February 2013

Types of Natural Stone and Uses

Mineral- contains quartz, feldspars and silica. Mineral stones were originally produced by volcanic activity. Includes granite, quartzite, serpentine and soapstone.

  • GRANITE: Primarily made of Quartz (35%), Feldspar (45%) and Potassium. Usually have darker colors. Contains very little calcite, if any. Provides a heavy crystalline and granular appearance with mineral grains. It is very hard material and easier to maintain than marble. Yet, it is still porous and will stain. There are different types of granite depending on the percentage mix of quartz, mica and feldspar. Black granite is known as an Anorthosite. It contains very little quartz and feldspar and has a different composition than true granite.
  • SERPENTINE: Identified by its marks which look like the skin of a serpent. Most popular colors are green and brown. Hardness rates from 2.5 to 4 on the MOH Scale. Contains serpentine minerals has lots of magnesium, and has an igneous origin. Does not always react well to recrystallization or diamond polishing.
  • SOAPSTONE: A very soft stone made of a variety of talc. It is a dense mineral that wears well and is often resistant to stains.
  • QUARTZITE - Quartzite is a rare flooring material but is gaining in popularity. It is metamorphosed quartz sand and is classified as sandstone, exhibiting those properties.

Organic- Contains calcium, typically from shells and bones of fish. Limestone is the mother stone of marble, travertine and onyx.

  • LIMESTONE: Mainly consists of calcite. It does not show much graining or crystalline structure. It has a smooth granular surface. Varies in hardness. Some dense limestones can be polished. Common colors are black, grey, white, yellow or brown. It is more likely to stain than marble. Limestone is known to contain lime from sea water.
  • MARBLE: A recrystallized limestone that formed when the limestone softened from heat and pressure and recrystallized into marble where mineral changes occurred. The main consistency is calcium and dolomite. Ranges in many colors and is usually heavily veined and shows lots of grains. Hardness rates from 2.5 to 5 on the MOH Scale.
  • TRAVERTINE: Usually a cream or reddish color. It is formed through the accumulation of calcite from hot springs. It contains lots of holes that were formed from water flowing through the stone. These holes are often filled with synthetic resins or cements. Requires lots of maintenance if the holes are not filled. Classified as a limestone and a marble.
  • ONYX - Onyx is a type of marble, which has been formed by the deposits of cold solutions. It is a translucent material with veins running concentrically to one another. It is very expensive and can be found on table-tops and small pieces of furniture. It can be treated just like marble and takes a high shine.


Recipe:

Carmel Corn
1 Bag of Old Dutch Puffcorn
1 Cup of Butter (Not Margarine)
1 1/4 Cups of Brown Sugar
2/3 Cup of Light Corn Syrup
1 Teaspoon of Baking Soda

Preparation
  • Preheat oven to 250�F.
  • Combine butter, brown sugar, and light corn syrup in a 2 quart sauce pan.
  • Cook on medium heat until mixture has melted.
  • Once mixture has melted add the baking soda. (Note: This will cause the mixture to foam)
  • In a large roaster pan pour Old Dutch Puffcorn and pour caramel mixture over the Old Dutch Puffcorn and stir until mixed.
  • Place in oven for 45 minutes, stirring at least every 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove from oven, pour on wax paper and break apart.
  • Let cool and ENJOY!
Recipe Variations
  • For a scrumptious addition to this already delicious recipe drizzle melted chocolate over the mixture after you remove it from the oven!
Recipe From: Barb B. of Mequon

Recipe:
Bacon Cheddar Pinwheels

Ingredients:

-1 can Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls.

-2 tablespoons ranch dressing.

-1/4 cup cooked real bacon pieces or 4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled.

-1/2 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese.

-1/4 cup chopped green onions.

    

  •   Heat oven to 350 degrees.   
  • Unroll dough, separate into 2 long rectangles.   
  • Press each into 12x4 inch rectange, firmly pressing perforations to seal.   
  • Spread dressing over each rectangle to edges.   
  • Sprinkle each with bacon, Cheddar cheese and onions.   
  • Starting with one short side, roll up each rectangle, press edge to seal.   
  • With serrated knife, cut each roll into 8 slices, place cut side down on ungreased cookit sheet.   
  • Bake 12 to 17 minutes or until edges are deep golden brown.   
  • Immediately remove from cookie sheet and serve warm.

Recipe from: Barb B. of Mequon


Recipe:
Red Velvet Dream Torte
  1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare, bake and cool cake according to package directions for two 8-inch round baking pans.
  2. For chocolate hearts garnish, pour melted chocolate chips into heart shaped molds or spread melted chocolate in 1/8-inch thickness on waxed paper lined baking sheet. Cut shapes with heart cookie cutter when chocolate begins to set, and loses its shine. Refrigerate until firm. Push heart shapes out and set aside.
  3. To assemble torte, split each layer in half. Place one split layer on serving plate. Spread one-third of whipped topping on one layer. Repeat with remaining layers making sure to place bottoms of each layer together. Leaving top plain.
  4. Frost sides and top of cake with frosting. Garnish with chocolate hearts and shaving.


 
Remodeling Innovations Group

3695 N 126th Street Unit E

Brookfield, WI 53005

262-439-8068

website: www.RIGWI.com


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