Natural Stone Industry Glossary

Glossary is usually defined as an alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge. This Natural Stone industry glossary provides a collection of industry terms that define many products and technical terms. These terms are arranged alphabetically, but you can quickly jump to specific term by selecting its first letter from the index of the glossary below.

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Search Results: 32 Terms Found

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.