Natural Stone in Architecture and Interior Design  

Along with the amazing unique qualities and characteristics, natural stone materials such as used in water jet stone jali offer many benefits for architecture and interior design projects. They are sustainable, long-lasting, and can add a sense of natural beauty and warmth to any space. Whether used for flooring, wall cladding, countertops, or decorative accents, natural stone elements from KW Stone are a versatile and timeless material choice that can elevate any architectural or interior design project.        

[surfacesbypacific]

Surfaces by Pacific is your one stop outlet for all your stone needs, right from basics to exotic stones, we have them all. The key value that sets our offering apart from the regular is the legacy of family enterprise spirit.

[sellhousefast323]

9 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Roanoke, VA

Roanoke is a popular tourist destination, whether you're a culture vulture seeking out unique museums and attractions or an active vacationer seeking out outdoor adventures. The city is a four-season destination for avid hikers, rock climbers, recreational boaters, and sportfishing enthusiasts, and is located in the picturesque Roanoke Valley in southwestern Virginia. In-town greenways, cultural diversions, diverse dining, and unique shopping discoveries await urban explorers. Whatever your vacation style, keep our list of Roanoke's top attractions and things to do handy.

1. Mill Mountain Park & the Roanoke Star

Mill Mountain Park, which is home to the famous Roanoke Star (also known as the Mill Mountain Star), has more than 10 miles of multi-use trails (hiking, walking, and biking) where visitors can experience the region's all-season natural beauty.

Take the Mill Mountain Star Trail, a 3.5-mile round-trip from the base trail, to the summit of Mill Mountain, the city's highest point at 1,703 feet, for a moderately challenging hike. Hikers are rewarded with two scenic overlooks atop the mountain after climbing 838 feet in elevation. The Star Trail parking lot, located just off Riverland Road SE at the Star/Wood Thrush Connector, has plenty of free parking and clear signage.

Connect with the short Watchtower Trail for the best panoramic views and photos right at the base of the Roanoke Star, one of Virginia's most famous landmarks. The National Register of Historic Landmarks has listed this unusual landmark, which was built in 1949 as a temporary Christmas decoration by the local merchants association. The giant star, at 89 feet in height, is America's largest star. It is visible from up to 60 miles away and is lit every evening until midnight.

Hikers are welcome to bring their leashed dogs, and there are picnic tables, restrooms, and water along the Mill Mountain Spur Trail en route to the Discovery Center, a naturalist centre with exhibits on the park, local wildlife, and trail maps. Mill Mountain Zoo, a small but lively enclave with local critters such as the Indian crested porcupine, red wolf, and yellow-spotted side-necked turtle, will appeal to children of all ages.

2. Carvins Cove Natural Reserve

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve, with more than 60 miles of trails surrounding an 800-acre reservoir, is known among locals as a haven for off-road mountain biking. The reserve, which is the second largest municipal park in the United States, spans nearly 13,000 acres, the majority of which is protected by the state of Virginia's largest conservation easement.

Trail maps are available for purchase, and bikers can get local advice on which trails are best suited for their experience level at Just The Right Gear, a cycling shop near the Bennett Springs parking lot (one of three reserve entrances — the others are Marina and Timber View). There are also rentals of high-end bikes and gear.

On the Easy Street, Kit & Kaboodle, The Skillet, and Enchanted Forest trails, beginners will find a gentler rise and more flats. On the Comet, Gauntlet, Hoe Trail, and Clownshead, riders seeking more difficult challenges will get exactly what they want. On the most difficult trails, expect to gain up to 2,400 feet in elevation.

Along these well-kept trails, riders will encounter packed dirt, loose gravel, and tamped soil. Canoeing (equipment rentals and instruction are available) and fishing are also popular activities at Carvins Cove.

3. Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake, one of Virginia's most popular — and the state's largest — has nearly 500 miles of shoreline, earning it the title of "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains." Because state fisheries keep the lake well stocked, SML, as it's known by locals, has an especially impressive striped bass population. Anglers can book half- or full-day charters with a number of licenced guides who have plenty of experience traversing the 21,000-acre lake. They'll provide bait, equipment, and all of the necessary expertise to ensure that those fishing have a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

Crappies, bluegills, largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as stripers, are among the tasty fish that make freshwater fishing at SML a popular tourist destination.

Waterskiing and wakeboarding, boating and sailing, and jet skiing are all fun activities to do on the lake. Swimming is also available at a family-friendly beach, and there are several golf courses nearby.

4. Roanoke Valley Greenways

The interconnected Roanoke Valley Greenway allows visitors to walk or bike along miles of trails in the area, which are safe, well-populated, and well-maintained. A popular trail in and around Roanoke is right along the Roanoke River, where deer, herons, geese, and other wildlife can be seen even in the city. Vic Thomas Park, just off Memorial Drive south of the river, is a great place to start your exploration. From there, you can easily join the Roanoke River Greenway.

A short distance away is the well-known Black Dog Salvage. Every visit to this nationally recognised purveyor of reclaimed architectural, commercial, and industrial fixtures and elements yields a fascinating, one-of-a-kind inventory. Visitors come from all 50 states to see Black Dog, which specialises in doors, windows, wrought iron, period lighting, garden statuary, and other specialty home components.

Head southeast on the Roanoke River Greenway towards Wasena Park after visiting Black Dog. At the Wasena Skate Park, kids can be seen hanging ten on their longboards. The park is always bustling with activity, and the locals' fancy footwork on their skateboards and blades is entertaining to watch.

On your way to the Tinker Creek Greenway, continue on the greenway and cross the Mill Mountain Greenway. Follow that road north for less than a mile and reward yourself with a picnic at Fallon Park's picnic area.

5. Taubman Museum of Art

The Taubman Museum of Art, one of the city's newest attractions (it opened in 2008), is a must-see for art lovers and casual culture consumers alike. The museum's permanent collection of 2,000 unique pieces is spread across 11 different galleries, including works by Thomas Cowperthwaite Eakins, Purvis Young, and John Cage, and is housed in a stunning modern design by renowned architect Randall Stout.

Visiting exhibits featuring work by some of America's best artists, including John James Audubon and Norman Rockwell, to name a few, are common. Photographic, folk art, and design-related exhibits are among the other highlights.

If you're travelling with children, look into children's programmes, such as hands-on workshops and interactive displays. On-site amenities include a café.

6. McAfee Knob

McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed places on the Appalachian Trail, thanks to its incredible vistas and spectacular rock overhang perch. The 3.5 miles of intermediate-to-difficult trails that lead up to the knob from the Virginia 311 parking lot are popular with hikers.

Climbers know it for the more than 70 gnarly sandstone and slick quartzite boulders that make for days of mini-summits. The majority of boulders are between 10 and 20 feet tall, with many crimps, jugs, pockets, and edges. Bring pads, lunch, and a buddy; it's never a good idea to go rock climbing alone, and McAfee is often deserted.

Another popular recreational area in Roanoke is the recently re-opened Explore Park, which is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The park features 1,100 acres of breathtaking scenery, numerous walking and hiking trails, as well as thrilling ziplines and a treetop adventure course that is appropriate for families with younger children. It also has a visitor centre and a gift shop, as well as camping and rustic cabins.

7. Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve

Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve is a popular destination for birders, nature lovers, and photographers. Bottom Creek, located less than 20 miles south of Roanoke, is one of the most important headwaters for the Roanoke River, and it offers visitors several well-marked trails to enjoy the vast hardwood forest, unspoiled landscape, and Virginia's second highest waterfall.

For the best vantage point to photograph the 200-foot cascading waterfall, the second tallest in Virginia, photographers should take the Red Trail (the longest trail here, at five miles round-trip). Bring a long/telephoto lens because the overlook at the end of the trail offers a clear, open shot, but the falls are a long way away. A side path off the Yellow Trail leads to other viewpoints of the falls.

8. Roanoke City Market

The historic City Market, also known as the Farmers' Market by locals, is open all year and offers boutique shopping, local produce, flowers, meat and cheese, local dining favourites, and some of Virginia's best people-watching. Pay close attention to the market's four mosaic tiled entrances, each of which contains over 2,000 pounds of porcelain tiles that reveal a little bit of the history of this storied public space.

9. Roanoke Pinball Museum

We’ve recently started a new family hobby – vintage record collecting! In keeping with this new found connection over the beloved old, we were delighted to take our girls to the Roanoke Pinball Museum and show them how we entertained ourselves long before the internet.

From the 1932 styles to the slightly more modern Munster’s machine which had a baby pinball inside the bigger one to play, you could get lost in here playing over 65 machines for hours.

Prime Home Buyers is a real estate brokerage firm based in Roanoke, United States. We are known for offering an easy and quick house-selling experience to our clients.

We offer upfront selling solutions to our clients, satisfying their requirements. We have been serving as real estate investors for over a decade and know all the tricks of this trade. Prime Home Buyers can provide you with the best real estate offerings and prices. We are the experts you are looking for if you want to sell your house fast and at the best price. Besides our expertise in buying houses, we also provide commercial property investment.

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[earthstory]

Australia’s Blue Mountains

The Three Sisters (pictured) in Blue Mountain National Park draw millions of visitors each year. Aboriginal legend says that they are 3 sisters turned into stone for protection; geologically, they are the result of hundreds of millions of years of deposition, uplift, volcanic activity, and erosion.

The Blue Mountains are on a base of rocks that can be up to 470 million years old. Much of it is quartzite that has been folded and faulted by movements of the Earth. This movement caused the area to be flooded from the east creating a shallow sea. Between 250 and 280 million years ago, rivers and streams deposited large quantities of sediments onto the sea floor in horizontal layers, eventually reaching 500 meters thick. Time and pressure turned these sediments into shales, siltstones, and mudstones. Coal seams formed wherever swampy areas along the shoreline piled dead vegetation onto the sediment.

250 million years ago, during the Triassic Period, large rivers begin to dump sand on top of the sediments. The weight of the sand and sediments caused the region to sink, forming a basin, which continued to fill with sand. The subsidence created conditions where heat and pressure could turn the sediments into hard rock, while the sand deposits above compacted and cemented into layers of sandstone 300 meters thick.

About 170 million years ago, tectonic activity caused the region to uplift creating the plateau that is now The Blue Mountains, and putting an end to the sand deposition. The hard rock bent and flexed under the upward forces, but the sandstone fractured into vertical cracks called joints. Volcanic activity related to the uplift started 150 million years ago, adding basalt lava to the mix. Some of the eruptions were as recent as 17 million year ago.

Water, wind, temperature, and gravity are now the dominate forces shaping the plateau. Sandstone resists erosion, but the softer shales and coals are more vulnerable. Weathering can erode and cause the softer rocks to break, undermining the sandstone, particularly along the vertical joints. This is what creates the magnificent formations like The Three Sisters. The Sisters were once part of the cliff at Echo Point, but erosion undermined the sandstone and massive blocks of rocks broke off of the cliff, leaving behind the 3 massive pinnacles.

Blue Mountains National Park is part of the Greater Blue Mountain Area, which was declared a UN World Heritage Site in 2000. They are located in New South Wales.

RE

Photo Credit: David Iliff http://bit.ly/1P5kFfA

References: http://bit.ly/1xIPL7k

http://bit.ly/1qucIHT

[villeville-chronicles]

Idea: new natural, enchanted forest island with forest animal villagers.

I don't want to delete my current island because I do like it and I'd miss my villagers. I'd have to get another Switch to hook up to my pc monitor, or wait until they allow multiple islands on one account. Until that happens, this is a thought experiment.

I'm thinking of calling the island "Quartzite." I'd pick an island with one east or west facing river. There would be lots of meaningful terraforming, with villagers houses and other buildings scattered around the island. I'd use a lot of hyacinth lamps, as well as mush lamps. I want to use purple roses, purple hyacinths,, blue roses, and white windflowers. The island would be forested with cedar trees. There'd be a lot of wooden details.

As for villagers, here's my list:

Bill the duck,

Tasha the squirrel (has markings like a skunk),

Blaire the squirrel,

Kyle the wolf,

Maple the cub,

Bonbon the rabbit,

Grizzly the bear,

Beau the deer,

Deirdre the deer,

Prince the frog.

I can't wait until they allow multiple islands on one account!

[bhandarimarblekishangarh]

GRANITE- THE SUPER STONE

HUGE VARIETY OF GRANITE ONLY AVAILABLE AT BHANDARI MARBLE GROUP:

WHAT IS GRANITE?

Granite is a natural stone that is quarried in many countries around the globe. Granite and Quartzite are the names that are used interchangeably wherever stone tile and slabs are sold. True Granite is a porous, igneous rock that has any number of chemical compositions that include a quartz base. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that has a higher percentage of quartz in its chemical makeup than granite does. For the record, true quartzite is harder than true granite. But, don’t get too caught up in the name of the stone because regardless of which it is, geologically speaking, it has the same purpose.

TYPES OF GRANITE

Granite is one of the most popular countertop materials. Granite is a durable choice for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, bar tops, and more. Since there are thousands of unique colors of granite, it is the perfect natural stone to fit the décor of any project. At BHANDARI MARBLE GROUP, our service, equipment, and materials are second to none. • Aspen White • Cosmic Black • Butterfly Green • Lapidus Gold • Sucuri White • Labradorite Green • Black Pearl • River White • Giallo Fiesta • Original Peacock Green • Alaska White • Black Thunder • Blue Eyes Granite • Costa Esmeralda • Netuno Bordeaux • Namibian Gold • New Caledonia • New Kashmir White • New Tunas Granite • New Venetian Gold • Oxford White • Salone Granite • Santa Cecilia • Santa Cecilia Brasil • Sea Pearl Granite • Tan Brown Granite • White Kanawa • Giallo Renoir • Giallo Sole • Golden Eagle • Juparana Exotica Super • Juparana Vyara • Delicatus Cream • Altair Granite • Silver Paradiso • Golden Valley • Itaunas White

Since it’s a naturally occurring igneous rock and isn’t man-made, you’re adding an element of natural luxury to your space without breaking the budget. There are literally hundreds of designs and color options to choose from, so there is bound to be a perfect slab out there for you. Is there anything out there more popular than white counters right now? They’re popping up in kitchens everywhere and for good reason. They coordinate with just about any cabinet color and it’s a classic yet elegant look.

DETAILS OF SOME COMMON TYPES OF GRANITE

WHITE GRANITE

White Granite is harder to find than black or brown granite. All granite and Marble gets its name from the background color. Some white granite slabs have veins similar to marble while others may have a spattering of freckles in either brown, gray, black or red and may include a sprinkling of blue throughout. White granite is a granite that is composed primarily of quartz minerals. The small black specks in the granite above are likely small amphibole grains.

RIVER WHITE GRANITE

River white on shaker style cabinets with laminate floors that look like hardwood. Since this design can be stretched along the length of the kitchen work surface, it can make any countertop look longer than it actually is. Like the currents of a river, you’ll find that the sweeping lines of this white granite countertop perfectly complement any kitchen design.

KASHMIR WHITE GRANITE

Kashmir white granite with a glass tile backsplash and chrome faucet. If you’re looking for a white stone with just a bit of texture, choosing Kashmir White Granite is an excellent choice. The salt and pepper look of the stone discreetly cloaks small countertop messes, which are harder to hide on light monochromatic countertops that have less variation. If you’re having trouble finding it at your local stone yard cotton white is a similar alternative.

HIMALAYAN WHITE GRANITE

This stone is one of the most greys of the white choices, which means it would add contrast to any light-colored kitchen. It has even been used by some designers as a marble substitute for projects with a lower price point. It’s one of the cheaper options on this list, which means you can start your remodel immediately without any regrets. So if the stone you pick is completely black it’s likely gabbro, which makes for an excellent kitchen work surface, but you should know that all black slabs aren’t really granite even though that’s most likely what they are being called.

ABSOLUTE BLACK GRANITE

This is the purest black granite that you’ll find, with little to no traces of any other colors found in it. Absolute black is a great choice to create the high contrast black and white kitchen you may have been daydreaming about and it looks great polished or honed.

BLACK GALAXY GRANITE

Black galaxy is the perfect name for this variety as it channels the look of a rural night sky. With small white flecks resembling the stars, this is a more family-friendly choice than absolute black since the flecks will help mask any messes and smudges, much like Ubatuba does.

BROWN PEARL GRANITE

Brown pearl granite counters polished to a highly reflective surface with a glass tile backsplash and chrome hardware. These brown pearl counters are polished to such a highly reflective surface you can see the faucet in them. For those looking for something, a bit on the wild side, brown pearl granite is a great choice. Brown pearl incorporates brown, black, and white to create a look that nearly resembles a mosaic and looks much more expensive than it actually is.

There’s no limit to the different cabinet and countertop combinations that you can do in your kitchen. Bhandari Marble Group Offer Some of the most popular options are to have contrasting cabinets and counters, but you don’t have to play by those rules. Bhandari Marble Group helps you to mix and match colors according to your need so you can get creative stone samples up to painted cabinet doors until the perfect combination turns up. Believe us when we tell you that the perfect combo will turn up, and when you see it you’ll know instantly that that’s exactly the one you’ve been looking for.

Bhandari Marble Group Team help us to create a new look for our kitchen. It’s been nearly two years now since our kitchen was done and we still don’t have a backsplash installed. Don’t be like us, make sure you pick everything out together and get it all installed at once.

FINISH OPTIONS

For even more options, any slab can be finished in a variety of different ways. Finish Options • Polished • Leathered • Honed • Flamed

Polished A polished finish can bring elegance to the look by giving off a reflective mirror-like finish to the stone.                                                                

Leathered A leathered surface is textured and is not glossy at all. They’re great if you’re concerned about etching or staining because the imperfections will be less noticeable.

Honed A happy medium between polished and leather is honed. Honed finishes are smooth, matte finishes, that may still be slightly glossy depending on when the fabricator stopped working the stone. Like leather, honed is also a great choice if you want to hide any wear and tear the stone may endure. This honed work surface will hide wear and tear much better than a polished one.

Flamed Flamed has a bumpier finish that is perfect for any heavy-duty usage from outdoor kitchens to shower flooring. Granite is the most versatile and budget-friendly choice of any stone, which makes it the perfect way to add luxury to your home. Tags: Granite, Imported Marble, Indian Marble, Italian Marble, Onyx Marble Marble and Granite One of Our Premium Products

About Various  Type of Marbles, Stone                                                                                                                                    

Kitchen countertops have a great impact on the value of the home, so it is important to choose just the right material for you and any potential homebuyer when the time comes. Granite countertop is a top favorite for many people, so that is a safe choice. The problem is granite comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. They range from neutral colors such as white, black, and brown to exotic and bold colors such as reds, greens, and blues. It can be hard to choose the right one that will show your kitchen in the best light, and you have to get it right the first time because it is a considerable investment. Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to help you through this difficult time. granite countertop that matches the dominant color of the kitchen Designers often choose one element as a basis for creating a color scheme for the kitchen. When choosing granite, you have two choices. Pick out the primary color in the granite that best matches the dominant color in the kitchen, which is usually the cabinets, or go for a subtler approach by finding matching veins or streaks. For example, if you have white cabinets, you can choose granite with a white background or with white veins.

Pick a pattern                                                                                     ��            modern kitchen with stunning granite countertop Most people focus on the color of granite to pick the right one, but the pattern can actually be a better hook in some cases. If you have a colorful or rather busy kitchen design, you might want to choose granite with a more or less solid look as a contrast. On the other hand, if you have a monochromatic or simple kitchen, choose granite with a flamboyant pattern. For example, if you have Shaker-style or flat-panel cabinets, a marble pattern can provide a good accent for it. Consider some popular pairs oak cabinets with dark granite Some pairings just work for some reason. You can use that to get some inspiration when choosing granite countertops. Here are some tried-and-tested pairings to get you started: • Very dark hardwood cabinets i.e. mahogany and gold or neutral granite countertops • Lightwood Granite black or other dark-colored granite • Deep brown cabinets and green-hued granite • Rich red cabinets, i. e. cherry and white, green, or earth tone granite Some rules of thumb

If the above tips are not really helping, check out some rules of thumb for granite colors below. Black granite black granite countertops It will not always work, but if you have a neutral or monochromatic kitchen, black granite will usually give it an elegant look. This works best in large or well-lighted kitchens because black granite usually has a good sprinkling of white or silver specks to reflect the light. If you have a smaller kitchen, you can still use black granite if you pair it with white cabinets. The black will make the white float and make it the focal point of the kitchen for a modern look. Black granite is not true granite, but a granitoid, most probably gabbro or basalt. It makes no real difference when it comes to kitchen countertops, however, as it is just as good as true granite.

White granite

white granite countertops It is not easy to find pure white granite, as they usually have a good amount of other colors mixed up in there. The most common granite slabs are in the gray, brown, beige, and pink hues, but if you do find white granite, it would be a fantastic choice with shiny, sleek appliances to give your kitchen a contemporary touch. On the other hand, if you have vintage or retro appliances, white granite. White is always a good choice because it goes with almost anything. You just have to be careful to find one that has some depth, or your kitchen will look lifeless.

Red granite

red granite countertops Deep red granite is quite rare, and it can be a bold stroke to use in the kitchen. Red tends to dominate, so it may just be too much red in one spot. You can pull it off if you have cabinets in a neutral color to rein it back a bit. You can also find red granite in a variety of shades, usually mixed with white, silver, yellow, or blue highlights, and these are usually easier to match than a pure red. Red granite can give your kitchen either a bright or dramatic look, depending on the shade you.

Add by expert and export team of BHANDARI MARBLE GROUP INDIA RAJASTHAN KISHANGARH.

[4-of-cups]

I was thinking about the floor mosaics at the airport I work at and it turns out there’s a lot more than I thought! So I wanted to post them here because they’re just really nice and I wish there were better pictures (especially of “You Are Here” because that one’s my favorite and the picture is just so bad). All the descriptions and images are from this website!

(Also a note, these descriptions were written before they changed the checkpoints at Terminal 1. So if you’re ever in Minneapolis looking for these, checkpoint 1 is now North Checkpoint, and checkpoint 5 is now South Checkpoint. There is no 2-4 anymore.)

--

A BOREAL TRIAD

Is located in Terminal 1-Lindbergh and consists of three inlaid stone floors entitled MINNESOTA COMPASS ROSE, THE NORTH STAR, and PLANT, ANIMAL, SEASON. All three designs are aligned to magnetic North and were installed in 1999.

MINNESOTA COMPASS ROSE

A romantic icon of travel, the compass rose is a map-derived image emphasizing the idea of The North. Its northerly “N” is set within a northern red oak leaf, a plant native to Minnesota. A snowflake at the center of the design celebrates Minnesota’s extravagant winter. The juxtaposition of the curved and jagged edges within the design’s offset concentric circles is a symbolic rendering of fire and ice. Artists: Andrea Myklebust and Stanton G. Sears Located post-security in the Airport Mall near Checkpoint 5 at Terminal 1-Lindbergh

THE NORTH STAR

This mosaic features a constellation map of the Big and Little Dippers and Ursa Major and Minor. In the same way we are taught to find the North Star in the night sky, the two pointer stars of the Big Dipper act as a guide to Polaris, the ornate star at the center of the composition. The design is a reference to Minnesota, “The North Star State,” and depicts native fauna in the bears, the band of cardinals, and sunfish in the outer edge of the circle. Artists: Andrea Myklebust and Stanton G. Sears Located post-security in the Airport Mall near Checkpoint 4 at Terminal 1-Lindbergh

PLANT, ANIMAL, SEASON

At the center of the design, the snowflake appears again as an echo of the Compass Rose. Quilt-like patterns emerge in the succeeding circles, depicting bands of the leaves of native trees and Minnesota fish species. The outermost pattern is formed of native animal tracks – moose, bear, deer, raccoon, beaver, bobcat, and wolf. Flying over these patterns, as though in aerial view, is a great goose. Artists: Andrea Myklebust and Stanton G. Sears Located post-security in the Airport Mall near Checkpoint 3 at Terminal 1-Lindbergh

BIG WOODS SUMMER

This floor design incorporates images of native Minnesota wildflowers in a seasonal progression from spring to winter. A smaller ring in the design is composed of images of evergreen trees, a lake with boats and docks, and a sunburst design which is centered in the rotunda space. It is composed of granite, marble, stainless steel, brass, and is approximately 25 feet in diameter. It was installed in 2001. Artists: Andrea Myklebust and Stanton G. Sears Located near gate C13 in the Concourse C Rotunda at Terminal 1-Lindbergh

MEMORY PIECE

The terrazzo floor mosaic in the atrium linking MSP Lindbergh Terminal concourses A, B, and C was designed shortly after September 11, 2001, and was influenced by the tragedies of that day. While the native wilderness and spatial themes are consistent with other mosaics at the airport, there are also subtle representations honoring the victims of 9/11: an outline of a plane in a star field, four eagles representing the four commercial planes lost to terrorists, a fiery wheel symbolic of heaven, and black bands around each design as tokens of mourning. The artwork acknowledges the magnitude of September’s tragic events while also celebrating the new facilities and their importance as a conduit for those traveling to and from Minnesota. Artists: Andrea Myklebust and Stanton G. Sears Located in the A-B Rotunda at Terminal 1-Lindbergh

YOU ARE HERE

“You are Here,” installed in 2005 in the North Atrium of MSP Lindbergh Terminal, is twenty feet in diameter and made of granite, marble, and aluminum. Imagery in the artwork is drawn from aeronautical charts of the Minneapolis-St. Paul region. The locations and identification codes of airports administered by the Metropolitan Airports Commission are noted, as are a number of navigational beacons. A border of symbols used in aviation weather maps encircles the work, and a smaller circle comprised of snowflake and sun imagery connects the work thematically with other floor mosaics created by the artists in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Artists: Andrea Myklebust and Stanton G. Sears Located post-security in the Airport Mall near Checkpoint 1 at Terminal 1-Lindbergh

DRAGONFLY

The work spans the width of the LRT platform and responds to airfoil-inspired sculptural elements designed by the architects, which are suspended from the ceiling. The primordial wing below contrasts with the modern wings above. The piece is completed by a band of native Minnesota stone tiles extending across the platform on a diagonal with the wing. Dragonfly is approximately 30 by 45 feet in size, and incorporates epoxy terrazzo, Minnesota stone tiles, and water-jet cut and hand-bent aluminum. It was unveiled with the opening of the LRT in December, 2004. Artists: Andrea Myklebust and Stanton G. Sears Located at the Light Rail Transit Station at Terminal 1-Lindbergh (Photo from here, because the one on the first article was. awful.)

NIGHTLIGHTS

NightLights is a 2,100 square foot terrazzo floor inspired by nighttime views from the windows of airplanes. In a field of deep color, clusters of brightly colored epoxy terrazzo and glass are scattered like jewels in a dark cloth. At first glance, the patterns suggest galaxies, star clusters or constellations, but a closer inspection reveals that the patterns are generated by human activity: the big cities, small towns, and thoroughfares of commerce and transportation. At the center of the designs (and the center of the terminal building itself), is a circular medallion depicting the pattern of the runways and taxiways of the MSP International Airport. Intersecting this central motif is a forty-five foot wide ellipse within which are playful illustrations related to faraway places in the directions indicated. Art elements in the pieces were generated using opalescent glass rods, colored epoxy terrazzo, brass, and water-jet cut zinc plate. Overall dimensions of the work are approximately 27’ x 90’ and more than 1,500 individual elements comprise the “lights” in the map-like design. The CAD design for the project was completed by Minneapolis artist Brad Kaspari. It was installed in 2001. Artists: Andrea Myklebust and Stanton G. Sears Located pre-security near Checkpoint 2 at Terminal 2-Humphrey

STARWHEEL

Starwheel reflects the beauty and diversity of the Minnesota landscape and the historical movement of people across these ecotones— beneath the movement of the stars. There are a number of constellations visible in the floor, including the North Star Polaris and the Little Dipper. All the other stars spin around Polaris which serves as a longstanding navigational marker of the night sky.

Minnesota’s tall grass prairie is depicted in thin 16-gauge divider strip on both ends of the design which appear and disappear into the dark sea of blue and yellows as you walk across the floor. The navigational waterways—both rivers and lakes of Minnesota—are evoked through the large abstract depiction of a canoe’s ribs, thwarts and inwales. Numerous silver-coated, mirrored and mother-of-pearl shell pieces in the floor are meant to evoke the reflection of stars on the surface of the water.

To convey a sense of navigation and discovery, the image of an astrolabe which is set to the exact latitude for this section of the airport. The Museum of the History of Science at Oxford describes the astrolabe this way, “With ancient origins and a two thousand year history, the astrolabe illuminates astronomy, time-telling, astrology and religion across cultures, time and place.” There are more than 2,000 functions for the astrolabe, so it becomes the GPS, smartphone and even computer of centuries past. The Roman numerals tell another story of time and time-keeping which is ever present in airport travel itineraries. Other directional and wayfinding markers are layered into the design with reference to the wonder of the petroglyphs inscribed into the Sioux Red Quartzite at Jeffers Petroglyph Park.

As airline passengers and visitors pass through this terminal, I want them to connect their own travels and adventures in Minnesota and beyond to this larger movement of history and discovery. The story of humanity is one of a great journey: in a sense, we are all travelers. We locate ourselves in the stories that evoke our comings and goings, affirmed by the imagery which guides us in our discoveries of what might lie ahead and in our returning home. Artist: Scott Parsons Located pre-security near Checkpoint 1 at Terminal 2-Humphrey

[maverickcomposites65-blog]

What You require To Know About Wooden Boat Building Supplies

The Signal: For this method the stone needs to be at minimum 20mm thick or thicker. Most all-natural stone house indicators satisfy this necessity. The stone itself requirements to be drill-able, not granite or quartzite. If you plan forward, your sign-maker should be in a position to drill the signal for you. This solitary pin fixing will maintain a sign up to ten kilo's based on the quality of the pin.

While working with PCB, the first thing you must consider is PCB Production. Of program it is an essential job. The PCB manufacturing is made up of certain procedures. There are various materials that are utilized for the manufacture of PCB. The conducting layers are developing up utilizing copper foil. The epoxy resin prepreg is used to laminate dielectric insulating layers. A solder masking of eco-friendly colour is applied to the board. The remaining colors available are red and blue. Riviera doesn't just offer longboards, though. They go for conventionalstyles, but that doesn't imply they don't have lots of types to select from. 1 of their uniquedesigns is the locker board. This board gets its title from the fact that it's smallsufficient epoxy resin for wood to place into your locker! This is a fantasticchoice for these who skate to college, and you gained't find locker boards provided by any other business out there. Riviera created this board because of customersuggestions. They pay attention to their clients and takesuggestions on what wild new style to arrive up with subsequent. The sealing kits his item was replacing had several deficiencies. These sealing kits used a two-component foam resin to create the seals. The resin was contained in two independent parts of a large syringe, about an inch in diameter and eight inches lengthy. To activate live edge river table had to use the plunger to break the seal and combine the two resins with each other. Then you removed the plunger, switching it to the other finish of the syringe to inject it into the conduit that needs sealing. New service I have really loved in the last two years is Resin. There have been so most kinds of resins popping up and so numerous functions that it is too numerous to expose them all. I will likely speak about the most popular which is a UV resin or a resin that cures in daylight or under a UV mild. The other is a two component ecopoxy liquid plastic . For numerous many years resins have been recognized to be very hazardous and toxic and that has been an issue for numerous to use it for jewellery creating. The brand new editions do claim that they are non-poisonous with out a powerful odor and you do not have to worry about the ventilation of the area you are operating in. They also make Lil Buddy boards for the half-pint skaters. Kids who want to skate just like daddy can start obtaining radical as quickly as they start college. What much better way to teach children the joys of skating? If you are at a loss as to which sealer to get, verify out the label of the item. Scan through its attributes and salient points. If you understand a trustworthy brand, you can purchase that one. Step three - There are limitless possibilities when it arrives to pictures to use in the venture. From previous yr book photos to a preferred pin up design, it's really up to you. If you're searching for ideas, try leafing through 1 of your favorite publications. If you're interested in music, attempt searching for a guitar. If you'd like a pendant of your mother, ask to borrow a batch of old photos. Distinctive and fascinating photo jewellery can be offered or donated to help increase cash for charity.

[hmollik]

Blue John Coins Rising Cryptocurrency Backed By The Real Gold And A Parent Company With 200+ Years Of Mining Experience

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Overview

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The mine claims include the famous Blue John Mine, Victor Mine, and the Paystreak Mine. The property consists of 1,380 acres of Forest Service Mining Claims in the historical Walker Mining District. The small unincorporated community of Walker is 12 miles by paved road of Prescott, Az. The mine site is reached by traveling additional 2 miles west on gravel and dirt roads.

Several of the mines on the property have been producers in the past and the most notable being the Victor, Blue John, Curtis, King Pin and the Paystreak.

Mining activity began in 1883 in the Northern Bradshaw Mountains with the discovery of gold placers along Lynx Creek and in the Hassayampa River. Lynx Creek was one of the richest streams in the region for placer gold due to the number of gold-bearing veins near the granodiorite stocks (Lindgren, 1926). The creek was mined for many miles downstream from Walker. Most of the richer gravels were depleted by 1900. These claims

lay with an enriched zone that starts in Old Mexico and passes through Quartzite then swings northeast through Wickenburg and continues into the Prescott National Forest and the district of Groom and Walker are in this mile wide enriched zone. In many of the mines where there are stopes and tunnels that go back into the mountain the ceilings look like the roof of an unfinished house because the veins resemble roof rafters there are so many of them. 

Next to these claims is the Senator mine and it was one of the richest mines in Arizona.

More info: http://bluejohncoin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BJ-Coins-112170901457104

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[eyesonworldcultures]

More of The World’s Strangest Natural Wonders

Legend has it that the Asbyrgi Canyon in northern Iceland was created when the hoof of a Norse god’s horse touched the earth, slicing through 300-foot-tall cliffs and flattening an area just over two miles long and more than a half mile wide. The likelier scientific explanation is that two periods of glacial flooding carved the canyon between 3,000 and 10,000 years ago. But standing atop the cliffs, with the green carpet of the horseshoe-shaped canyon spread before you, it’s fun to imagine otherwise.

Lake Retba, Senegal

It looks as if someone poured a giant bottle of Pepto-Bismol into Lake Retba—that’s how deeply pink these waters are. The color is actually caused by a particular kind of algae called Dunaliella salina that produces a pigment. The salt content is extremely high, reaching 40 percent in some spots and allowing the algae to thrive (and swimmers to float effortlessly on the surface of the 10-foot-deep lake). Blinding white piles of salt line the shores, and locals work several hours a day harvesting salt from the bright pink water.

 Marble Caves of Chile

Six thousand years of wave erosion created the undulating patterns that give these caves their marbleized effect, enhanced by the reflection of the blue and green water of Carrera Lake, near Chile’s border with Argentina. Although the area is threatened by a plan to build a dam nearby, for now, visitors can kayak throughout the caves on days when the waters are calm.

Travertine Pools

Pamukkale, Turkey

People have sought the reputed healing effects of bathing here for thousands of years. The water that flows from 17 subterranean hot springs into the pools has an extremely high concentration of calcium carbonate, which forms soft deposits when it hits the surface. Those viscous white deposits harden over time until the springs resemble a fountain made of chalk or, as indicated by the poetic translation of Pamukkale, a “cotton castle” visible from more than 10 miles away. 

Moeraki Boulders, New Zealand

The spherical stones that line New Zealand’s Moeraki Beach reach up to seven feet in diameter and have been compared to everything from the marbles of giants to colossal dinosaur eggs to half-submerged prehistoric turtles, ready to stand up and shake off the sand at any moment. They’re actually concretions, masses of compacted sediment formed below ground more than 50 million years ago. As the sand that surrounds them erodes, they seem to rise to the surface as if pushed up from the center of the earth. The stones are also found on Bowling Ball Beach in Mendocino, CA, as well as elsewhere in the U.S. and Canada and Russia.

 Caño Cristales River, Colombia

Folks make the journey into central Colombia’s Serranéa de la Macarena national park to see why Caño Cristales has inspired nicknames like the River of Five Colors, the Liquid Rainbow, and even the Most Beautiful River in the World. It’s important to get the timing right: when the water reaches the perfect levels (usually between July and December), it becomes a kaleidoscope of pink, green, blue, and yellow as a plant called the Macarenia clavigera, which lives on the river floor, gets the sun it needs to bloom into an explosion of colors.

The Eye of the Sahara (Richat Structure; Mauritania

This enormous depression, circular in shape and stretching 25 miles wide, is like a bull’s-eye mark in the middle of an otherwise flat and featureless area of Mauritania desert. Visible from space, it has been a landmark for astronauts since the earliest missions. The Eye isn’t the result of any target practice by aliens; rather, it formed as winds eroded the different layers of sediment, quartzite, and other rocks at varying depths.

Spotted Lake, British Columbia

It looks almost as if you could play Twister on Spotted Lake near Osoyoos, less than a mile from the Washington State border. Each summer, most of the water in this mineral-rich lake evaporates, leaving behind large concentrations of salt, titanium, calcium, sulfates, and other minerals that form a polka-dot pattern in shades of green, yellow, and brown circles of varying size. The lake is a sacred site to the First Nations of the Okanagan Valley, and the land on which it sits is private property owned by the Indian Affairs Department. You won’t actually be able to get up close to the lake, but you can get a good look from the nearby road.

 The Stone Forest (Shilin; China)

Many of the trees within the forest in China’s remote Yunnan Province are rock hard, literally. The area, which spans nearly 200 square miles, was underwater 270 million years ago, and the sea floor was covered with limestone sediment. Gradually, the seabed rose and the water dried up. As rain and wind eroded the weaker rock, the stronger limestone spires began to take shape. Now they rise skyward, surrounded by leafy trees.

  Blood Falls, Antarctica

A shockingly macabre shade of what looks like blood cascades down the pale face of Taylor Glacier. When scientists first discovered these falls in the McMurdo Dry Valleys in 1911, they thought algae colored the dark red water that spewed from a crack in the glacier. It turns out the hue comes from high iron levels in the falls’ source, a pool buried 1,300 feet below the ice. In a sinister twist, the landscape is so arid that when seals and penguins wander inland and get lost, they never decompose; their remains are left strewn about.

Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland

One of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, Giant’s Causeway earned its name from the 40,000 basalt columns that interlock to form what looks like a walkway fit for a colossus. The stones, mostly hexagonal in shape, formed 60 million years ago when underground lava flows cooled into formations as tall as 39 feet high and 18 inches in diameter. It was comparatively recently—about 15,000 years ago—that the soil around the seaside stones eroded and they became visible above ground.

The Waves

Coyote Buttes

Arizona & Utah

Wind and rain have worked their magic, eroding lines that swoop and swirl across the sandstone formation. The result, which resembles a cresting wave, is one of the most photographed—if not easy to reach—spots in the American West. A permit is required to make the unmarked hike to the Wave, and only 20 are given out daily. It’s almost easier to make the journey to southwest Australia to see the Wave’s down under counterpart, Wave Rock.

[markpauldaphotography]

The Changing Mood of El Paso's Franklin Mountains

If there is a single road that leads to a view unsurpassed by few others in the southwest, then surely Transmountain Road cutting through the Franklin Mountains would be it.  The winding and ascending journey along Transmountain will take one to 5120ft, which is where I stop one brisk January pre-dawn morning to watch the sun rise above the far horizon.

The temper of the mountain is calm at this hour, almost in a slumber in the brisk morning air.  No giant pine trees soften the winter wind whispering in my ear.  No singing birds or running deer to take my eye off the sky. Only high-elevation cacti and desert brush crawl along the rocks and boulders often jutting out like nature’s high rises descending in to the valleys on either side of the Franklins. Looking west I see the near full moon sinking below the horizon.  Seconds later, I turn to the east marveling at a fiery ball nudging above the desert floor, and the royal blue sky rapidly transforms with bursts of splendid golden hues as if Mother Nature’s paintbrush splatters across the heavens. In an instant natural fireworks fill the sky as the moon sets and sun rises instantaneously as I watch in awe.  A moment passes and the sun’s rays stretch across East El Paso tickling the sides of the Franklin Mountains waking her for another day.

Gradually the glow of the rising sun ascends from the base of the mountain to its top as one slowly opens their eyes after a good night’s sleep.  A perfect mixture of burning red, glistening yellow, royal purple, and flaming orange sweep upward in a near swift motion as the sun reflects off of the quartzites, sands, limestones and marbles composing the mountain.  There is a sparkle in the Franklin’s “eye” as it resumes its role as the jewel of El Paso. Overlooking the Rio Grande River, with broad fortitude, the Franklin Mountains are the northern ramparts of the Paso del Norte (Pass of the North), leading from Mexico into the United States.  The mountain range dominates the skyline of the city of El Paso beginning within the city limits in the south extending northward across the New Mexico border for a distance of about 15 miles (24km).  The Franklins are the southernmost extension of roughly continuous north-south ranges extending nearly 99 miles (160 km).  Today, Franklin Mountains State Park, established in 1979, is the largest urban park in the United States covering approximately 37 square miles and 24,247 acres, all within the city limits of El Paso.  The Franklin’s presence are an unmistakable beauty and vigor giving the city its natural character.

The advancing day with the blazing sun high above changes the mood of the mountains as they tower above the area, showing the strength of a wise old man (12,000 years and counting) El Pasoans respectfully know and love. Looking at its aged face, I can see its character lines and crevices showing thousands of years of life and experience.  From native Americans to gold- seekers to Spanish conquistadors on their mission to conquer and colonize the Puebloan villages in present-day New Mexico, the mountain range has indeed proven its endurance and resilience.  There is no doubt the Franklin’s are the physical strength of El Paso. As the earth revolves once again with the sun descending in the western sky I can not resist watching the mountain relax almost as if it is letting out a deep breath after a long day’s work.  The face of the Franklin’s softens, often offering a reassuring smile with the changing light.  A chorus of golden amber and lush scarlet dance in unison, together with clouds catching the waning sun’s flare spilling even more color across the sky. Again, the rocks and boulders of the Franklin’s glimmer glorious red, purple and luxurious gold tones from the waning light from the setting sun , each winking at me as if to say goodnight.  Another dramatic end to a day. Another day in the life of El Paso’s Franklin Mountains. Read the full article

[bestitalianmarbleindia]

MARBLE GRANITE AND NATURAL STONE UNDER ONE ROOF-BY BHANDARI MARBLE GROUP

Natural stone is a versatile material that can be used in many places throughout the home. Commonly used for kitchen countertops, stone is also a great choice for fireplaces, bathroom vanities, cladding, flooring, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits. Choosing the stone best suited to your project means you will enjoy your stone for many years. Spending some time considering your stone choice will allow you to select the stone that works best. Below we consider some factors to take into account, plus some common applications for the most popular stone choices.

GRANITE

Granite is an extremely hard, durable stone that is available in almost any color imaginable. Consistently popular as a low maintenance, high performance kitchen countertop material, it requires little aftercare if it is cleaned after use. Cleaning is simple with mild dish soap and water. In many cases, granite should be sealed using a quality sealer. Once properly sealed, granite will be even more resistant to everyday dirt and spills. Due to its durable nature, granite is suitable for many other applications, such as flooring, shower walls, fire pits, wall cladding, bathroom vanities, desks and tables.

MARBLE

Marble is an elegant, classic choice popular throughout the ages. While white marble is the most popular color choice, many other color options do exist. Marble is softer than granite, so it will stain, etch and scratch more easily. Commonly used for bathroom vanities, backsplashes, fireplaces and bar-top designs, it can also be used for kitchen countertops, but users need to be aware it will develop a patina a slight change in color or texture as it’s exposed to various elements over time as it wears with use. For this reason, it is not usually recommended for high-traffic kitchens.

QUARTZITE

Quartzite is most often found in white and grey color varieties, and can look similar in appearance to marble, but is harder than marble, making it an attractive alternative for kitchen countertops. Other popular applications include walls, flooring, and stair steps. Quartzite usually needs to be sealed when it’s installed, to help it resist stains. It should be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap and any spills should be wiped up immediately. quartzite..

SOAPSTONE

Soapstone is a durable stone that is softer than granite and primarily composed of talc. Most commonly found in light grey hues, it can also have tones of blue or green. It is heat resistant, which makes it ideal for fireplaces. Soapstone lining in a fireplace can quickly absorb heat and remain warm for some time after the fire is out. It can also be used for kitchen countertops. Scratches can be easily repaired with ordinary sandpaper and mineral oil. Due to its non-porous nature and resistance to extreme temperatures, soapstone is a popular choice for outdoor kitchens. soapstone. Photo courtesy European Stone Concepts.

ONYX

Onyx is easily identified due to its striking appearance, with alternating bands of color. It is most commonly used as a statement piece, and is often backlit, such as on bar-tops or a statement wall. It can also be used as a backsplash for kitchens and bathrooms, but is not usually recommended for countertops or high traffic areas due to its delicate nature. Onyx is a fragile stone that needs to be cared for to prevent scratching and etching. If it is used for countertops, it needs to be sealed properly and then cleaned with special stone cleaner at frequent intervals to help prevent scratching and staining.

Green onyx from Pacific Shore Stones. Photo courtesy of Ellen Cornell, Cornell & Company.In simplified terms, you can think of gneiss as a metamorphic version of granite. Both gneiss and granite are made of feldspars, quartz, mica, and smaller amounts of dark colored minerals like hornblende. Both have tightly interlocking minerals, so they are minimally porous. On paper, they have similar properties and can be used in the same ways.

The difference between granite and gneiss is in their overall texture and movement. Granite is evenly speckled. It formed from liquid magma that cooled and crystallized. Granite is like rocky road ice cream a solidified conglomeration of different ingredients.

Gneiss, arguably, is more visually interesting. It’s characterized by stripes, linear bands, or flowy rivers of color. This pattern is called foliation and it’s a result of the rock being squeezed and heated. Gneiss is like ribbon candy

– it’s been folded and swirled while hot, and then left to harden. The stone captures the expressiveness and movement that come from its dynamic origins. The striped, wavy look of gneiss comes from extreme amounts of compression. The random orientation of minerals you see in granite is an inefficient use of space, sort of like the ragtag pile of magazines you left next to the couch. Those magazines take up less space if you stack them all the same way, right? This principle applies to minerals too. They align themselves in the same direction when they get buried a few miles deep and pressed between colliding continents.

If the pressure on the stone is evenly distributed, you get straight or gently flowing stripes, like Agatha Black or Viscount White. If the compression involves folding or twisting, as it often does in geologic crumple zones, then you get a stone with wavy or ribbonlike texture. Amadeus and Black Forest are examples of gneisses with dynamic textures.

Just like you and me, gneiss comes from its parents All metamorphic rocks have a parent rock, which is a rather sweet way of describing what the stone was before it encountered the heat and pressure that transformed it into a metamorphic rock. The parent rock of gneiss can be granite, but it can also be shale or an impure sandstone meaning it contains more than just pure quartz sand. Previous articles have described the continuum of metamorphism as a stone is exposed to increasingly torturous heating and compression. Shale becomes slate, then phyllite, then schist, then gneiss. Each of these steps is gradual, as the stone slowly changes in response to the conditions it experiences.

Regardless of its geologic parent rock, gneiss is near the end of the metamorphic road. Heat it further and it begins to melt. When it starts to melt, it doesn’t do so at once. The mineral quartz will melt first. Another delicious food analogy applies here. The beginning of the melting process is just like a chocolate chip cookie left in a warm car. The chocolate chips will melt long before the rest of the cookie does. In gneiss, you can often see fluid-looking pockets of quartz that were melted while the rest of the rock remained solid. A gneiss that was partway melted is called migmatite, which means mixed rock. Part metamorphic, part igneous. Examples of migmatite are Titanium, Cosmic Black, and Tropical Black.

The geologic basement

Gneiss is one of the most common rocks on Earth’s surface. It forms the basement rocks that are below most land masses. These basement rocks are over a billion years old and, just like the basement of your house, they are the foundation for the layers above. Newer stones pile up on top of the basement. But sometimes those newer layers get scraped away by erosion, and the older layers get heaved upward by mountain building. Behold, the basement sticks out at the surface. I like how gneiss offers a glimpse of what went on in the depths of Earth’s crust; the flowing swirls of color reveal how the whole rock was once fluid and bendable.

Gneiss Aesthetics

One of the fun things about natural stone is the huge range of aesthetics that are expressed in stone. Gneiss is no exception; it comes in many variations, and can appeal to many different styles and tastes. While all gneiss is striped or banded, the bands can be straight, gently wavy, or chaotic. The colors can be mostly dark, or mostly light. The stone can be black and white, or black and pink, or black and gold, or nearly any combination thereof. Interesting minerals like garnets dark pink, round specks or kyanite blue, elongated crystals can liven up the usual combo of minerals.

Note that a stone of a given name can have different patterns depending on which direction it is cut and which part of the quarry it is from. Viscount White, for example, can be serene or vivid. When shopping for gneiss, it’s helpful to select specific slabs to get the look you want.

Uses of gneiss

Gneiss is a terrific stone for many purposes. It tends to be blocky and dense, and makes robust dimension stone for buildings, walls, and landscaping. Gneiss is also a durable choice for interior uses, and makes a fantastic countertop or tile. The minerals in gneiss do not etch when exposed to normal household acids like vinegar or citrus. Take comfort in knowing that gneiss can withstand heavy use; it is made up of minerals in the 6-7 range on Mohs scale, meaning it’s harder than glass and about the same hardness as steel. It tends to be low in porosity, meaning it is not likely to stain, but there is some variability here, and some gneisses benefit from sealing.

There are two caveats when working with gneiss. One is that the linear grain in the stone can sometimes mean that the stone wants to split along those layers. This is not common, but worth considering if you have a large overhang. Try to minimize overhanging areas where the overhang is parallel with the natural grain of the stone. Or, if you do use the stone this way, be sure it’s well-supported underneath.

Second, keep an eye out for large areas of mica minerals, which are readily identified by their glittery look. In gneiss, mica minerals tend to form their own layers, which are likely weaker areas than the surrounding feldspar and quartz. Some of the dark colored gneisses have large amounts of biotite mica. Learn more in the article about schist.

All in all, gneiss is a durable, functional stone with a pleasing range of aesthetics. If you crave a rock-solid building stone or a countertop with flow and personality, check out a nice piece of gneiss.

Appearance

Choosing natural stone instead of a manmade product means that your design will be truly unique, because each slab of natural stone is different. When choosing your stone, be sure to visit stone yards to look at the actual slabs you’re going to use, rather than selecting from a sample. This allows you to see the color, veining, and movement that appears throughout the slab. Natural stone presents a huge range of color choices, so taking samples of other parts of your project, such as paint samples, cabinet doors, backsplash tiles, or faucets, can help narrow down the selection.

Purpose

It’s important to think about the space where the stone will be used. If it’s for a high-traffic area, such as a busy family kitchen, you may want to select a harder stone that is more resistant to abrasions. Softer stones require more frequent cleaning and care to prevent etching and scratching. For this reason, softer stones are often more suited to areas where the stone is not exposed to as much use, such as wall cladding, backsplashes and bathroom vanity tops. The amount of time you want to spend cleaning and caring for your stone should be considered as part of the selection process.

Commonly Used Stone Types

Conclusion

Using natural stone for a project presents an exciting array of choices. Ultimately, the choice of stone is down to personal preference, but the factors discussed above should be taken into consideration to help with the decision making process. Talking to an experienced stone professional about your vision and specific needs for your project is also recommended. For more information about caring for stone.