Naming Igneous Rocks

The names we give igneous rocks are based on their chemical compositions. The relative amounts of just three main minerals; quartz, plagioclase feldspar, and potassium feldspar are all you need to know to start naming igneous rocks. In addition to these three light-colored, felsic minerals, the abundance of dark, mafic minerals can also help you distinguish one type of igneous rock from another.

Making a First Guess

The chart above will help you get started. Once you know you have an igneous rock, look at the texture to decide if it is intrusive or extrusive. Then use this chart to make your first guess based on how dark (mafic) or light (felsic) your rock appears.

Name That Rock!

To be sure you've named your rock correctly you need to compare the amounts of plagioclase feldspar, potassium feldspar, and quartz and plot it on the chart on the left. It takes a little practice to get used to a triangular graph!

Try this: suppose your rock is coarse-grained, so you know it's intrusive. It has 40% quartz, 30% potassium feldspar, and 30% plagioclase feldspar, it's called granite.

Some Granite Types

Stone Name : Abboud
Pseudonym : Havanna Red
Application : Suitable for interior and exterior applications
Definition : Abboud is a red Granite. In natural stone trade, Abboud is often simply called a Granite.




Stone Name : Adelaide Gold
Pseudonym : --
Application : Suitable for interior and exterior applications
Definition : Adelaide Gold is a red Granite. In natural stone trade, Adelaide Gold is often simply called a Granite.



Stone Name : African Lilac
Pseudonym : --
Application : Suitable for interior and exterior applications
Definition : African Lilac is a pink Granite. In natural stone trade, African Lilac is often simply called a Granite.


Stone Name : African Red
Pseudonym : Transvaal Red, Groblersdal Red
Application : Suitable for interior and exterior applications
Definition : African Red is a red Granite. In natural stone trade, African Red is often simply called a Granite.



Stone Name : Agate
Pseudonym : --
Application : Suitable for interior and exterior applications
Definition : Agate is a brown Granite. In natural stone trade, Agate is often simply called a Granite.

Stone Maintenance/Restoration

You can use diamond abrasives to the restoration of your stone surfaces. The use of diamonds in the grinding and honing phase of restoration will give you better clarity and more reflectivity after polishing. We also provide cleaning, sealing, crack/chip repair and stain removal for marble, granite, travertine, terrazzo and all other natural stone surfaces.
Following are the restoration / maintenance services and what they entail:

Grinding: To remove deep scratches and remove lippage (uneven tile edges). Done by machine with diamond abrasive pads and water that creates no dust.

Honing: To remove minor scratches and wear from everyday foot traffic. This process is also done by machine with diamond abrasive pads and water which creates no dust.

Polishing: To give marble or stone the sheen you want, enhance the veining in marble and to protect the marble or stone from everyday traffic and spills. (Utilizing the same compounds that are used in the fabricating process.)

Cleaning: To remove dirt, stains and bacteria and to remove waxes and polymers that have become embedded.

Sealing: To protect and preserve natural stone. (Using penetrating sealers / impregnators.)

Color Enhancing: The use of penetrating sealers / impregnators formulated to enhance or enrich the color of your stone.

Stripping: To remove coatings that block stone's ability to breathe which causes spalling (when the stones crack, pop and shale). Some examples of common coatings are crystallization, janitorial waxes, and polyurethane.

Clover Hill home features new granite sunroom

Just west of Fort Detrick and Frederick Community College, this brick-front colonial in Clover Hill II is convenient to Frederick without city taxes.

From the deep front porch, the entry opens to a foyer with hardwood floors that extend into the powder room and kitchen ahead.

To the left, the formal living room has neutral carpet that also runs into the dining room beyond, which also has chair rail.

The adjacent kitchen has been updated with new granite countertops. It also features white cabinetry and appliances, recessed lights and a pantry, as well as a breakfast nook that has sliding doors to a sunroom with a cathedral ceiling, an overhead fan and carpet. Sliders from here access a side deck that overlooks a fenced backyard with mature trees.

Back inside, the sunken family room has carpet, built-in bookcases flanking the brick-surround, wood-burning fireplace with a raised hearth.

On the carpeted upper level, the master suite has a walk-in closet and a private bath featuring ceramic tile and a combination tub/shower.

Three additional bedrooms, a linen closet and a hall bath with ceramic tile and a combination tub/ shower also are on this level.

The unfinished lower level includes a large storage space and a laundry area with utility sink.

How to Remove a Granite Countertop

Granite, Limestone, Travertine and Natural Stones

The two most important things you do to care for granite, limestone, travertine and other natural stones are:
1).Remove any dust, grit, and sand from the stone's surface.
2).Clean up accidental spills as soon as possible.


Granite, Marble, Limestone, and Travertine Floor Care :

Protect your natural stone floors near entry ways with non slip mats or area rugs. This helps to remove any loose dirt or sand from shoes.

Frequent dust mopping, vacuuming, and sweeping of your natural stone floors will prevent the accumulation of grit and grime. This will also slow the rate of deterioration caused by foot traffic grinding in dirt, sand, or grit.

Wet mop using a mild vegetable soap and water solution OR a stone cleaner made especially for stone. Many qualified stone technicians believe that damp mopping with clear water Every Day to clean soiled areas is all that is necessary to keep your stone floor clean. Most often, the floor will be damp mopped less frequently and a MILD soap and water or Stone Cleanser should be used.

Quick daily cleanings should be accompanied by periodic deep cleanings. How often you deep clean your stone will depend on the usage. Having children and pets will require more frequent deep cleanings.

Daily spot cleaning. This is simply wiping up any accidental spills promptly. If you do get a stain, attend to it as soon as possible with a slightly stronger solution of detergent and then a poultice if the detergent cleaner is unsuccessful.










Care For Granite & Natural Stone Countertops :

Wipe up any spills as soon as possible. If left unattended, the spills can etch the polish and dull the finish of calcite based stones. Beverages such as coke and orange juice contain acidic materials that when in contact with calcium based stones (marble, some limestone, travertine, and onyx) can deteriorate the stone. This doesn't burn a hole through your stone, it just loses its finish in the area of contact.

Use coasters or placemats on your natural stone surfaces. This is especially true for calcareous natural stones.

Rinse and dry your natural stone surface after washing. This is very effective on dark stones to get rid of streaks. Miracle cloths are very effective for drying your darker stone to a streak free finish and leaving NO lint behind.

Similar to other counter surfaces, daily cleanings should be accompanied by periodic deep cleanings.

Daily spot cleaning is simply wiping up any accidental spills promptly. If you do get a stain, attend to it as soon as possible with a slightly stronger solution of detergent and then a poultice if the detergent cleaner is unsuccessful.

The DON'TS of Natural Stone Care

DON"T use vinegar, lemon juice, or any harsh cleaners on your stone.
DON'T use harsh cleaners such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub & tile cleaners.
DON'T use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
DON'T mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
DON'T ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so.

The cleaning products you use should only be strong enough to do the required task and no more. Always call your professional stone supplier, installer, or restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat yourself.

Cleaning Headstones

Over a period headstones and memorials can get dirty, one of the most common causes being hard water, which leaves a lime scale deposit. This is especially visible on polish granite. But by cleaning the headstone or memorials on a regular basis will not only prolong the life of the stone but also ensure the stone is in good condition. A dirty one may look dull or faded, and by following a specific process you can renew the shine.

The first stage before you start cleaning is to determine what the headstone is made of, the most common being granite, limestone, marble or bronze. Each material will require a different cleaning process and cleaning liquid or agent.

Limestone, Sandstone and Marble Headstones

These headstones are made of soft stone; therefore you will need to be gentle when cleaning. Use water with non-ionic soaps or detergents applied with a natural bristled brush. Do not use a wire brush, acid cleaners or household cleaners as this may cause permanent damage.

Granite Headstones

Follow the guidelines as above when cleaning granite headstones. Due to granite's durability, it is all right to use a more aggressive scrubbing. On polished granite calcium build-up from hard water can cause a dull faded appearance. To remove this use a heavy duty non metallic scouring pad, check before using it is suitable for granite.

Bronze Headstones

As most Bronze ones usually consist of a bronze plaque which is mounted to a base usually made of granite or concrete and lay flat at lawn level. Therefore you may need to apply one of the above techniques to clean the stone surround plus also cleaning the bronze.

As bronze is furnished with a factory applied lacquer coating to seal and preserve the original appearance,maintenance is important as over a period of time this finish will eventually deteriorate. Proper care will preserve the finish and prevent the need for restoration.