Is a common grey to black extrusive volcanic rock. 
It is the most common rock type in the Earths crust, in fact most of the ocean floor is made of basalt.

It is used extensively for paving stones, as it is very hardwearing.

Granite is an igneous rock - when molten rock (magma) cools and solidifies.  Granite magma has many potential origins but it must intrude other rocks.  Most granite intrusions are emplaced at depth within the earths crust, usually greater than 1 mile.

Granite is hard and tough.  It is for this reason it has gained widespread use as a construction stone.  It’s very durable.

Pure limestone is almost white.  Because of impurities such as clay, sand organic remains, iron oxide and other materials, many limestones exhibit different colours.

It is long lasting and stands up well to exposure.

Acid based chemicals can etch limestone, only clean with neutral or mild alkaline based cleaners.

Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of limestone.  The temperatures and pressures necessary to form marble usually destroy fossils and sedimentary textures present in the original rock.

Pure white marble is the result of metamorphism of very pure limestone.  The characteristic swirls and veins of many coloured varieties are usually due to various mineral impurities such as clay, silt, sand and iron oxides which were usually present as grains or layers in the limestone.

Marble can be etched by acids, wipe anything off that is spilled as you would on a wood surface.  Once or twice a year wash with a mild detergent solution such as washing up liquid then rinse.

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock, made up of sand grains which have become welded together by a natural cement into solid masses which are hard enough to be used as building material. 

Like sand, sandstone may be of any colour, but the most common colours are yellow, tan, brown, red and grey.

Sandstone is resistant to weathering, which makes it an ideal use for paving material. 
Avoid acid cleaner or any patio cleaner that has hydrochloric acid in it as it can turn the stone orange, due to the iron content in the stone.

Slate is mainly composed of quartz and muscovite or illite, along with minor quantities of other minerals.

The surface of slate has a riven surface showing its natural uneven split from the rock face.

It is resistant to acid and pollutants and a very durable material for our British weather.  Beware when buying slate from other merchants that it is of a suitable quality for external use, as you do not want it to crack during our winters.

Travertine is a banded compact variety of limestone formed along streams, particularly where there are waterfalls and around hot or cold springs.

The stone is characterised by pitted holes and troughs in its surface.  Although these troughs occur naturally, it can be purchased “filled” or “unfilled”.

Clean as for limestone.

This is a variety of igneous rock, consisting of large grained crystals. 
The term “porphyry” refers to the purple-red form of this stone.  Porphyry is Latin and means purple.

The top surface of the product is buffed to enhance its natural beauty. 

The top surface of the product is buffed to leave a finish that is softer in appearance than polished, and offers good traction.

Speaks for itself – in its natural form but cleaned.

Blow torch strength heat is applied to the surface to create a textured surface.

The stone is tumbled with sand and pebbles to create a weathered aged finish.

The surface is pummelled by a series of chisels in the form of a hammer.  This creates a roughened natural looking surface.  The hammered surface emerges relatively clean as any loose debris is blown from the surface by the hammering process.

After cutting the stone is processed to remove the heaviest saw marks. 

A uniformed chamfer around the top edge of the stone.

The top surface has a non-even look.

Cut to a specific thickness.