Natural Stones: Environmental Commitment in the Industry
Synonyms of sustainability, natural stones make all the difference in projects today. As fundamental as creating projects that truly facilitate people's daily lives is being attentive to issues involving environmental preservation.
In this sense, the use of natural stones that are responsibly extracted by the industry plays a key role in unique works that contribute to sustainability.
Throughout this content, you will learn the definition of natural stone, the advantages of natural stone, and why this type of cladding is a market favorite when it comes to reducing environmental impacts. Check it out!
What are natural stones?
Natural stones are geological materials formed over thousands or even millions of years through natural processes such as magma cooling, sediment compression, or recrystallization of other rocks.
They are extracted directly from nature and used in various fields, such as construction and decoration. During their formation, natural stones can acquire various textures and tones that make each one valuable for different uses.
According to the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT), natural stones are natural stone materials used for internal and external cladding, such as architecture, decoration, furniture, or funerary art.
How do stones form in nature?
In summary, natural stones are formed through geological processes that involve the transformation of mineral materials. Additionally, they can be extracted and used without industrial processes that harm the environment.
The formation of stones can occur in different ways, depending on temperature, pressure, and composition conditions. Thus, we can divide the formation of stones into three main types: magmatism, sedimentation, and metamorphism.
Magmatism
Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or volcanic lava. When magma rises to the Earth's surface, it cools and transforms into solid rock.
If this process occurs slowly, within the Earth, the resulting rock tends to have large crystals, such as granite.
Sedimentation
These rocks are formed by the compression and cementation of sediments, i.e., broken rock fragments, minerals, and even plant and animal remains.
These sediments accumulate in layers over time in environments such as rivers, lakes, or oceans. Over the years, the deeper layers compact and transform into rocks, such as sandstone and limestone.
Metamorphism
Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressure, causing changes in their composition.
Marble, for example, is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone, which, when exposed to high temperatures and pressures, gains greater hardness and a unique texture.
Classification of ornamental stones
Ornamental stones are appreciated for their beauty, durability, and the unique texture they bring to environments. The main natural stones are marble, quartzite, and travertine, each with its own characteristics. Let's learn more about each of them!
Marbles
Formed by the transformation of limestone under high pressure and temperature, marbles are known for their elegance and unique veining. They are ideal for decorating luxury interior spaces, such as floors and countertops.
Quartzites
Resulting from the transformation of sandstone, quartzites are highly resistant and durable, making them perfect for kitchens and floors. Their finish can range from honed to polished, and their colors vary, including shades of white, gray, red, and more.
Travertines
Originating from the precipitation of calcium carbonate in hot springs, travertines have a surface with visible veins and holes and were even used in the construction of monuments, such as the Colosseum in Ancient Rome.
Their colors range from beige to gold, and they are widely used in outdoor areas, such as floors and balcony walls, offering a cozy and rustic touch.
Granites
Formed by the cooling of magma, granite is a highly resistant natural stone. With a grainy texture, it is widely used for countertops, floors, and facades, comes in various colors, and is ideal for high-traffic areas.
Where can natural stones be applied?
Ornamental stones are widely used for cladding floors, walls, facades, countertops, sinks, stairs, fireplaces, monuments, and even sculptures.
To ensure proper use, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of the stone, such as its maintenance, according to the environment where it will be applied. Thus, natural stones can be used in projects such as:
- commercial architecture, such as malls and offices;
- interior design, such as kitchen, bathroom, and living room cladding;
- funerary and religious art, such as tombstones;
- artistic sculptures, such as statues, among others.
Construction materials vs. environmental impacts
Given the effects of global warming and climate change, there has been increasing discussion about the importance of applying sustainable materials in construction processes.
After all, the materials commonly found on the market undergo complex manufacturing processes. The production chain consumes many resources and emits large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Points like these reinforce the importance of companies using low-impact components, and natural stones are strong candidates on this list!
The life cycle of natural stones
Investing in natural stones is an excellent choice for contributing to a more sustainable world. And science proves this statement!
A study by the German Natural Stone Association* compared the ecological performance of different cladding materials. The observation concluded that these materials are much more ecological than others.
The study also found that the energy consumption costs for processing these stones account for only 3.3% of the production value. This is the lowest rate among all materials compared.
In the category of impact on global warming potential (GWP), the production and use of natural stone pavements also stand out. The value found for these purposes is 27% lower than that of aggregates; compared to ceramics, the percentage reaches 74%.
Natural stones and the environment: a commitment that spans generations
You have certainly noticed that natural stones go far beyond being essential elements for creating beautiful and unique environments.
Using natural stone ensures contributing to the reduction of environmental impacts, as stone is sustainable by nature and contains natural elements in its formation, such as cooled magma in the case of granite and sandy sediments in quartzite.
Additionally, the extraction and production of these materials involve the recovery of mined areas, water treatment, and waste reduction.
It is also worth noting that there is no emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere during production, as they do not undergo a burning process.
Discover Decolores' products
Choosing natural stones for your projects is synonymous with sustainability and originality! In addition to avoiding the use and spread of elements that harm the environment, you will be using beautiful materials with high resistance and durability.
At Decolores, you will find the most incredible and modern patterns in natural stones. Want to explore the available products? Check out our complete catalog here!
Also check out: Bronzite Quartzite | Ijen Blue Quartzite | Fusion Fascination Quartzite | Alabaster Travertine
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