Rock Alberta Style

Travel west… leave the rolling, smoothed by ice prairie carpet and slowly watch the upward push of grass and trees along the foothills. Go just a little further west and very suddenly massive towers of rock block the horizon , thousands of feet skyward, touching heaven.

It is a moment of awe, a penetrating and almost frightening sense of smallness overcomes you. What was the event, the cataclysm that created this monument. This inspiring landscape is rich with potential and brings a wealth of ideas to those looking for a natural element to their renovation project.

Enter our abiding fascination with natural materials. Since mankind began building, rock, wood and sand have played elemental roles in our architecture. From the cave to the skyscraper, we have loved the polish of rock, the grain of wood and sand’s metamorphosis into glass.

Albertans are rethinking the plastic age and are more than willing to engage Mother Nature’s artistic talents in creating beautiful landscapes inside their homes. In a province where nature is our nemesis, our prosperity and our beauty, Albertans know how profoundly we are molded by her force. To bring her into our home requires a hardy soul, someone who understands what they are using, why they are using it and where they should use it.

Rock is the quintessential strong and silent type. Once it is put into place, nothing moves it. It is there forever. It can be taken advantage of and ignored and it will still be there, waiting for attention. Recently in Alberta, stone flooring has become popular. Many more homes are using stone on countertops and in decorative placements on fireplaces. There is a considerable demand for unique patterns and textures as we all want a touch of individuality to our personal environments.

Rock, like all other aspects of Mother Nature’s repertoire, is always unique. Depending on the type of rock and where it is formed, the integration of minerals, crystals, fossils and water all contribute to a totally divergent mass of solid material. To expect a particular characteristic from rock is impossible. To see a friends granite counter top and expect the identical for your home is impossible. Nature just doesn’t work that way. It would be like seeing your friend’s baby and wanting the same one for yourself.

In order to clarify the situation, here is a breakdown of rock characteristics and differences:

GRANITE – This rock is volcanic ( “igneous” if you remember your grade school geology).The crystalline composition in granite is complex, creating a substance of great depth and interest and it’s variety of markings and “birthmarks” indicate it’s individuality and authenticity. It is best used for flooring in tile form and on countertops in slab form. It shows best when polished. Granite tile is available in a myriad of colours to suit any décor. It is a permanent and extremely low maintenance product. Once installed correctly, granite tile will look wonderful forever. Although initially more costly than other tile materials, the fact that you have it as a permanent feature of your home with very little effort in maintenance, pays off in the long run. Proper and professional installation is critical. Please consult a qualified and experienced stone professional to help you choose the right product and offer the correct advise on installation.

MARBLE – This rock is metamorphic. It is pressed and molded via extreme pressure and heat. It is far “softer” than granite. It can be scratched, stained and worn. Nevertheless, in the right location, it is extraordinary. Layers and veining characterize marble. Often, a multitude of colours are integrated into the rock and create a mesmerizing kaleidescope effect. Rather than the crystal effect of granite, marble is graceful and delicate. Bathrooms are wonderful places for marble as are decorative elements like furniture. If used with care, it will last forever. Marble is most lovely when polished but looks fabulous when “tumbled”. Again, please consult a stone professional as he/she will help you determine the best way to use marble.

LIMESTONE – This rock is sedimentary delta mud washed over with water, sand and organic materials, layer upon layer. Millions of years later, limestone emerges, infused with fossils and striated layers of sand and organic matter. Like marble, limestone is relatively soft. Care is needed in order to keep it looking good, however, the care is minimal. A fabulous flooring material, limestone “wears” well and develops a character reminiscent of old European architecture. Sometimes, if you are really lucky, your limestone will include fossilized remnants of sea life. What a wonderful “fingerprint” of personality to have in your home! As always, consult your stone professional for help.

SLATE – Essentially pressed mud and organic debris, slate is such a unique character that it is not compatible with all tastes. As the mud and debris collect and with pressure form slate, a multitude of potential minerals, and subsequently colours, are integrated into the rock. Hence, slate is almost impossible to categorize according to colour. But what a pallet, what a piece of art your floor will be with this stone! When buying slate, always remember that consistency of colour is a rare feature of this product. Some types may provide you with consistency but, please, consult your stone professional on this one before you invest.

There are many more varieties of stone on the market these days. All have a unique character and all have unique variations in potential maintenance, etc. Permanency is part of the package with stone so choose carefully and with full knowledge of your investment. There are, unfortunately, many individuals ready to sell you the material without the knowledge and responsibility to sell you the right material for the right location.