STONE FOR HOUSE SIGNS
What is natural Stone? Natural stone is basically a type or class of rock. There are three types of natural rock formation. Igneous - Metamorphic - and Sedimentary. To read a more detailed explanation of these groups please go here: HOW STONE WAS FORMED
Those we commonly recognise as "Stone" are sedimetary rocks. Huh? Sorry but to understand why some stone is better for house signs than others we need to understand a little of how stone is formed. This is a short and simplified geology lesson. ( The only kind I understand!)
Stone ( or what we generally think of as stone)is sedimentary rock, that is - fossilised seabed. There that didn't hurt did it? Lesson over!
Oh! you want to know more? (sigh). Sedimetary stone is formed by layers of sediment (hence the "sedimentary", gedit?) layed down on the sea bed over millions of years. Each layer captures traces of the current environment. Including mineral traces which dictate the colour of the final stone, and the bodies of marine organisms living in the sediment at the time time. This is why most sedimentary stones , but not all, have fossilised seashells embedded in the material.
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of sand-sized minerals or rock grains.Some sandstones are resistant to weathering, yet are easy to work. Types of sandstones include Yorkstone, Bargate stone, Derby stone and Red sandstone.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the mineral calcite. The primary source of the calcite in limestone is most commonly marine organisms. Limestones usually have the fossilised shells of these organisms visibly embedded within the stone. Limestone is susceptable to long term water erosion, some types more than others. Limestone types include Portland stone, Cotswold, Bathstone and Purbeck.
Fine grained sandstones such as yorkstone or many of the new Indian sandstones make superb house signs. However the coarse grain varieties often refered to as gritstones are less well suited for the job as they can be problematical for engraving. When choosing sandstone for your house sign you should try to get the advice of a sign maker who has experiance using sandstones of various types.
Yorkstone is one of the best known sandstones in the world and is ideal for engaving and make excellent and attractive house signs.......
About Yorkstone house signs »
Indian sandstones are among the toughest sandstonehouse signs available and engrave beautifully...
About Indian Sandstone house signs »
Limestone house signs can be superb, but you have to choose wisely.......
About Limestone house signs »
IMAGES AND DESIGN ON STONE HOUSE SIGNS.
Stone can be an excellent medium for engraving. Choosing a suitable motif image or engraved design will enhance your name signs.......
Images and design for stone house signs »
Limestone for house signs can be the cause of difficulties, if the type of limestone is ill chosen. The fossilised shell inherent in the stone can cause some problems when engraving the house name or a motif image. It is quite possible but it rquires someone with the skill and experience in working and engraving limestone. Stone masons around the Dorset coast for instance, have been specialising in working Purbeck Limestone for hundreds of years. Even though the purbeck stone is heavily encrusted with hard to work shell, the stonemasons of purbeck turn out some beautiful house signs.