Different types of stones used by stone masons in Bath

The stone masonry industry regularly uses many types of natural and artificial stones. Choosing the right stone for the right application is very important.

Here are some different types of natural stone that are mostly used by stone masons in Bath. Natural, igneous stone types include Granite which is one of the hardest stone around and requires special stonemason techniques to work with. It is generally used by stone masons in Bath for its strength and durability in countertops, kerbstones and flooring.

There are other igneous rock types include the softer Pumice and Scoria to the more harder Obsidian and Basalt stones which are used by stone masons in Bath for the groundwork and building blocks.

Metamorphic Metamorphic rock is rock which has undergone transformation from an existing rock type, involving extreme pressures and temperatures over long periods of time, resulting in profound chemical and physical 'metamorphism'.

Marble is a typical and popular metamorphic rock which has, by tradition, been carved into statues, and for facing Renaissance stonework. There are many types of marble differentiated by their colour, petographic type and other factors. Some common types include the white or blue-grey Carrara marble quarried in Carrara, Italy. Marble is used by stonemasons mainly for it is decorative characteristics in flooring, tiling and in fireplaces.

Another popular metamorphic rock is Slate. Its hardness and granularity provides a sharpness which is popular for memorials and inscriptions. Its layered form enables masons to split it into thin plates and use it as a roofing material.

Sedimentary Sedimentary rock is formed in water from the sedimentation of other rock, calcium deposits and organic particles. Again, a long process and application of heat and pressure to form strata layers into a structure called bedding. Within this bedding you may also find fossil fuels and ores.

Common Sedimentary rock are limestone. Frequently used examples of limestone include Yorkstone, Sydney and Bath and Portland stone which most of the City of Bath is made from. Kentish Ragstone is another famous limestone from Kent used by Kent stonemasons of the past. Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and Kent's Castles such as Leeds Castle are all famous stoneworks made from Kent Ragstone by Kent masons.

Travertine is also a popular limestone which is used for its soft aesthetic looks. It is frequently used as a cladding, in flooring, walls and in bathrooms

Masonry is a wonderful profession, both art and craft. Stone-masonry is a rare bird: it is both a beautiful art and a practical craft. Stone masons are also known as stone cutters or bricklayers. If you enter into this profession, you will be part of an ancient craft. When you are a stonemason, you will have the pleasure of knowing that you are creating beauty as well as functionality. Stone can be a wonderfully environmentally sound structure, as it is permanent.

As long as you are looking for stone masons in Bath, choose some trustworthy people because once you hand over your project to some non-professional masons, it is only you who is going to suffer.