Abrasion Resistance
Refers to the wearing qualities of stone subjected to abrasion by foot traffic. The harder a stone is the more resistance to abrasion it offers.

Abrasive Finish
A flat non-slippery surface finish recommended for exterior floor installation.

Absorption
Percentage of moisture absorbed by weight after the piece is immersed in water. Weight the piece dried in an oven for 24 hours, submerge the same piece in water for the same period of time and weight it. The difference in dry versus wet weight gives you the absorption ratio.

Acid Etching
Process of applying a solution of hydrochloric or muriatic acid and water to the exposed surface of Cast Stone in order to remove the cement film from the aggregates, achieving a fine-grained finish which simulates natural cut stone and improve slip resistance.

Acid Washed
Stone that has been treated with acid stains to alter its look and its color.

Adhesive
Material used to bond the piece to the substrate.

Admixtures
Chemicals used to improve the physical properties of Cast Stone. Also used as an additive for bonding materials.

Agglomerate “Stone”
A product made from quarry waste and resins. ECS provides a full line of its cast shapes in an optional resin/marble dust cast pieces. The same pieces with full baking weight 20 times less then cast stone!!!

Air Content
The amount of entrained air in wet cast units. It improves the precast stone pieces to resist freeze damages.

Air-Entrainment Admixtures
Chemicals used to develop entrained air in wet cast units. Highly recommended to improve freeze and though properties.

Air Voids
Surface imperfections created by insufficiency of vibrations at the time of casting wet cement slips in the forms.

Alabaster
Fine-grained, translucent variety of gypsum, generally white in color that can be cut and carved easily with a knife or saw.

Anchor
Metal device used for securing Cast Stone to a rigid structure. All cast stone piece must be fastened by code when placed above 48” above ground.

ANSI
American National Standards Institute, http://www.ansi.org/ responsible for establishing standards and testing methods for ceramic tiles in the United States.

Anti-skid - Slip Resistant
Stone surface that has been treated with an abrasive grit or acid to increase its slip resistance. Normally, the more slip resistant a stone is, the more difficult it is to clean.

Anti-Static Tiles
Cast stone is by excellence a non conductive and anti-static surface.

Apron
A vertical trim piece under a suspended projecting stone top, slab, vanity.

Architrave
Is the bottom portion of an entablature bearing on the column capitals and supporting frieze. Also known as a deep arched door way like cathedrals entrance.

Arris
Angle, corner, or edge of a Cast Stone unit.

Akimee Filling
Epoxy material used to fill the natural holes of certain natural stones. The color can be adjusted to coordinate with the stone.

Arch
A basic architectural structure build over an opening that is supported from the sides only. The downward pressure it transformed into a lateral thrust. The shape is usually described by the interior outline: Circle Top, Elliptical, Gothic etc.

Architect / Engineer
Highest entities involved with the conception of a building. They are the true designers of architecture and engineering in design of any structure.

Architrave
The architrave can be the bottom portion of an entablature bearing on the column capitals and supporting the frieze. It is also known as a deep arched door way.

Assembly drawing
A scaled drawing of the installation with piece markings and final locations of stones.

Arris
Angle, corner, or edge of a Cast Stone unit.

Ashlars
Flat units square or rectangle in size, bonded and laid in mortar

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Back filling
Masonry built behind with any kind of filler, (brick, stone, concrete) to float and prepare the substrate to receive the cast stone veneer.

BACKING
The part of a veneered wall behind the exterior facing which is designed to resist load. (either masonry, or face
Baluster A small column or other vertical shape when placed in a series constitutes a miniature colonnade which is called a balustrade.

Band molding
A linear exterior cast stone molding delimiting each story on a façade’s building.

Bas-Relief
Decorative technique in which design elements are sculpted or carved forming a slight relief over the background.

BASE
The bottom course of a stone wall, or the vertical first member above grade of a finished floor.

Base column
The base column is the column part between the shaft and pedestal or paving.

Baseboard
Trims used as a molding along the lower edge of an interior or exterior wall, where it meets the floor. 

Base course
The lowest course, or footing of a wall or pier.

Basket weave
A interlaced or lattice pattern used in decorative architectural pieces or as a pattern in paving.

Bath designer
A professional that is responsible to design a bathroom in any respect.

Batted
Stone surface finish produced with parallel tool marks.

Bead
When the stone surface is properly sealed water beads on its surface often found on old stone trims.

Bed
Layer of mortar or other adhesive that covers the surface to be treated and onto which pieces are set.

Belt Course
A continuous horizontal course of flat stones place in line marking a division in the wall plane.

Bench mark
A similar application that has been reckoned for its originality and its use or design.

Bevel
A chamfer or slanted shape cut on the edge of a stone.

Bleed
Staining caused by corrosive chemicals, oil-based putties, mastics and caulking or sealing compounds seeping up through the stone.

Blending
The act of mixing accurate elements from a recipe in order to achieve the proper designed mixture. Refers also to the proper positioning of adjacent veneer panels, or floor slabs, or tiles by their predominant color to achieve an overall uniform pattern.

Bonding Material
Any of the mortars or adhesives used to install cast stone. Most common is thin se mortar modified usually with latex additive.

Bollard
A free-standing stone post or guard. Or, a stone guard protecting a wall corner from damage by encroaching traffic.

Boot
A stone block used below a leg or column as a spacer to control the height of the mantel in a fireplace installation.

Break joints

To arrange a course of stone so that its vertical joints are not in line with those of the course just below

Breaking Strength
The ability of a material to resist breaking or rupture from a tension force.

Breathing
The passing of moisture in gaseous form through stone. Also called "vapor transmission". To a greater or lesser extent all stone has this process occur.

Bughole
An air void in concrete not found in cast stone.

Bullnose
A round shape cut onto an edge. Trim tiles featuring one rounded edge used to finish wall applications or turn outside corners.

Bush-Hammered
A surface, stone or concrete, rendered rough by hitting it with a bush-hammer, a hammer with a rectangular head with serrated or jagged faces.

Buttering - Back Buttering
To apply bonding material directly to the back of a stone piece to provide additional coverage in the setting bed. Technique usually applied to large pieces.

 

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Calcareous
Calcium-bearing rock.

Calcite
The natural mineral form of calcium carbonate.

Calcite limestone
A limestone containing not more than 5% of magnesium carbonate.

Calcite marble
A crystalline variety of limestone containing not more than 5% of magnesium carbonate.

Calcite streaks
Descriptions of a white or milky-like streak occurring in stone. It is a joint plane usually wider than a glass seam and has been re-cemented by deposition of calcite in the crack and is structurally sound.

Calcium chloride
an accelerator that speeds hydration in curing cast stone.

Calibrating
A term used to define the grading process used to provide more consistent overall thickness and size.

CAMBER
A slight rising from the horizontal, to gain an actual or apparent effect of arching.

Canopy
A sheltering roof over a niche or a doorway.

Cantera
A volcanic quartz-based stone with qualities similar to Adoquin, but not as dense. Cantera is quarried in Mexico.

Cantilever
A structural member, supported at only one end, which projects from a wall.

Cap
Masonry units laid on top of a finished wall, column, door, or molding.

Capital
Uppermost member of a column or a pilaster crowning the shaft.

Capstone
The crowning stone of a structure; differing from capital in that it is not a supporting member.

Carbonate
A salt of carbonic acid.

Carbonic acid
A weak acid.

Carve
Shaping by cutting a design to form; the trade of a sculptor.

Carver
In the stone industry, the artisan who does carved work.

Carving
Cutting of ornamental shapes, figures, etc… from models or details, which are too intricate to produce from patterns.

Cast Stone
A highly refined architectural pre-cast concrete building stone manufactured from a mixture of Portland cement, coarse aggregates and fine aggregates to simulate natural cut stone.

Catalyst
A substance which accelerates a chemical reaction. (i.e. a hardener that accelerates the cure of synthetic resin adhesive).

Caulk
A non-staining, non-hardening putty-like mastic, usually applied to stone joints with a pressure gun.

Caulking
Making a joint tight or moisture-resistant by sealing it with an elastic, siliconized compound

Cement
A hydraulic mixture, without aggregate, consisting of a calcined mixture of clay and pulverized limestone, the common material to cast stone.

Cement putty, cream or butter
A thick, creamy mixture made with pure cement and water which is used to strengthen the bond between the stone and the setting bed.

Chain
A stack of quoins.

Chamfer
To cut away the edge where two surfaces meet in an external angle, leaving a bevel at the junction. Also slanted surface which connects two external surfaces forming two arises.

Checkered Pattern
Pattern that alternates two colors creating a chessboard look.

Chemical Resistance
The ability of a tile surface to withstand damage from chemicals, acids, alkalis and swimming pool salts in accordance with testing methods.

 Chimney
A shaft, approximately vertical, which helps create a draft for conducting the smoke and gases of combustion from above a fire to the outside.

Chimney breast
The exterior face of the wall directly above the fireplace opening.

Chimney lining
Fire clay, terra cotta, or refractory cement built inside a chimney.

Chimney throat
That part of a chimney directly above the firebox where the walls are brought close together.

Chip
A small, irregularly shaped stone piece dislodged, usually from the edge, from a stone piece.

Cladding
An exterior veneer cast stone usually of the same size.

Clay
A natural mineral aggregate consisting essentially of hydrous aluminum silicate. It is plastic when sufficiently wetted, stiff when dried, and vitrified when fired to a sufficiently high temperature.

Clay mortar
A soft, low lime mortar usually used when lime was expensive and difficult to procure. Its primary usage was in remote areas for small scale buildings.

Clearance
Space allowed to facilitate erection of units and provide for thermal and other estimated movements in structure.

Cleavage Membrane
Sheeting or underlayment that separates the backing surface from the mortar bed, required when the surface to be tiled is in poor or unsuitable condition or may be damaged by water.

Cleft Finish
Surface characteristic of stone tiles produced by splitting thicker pieces. The surface appears “layered.” It is typical of slates.

Coarse Aggregate
Aggregate predominately retained on the No. 4 (4.74-mm) sieve

Coated Rebar
Rebar coated with a zinc alloy or epoxy to prevent corrosion.

Cobblestone
A dimension stone, generally granite blocks and cast stone pavers, cut to rectangular shapes and used for paving.

Coefficient of Friction
Measurement that shows the degree of slip resistance that a floor surface has. The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) recommends that the static coefficient of friction should be 0.6. In this catalog you will find the test results for those tiles that require such information. Area use and maintenance directly affects a tile’s coefficient of friction.

Code
Legal restrictions of a given locality governing the building of various types of structures.

Collar joint
The vertical longitudinal joint between withes of masonry filled with mortar or grout.

Coloring
The process of tinting the hue of cast stone. It is normally achieved through the use inorganic iron oxide pigments.

Column
A supporting pillar usually consisting of a round shaft, a capital, and a base. Columns may be of many design schools, from classical to modern, solid or hollow, whole or partials, square or round.

Composite
A construction unit in which stone that is to be exposed in the final use is permanently bonded or joined to concealed material.

Composite masonry
Multi-component masonry members acting with composite action.

Concrete
A composition material consisting of Portland Cement, aggregate, and water. When mixed together, will result in a chemical action that will set and harden into rock-like mass.

Condensation
Dampness of interior surfaces caused by the release of water as it cools below the dew point; the formation of frost or water when air carrying water vapor comes in contact with a cold surface, cooling the air and reducing its ability to hold moisture.

Conglomerate
A stone similar to sandstone but the rock particles are rounded or angular gravel rather than sand; an aggregate of rounded and water-worn pebbles and boulders cemented together into a coherent stone.

Consolidation
Treatment of the stone surface with a liquid solution which is commonly brush or spray applied; various stone consolidation processes can extend the life of stone and retard the decay process, but they cannot permanently arrest deterioration. Consolidation techniques employ both organic and inorganic chemicals. Inorganic processes have long-life and exhibit similar expansion-contraction behavior as treated material. Most inorganic processes cannot reattach loose pieces of stone or fill gaps in large cracks; adhesives may be required for the purposes. Organic processes are based on the use of synthetic resins. Their life span is generally less than that of inorganic material, but they can be especially effective with porous stone as well as comprehensive strengths. Epoxy resins, for example, are good adhesives and weatherizers, but current available epoxies are sensitive to ultraviolet rays which tend to discolor in time and do not weather well. Mixtures and combinations of both organic and inorganic treatments such as ethyl silicate are continually being developed to take advantage of the benefits of both treatments.

Contraction joints
Spaces where panels are joined and which expand as the panels contract.

Contractor
One who erects and installs fabricated dimensional stone.

Control joint
 Provision for the dimensional change of different parts of a structure due to shrinkage, expansion, temperature variation or other causes, so as to avoid the development of high stresses.

Cope stone
The horizontal top stone of a wall or similar stone construction , usually flat.

Coping
A stone unit used to cap off the top of a wall. Its function is to protect the wall from the natural elements as well as adding an aesthetic value to the wall.

Coquina - Limestone composed predominantly of shells or fragments of shells loosely cemented by calcite. Coquina is coarse-textured and has a high porosity.
The term is applied principally to a very porous rock quarried in Florida.

Corundum
the hardest stone with a score of 9 on the Mohs scale is also used as an abrasive or grit when added to a tile glaze in order to increase tile slip-resistance.

Cornice
The uppermost division of an entablature; a projecting shelf along the top of a wall supported by a series of brackets; the exterior trim at the meeting of a roof and wall, consisting of soffit, fascia and crown molding.

Course
Horizontal scope of units incorporated in a wall.

Cove
A trim piece with a rounded concave shape used to be used at
a perpendicular junction for desired sanitary or aesthetic design

Cramp
"U" shaped metal anchor used to attach two abutting units.

Crazing
A series of hairline cracks, normally less than a thirty-second of an inch in depth in the outer surface of a concrete product. Crazing does not constitute cause for rejection of Cast Stone.

Cross Section
Cross sections are used to show assembly and other details needed to understand a unit.

Crown molding
A molding located at the top of a wall creating a transition between the wall and the ceiling. Also used outside at the eave under the roof line.

Cushioned Edge Tiles
A curved or eased tile edge that results in a recessed grout joint.

Curing
The process of hydrating the Portland Cement in cast stone to a specified age or compressive strength in a warm, moist environment.

Cut Stone
Natural stone quarried and dressed to an architectural shape.

Cutting
Handwork required to finish a stone which cannot be done by machine.

Cutting stock
A term used to describe varying size, finish, and thickness which are used in fabricating treads, risers, copings, borders, sills, stools, hearths, mantels and other special purpose stones.

Cutting tickets
Detailed list for each piece of dimension stone showing exact dimensions including thickness, face finish, edge treatments, carving, molding, hole drilling, and any other fabrication details. These are usually prepared in the drafting department for use in the fabrication plant or shop. Also called shop lists.

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Eccentricity
The distance between a vertical load reaction and a centroidal axis of masonry.

Efflorescence
Deposit of saline particles on the weather face of a masonry wall. Usually can be removed with an acid wash.

 

Effective height
The height of a member that is assumed when calculating the slenderness ratio.

Edgeset
A brick set on its narrow side instead of on its flat side.

Edging
Is to control the outer edge of a stone plan by cutting a profiled shape in the thickness of the stone.

Eggshell finish
Dull polish or matte surface.

Electrical Conductivity
Ceramic material is electrically insulating. However it does not substantially accumulate electrostatic charges. Antistatic tiles should be used in areas where electrostatic charges can threaten personal safety or the proper functioning of instruments (Ex. Operating rooms in hospitals).

Ellipse
The conic section resulting from cutting a cone obliquely through its curved surface.

 

Engobe
Primer applied to the surface of a tile prior to the application of the glaze.

Engraved
A decoration incised into a tile. Opposite of relief.

Entablature
Series of horizontal courses that incorporates an architrave, frieze, and cornice.

Entasis
The portion of a classic column which has a diminishing arc on the shaft. The lower third of the column is straight (two-thirds entasis column).

Epoxy
A two part adhesive system employing epoxy resins and hardener to create a very strong bond.

Erection
Setting of large stones usually with a crane.

Expansion Joints
Separation provided between adjoining parts of a structure to allow movement at stress points to prevent cracking.

Extrados
The outer portion of an arch.

Exposed aggregate
Phrase applied to the larger pieces of stone aggregate purposefully exposed for their color and texture in a cast slab. Can be done by casting on a slab or by application to an existing wall over epoxy or cement coat.

Exterior
The outside of a building or situated on the outside.

Extruded Tiles
Tiles formed by the extrusion method in which the still malleable raw materials are forced through a mold and then cut into shape.

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Fabricated
Dimensional stone manufactured and ready for installation.

Fabrication
The work involved in transforming building stone from quarry blocks to cut or finished stone. This includes primary sawing into slabs. It may also include both hand and mechanical techniques such as sawing, drilling, grinding, honing, polishing, and carving.

Façade
A face of a building, usually the front.

Face
The exposed portion of cast stone after it is installed. Also a term ECS uses to describe cladding used on fireplace between the legs, the mantel and the hearth

Facing
Mix Materials used for the portion of Cast Stone which is exposed to view after installed.

Faience Tiles
Highly decorated glazed earthenware tiles.

False joint
A groove routed in a solid piece of stone to simulate a joint.

Fascia
A broad and well-defined continuous horizontal band of cast stone at least header high.

Feather Edge
A thin edge, so named because of its frailty when handled (see quirk miter).

Field Tiles
Tile used primarily to cover the main area of a wall or floor surface.

Fillet
Continuous raised lug at the top back edge of a window sill. It serves as a moisture barrier and as a seat for the window sash.

Filling
A trade expression used to indicate the filling of natural voids in stone units with cements or synthetic resins and similar materials.

Fines
aggregate passing a #4 sieve.

Finish
Final exposed surface of Cast Stone. It is independent of color, but it will control the color intensity. Acid etching is the most popular Cast Stone finish.

Fire clay
A clay used for making brick that is highly resistant to heat without deforming.

Fireplace
An opening on a hearth, served by a chimney flue, where an open fire may be laid.

Fireproof
Relatively incombustible.

Fireproofing
Any material or combination protecting structural members and increasing their fire resistance.

Flashing
Manufacturing process to produce specific color tones in clay units by creating a reducing atmosphere in the kiln. Or, a thin impervious material placed in mortar joints and through air spaces in masonry to prevent water penetration and provide water drainage. Also, metal or other protective material used to cover joints, tops of walls, parapet walls, or angles, as of a roof.

Flagstone
Thin slabs of stone used for paving walks, driveways, patios, etc. They are generally fine-grained bluestone, other quartz-based stone or slate. Thin slabs of other stones may also be used.

Flamed Finish
Rough texture obtained by applying fire to the surface of the stone.

Flashed Appearance
Decorative effect achieved by flashing the tile with a thin layer of colored or opalescent glaze.

Fleuri Cut
The “mottled” effect obtained when
certain stone varieties are cut parallel to their natural bedding plane.

Float
A mason’s tool, a flat board with handle on one side, used for spreading and smoothing plaster or cement.

Float coat
The final mortar coat applied with a float over which the neat coat is applied.

Floor
The horizontal surface of a room or building upon which one stands or walks. Also, the area between two adjacent levels of a building.

Floor plan
The plan, or horizontal section, of a building.

Flooring
Stone used as an interior pedestrian walking surface.

Flush
Descriptive of adjoining surfaces in the same plane.

Flush joint
A joint where the mortar or sealant is pressed flush with the stone face.

Fluted
Stone having a regular series of concave grooves.

Flying buttress
A buttress that includes a rampant arch to carry the inner thrust to the pier.

Form
A form or mold is used to shape cast stone. It can be constructed from wood, plaster, rubber, fiberglass, and other mold making materials.

Foyer
A subordinate space between an entrance and the main interior to which it leads.

Frieze
Flat unit of an entablature located between the architrave and cornice.

Front
The more important face of a building, or that containing its main entrance.

Frog
A depression in the bed surface of a brick, sometimes called a panel.

Frost Resistance
Ability of cast stone pieces to withstand freeze/thaw conditions with minimal effect. Frost - resistance of cast stone is dependent on the tile’s porosity and water absorption levels.

Full mortar bedding
Mortar applied to the entire thickness of a masonry unit.

Furring
The method of finishing the interior face of masonry wall to provide space for insulation, to prevent moisture transmittance, or to provide a smooth or plane surface for finishing.

Furrowing
The practice of striking a ‘V’ in a bed of mortar with the point of the trowel.

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Gable
The exterior triangular section of a wall extending upward from the level of the eaves to the apex. Also, a member resembling the triangular end of a roof.

Gable vent
cast stone trim used to dress gable vent openings.

Garreting
The insertion of small splinters of stone in the mortar joints before the mortar has firmly set.

Gauged
stone that is cut into the same thickness and that is calibrated, as opposed to stone tiles or pieces of random thickness. Frequent term related to slate and cast stone tile.

Glazed Tile - Tiles with an opaque or transparent coating that has been fused to the tile body by firing in a kiln, creating a smooth, impermeable surface that may also be highly decorative.

Gloss
Luster or shininess, measured as light reflectance.

Green mortar
Mortar that has set but not dried.

Grit finish
A smooth non-reflective finish primarily used on marble and limestone marble.

Grog
Crushed brick that is blended with clay to form new brick.

Group classification for soundness
Standard trade practice definitions setting forth extent of shop fabrication normally required for group A,B, C, and D marbles.

Grout
Mortar of pouring consistency.

Grout filet
The height to which grout is placed in a cell, collar joint or cavity without stopping; an increment of the total grout pour.

Grout pour
The total height of a masonry wall to be grouted prior to the placement of additional masonry. A grout pour may consist of one or more grout lifts.

Grout cone masonry
Masonry construction made with hollow units in which all or specific cores are filled with grout.

Guy
A rope or wire which, with others, prevents a post or derrick from having side sway.

Gypsum
A hydrated calcium sulfate. It is formed naturally as the result of the reaction of sulfuric acid produced by decomposition of pyrite upon the calcium carbonate of shells existing in clay; a sedimentary rock.

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Hacking
The procedure of stacking brick in a kiln or a kiln car. Or, laying brick with the bottom edge set in from the plane surface of the wall.

Hairline cracking
Random pattern of superficial cracking in an exposed concrete surface. Usually surface openings of 20 mils or less.

Half bull nose
A convex semicircular molding used on exposed edges or stone units such as stair treads, tops and window stools.

Half round
An exposed edge or molding with a semi-circular section or radii.

Hand cut random rectangular
A pattern where all the stone is hand cut into squares and rectangles; joints are fairly consistent. Similar to sawed-bed ashlars in appearance.

Header
Stone unit running horizontally over an opening in a wall. Not self-supporting (see lintel).

Hearth
That part of the floor of a room made of stone on which the fire is made or above is a stove, fireplace, furnace. Now a day, hearths can be raised to seating height.

Herringbone
A pattern of setting in which the units are laid aslant, with the direction of incline reversing in alternate courses, forming a zigzag effect.

Hewn stone
To rough form by mallet and chisel.

High-strength adhesive
A bonding agent of high ultimate strength used to join individual pieces of stone into pre-assembled units.

Honed
A satin smooth surface finish with relatively little or no gloss. Recommended for commercial floors.

Hydrate
A mineral formed by the combination of water and some other elements or compounds.

Hydrated lime
Quicklime to which sufficient water has been added to convert the oxides to hydroxides.

Hydraulic
To harden under (or with) water. Also fluid power used in power machines.

Hydropholic
Having no affinity for or is repellent to water. The quality of beading water on a substrate.

Hydrostone
is a U.S. Gypsum product which is considerably harder than regular plaster of Paris, and lacks the period of plasticity in its setting curve which allows plaster to be worked directly. Any surface cleanup should be done immediately on demolding, as it will continue to harden for several hours thereafter. You can add considerable amounts of filler to Hydrostone. Don't mix this with your hand, like you can with regular plaster of Paris. I prefer a "jiffy mixer" sized appropriately to the mixing vessel.

Hydrous
Containing chemically combined water.

Hydroscopic moisture
Water absorbed by hydrophilic porous materials.

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Igneous
One of the three great classes of rock (igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic) solidified from molten state, as granite.

Impact Resistance
Ability of ceramic tile to resist breakage - either throughout the body or as surface chipping - as the result of a heavy blow. In general, ceramic tile is not a resilient material, and care should be taken to avoid dropping heavy or sharp objects on its surface. Glazed tiles are more susceptible to surface chipping than unglazed tiles.

Incise
To cut inwardly or engrave, as in an inscription.

Indenting
Omission of some stones to allow for future bonding-in work.

Industrial Sealants
Industrial sealants are liquid or viscous compounds used between surfaces to contain fluids, prevent leaks, and prevent infiltration of unwanted material. They may also include compounds for filling gaps or seams.

Initial rate of absorption
weight of water absorbed when a brick is partially immersed in water for one minute, expressed in grams per 30 square inches of contact surface, also called suction.

Initial set
The first setting action of mortar, the beginning of the set.

Inlay
Surface decoration achieved by the insertion of lines or patterns of contrasting material.

Inscription
Lettering cut in stone.

 Insert
A metal device cast into a unit normally used for anchoring or handling.

Integral color
a pre-cast stone piece which has the same color through-out. No aggregates of different colors are part of the mix.

Intrados
The inner portion of an arch

Impervious Stoneware Tiles
Vitreous or Vitrified Tiles Dust-pressed ceramic tiles with water absorption levels <0.5% and high mechanical and chemical characteristics. The surface of these tiles may be glazed or unglazed. Also known as Fully Vitrified Stoneware or Porcelain Stoneware.

Iridescent Tiles - Tiles decorated with a lustrous glaze that contain many seemingly changing colors.

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Jack arch
One having horizontal or nearly horizontal upper and lower surfaces. Also called flat or straight arch.

Jamb
The vertical stone running up the side of an opening.

Jiffy mixer
a blade extension that mounts to a powerful drill and is designed to mix small quantities of cement for sampling.

Job
A contracted Bid/Estimate that specifies products to be drafted and produced for the client.

Job Number
Number assigned to a specific job. Job files, Drafting files and much more references the Job Number, which points to a specific contracted Bid/Estimate with Change Orders, and other information.

Joint
Gap between masonry units filled with mortar or backer rod and sealant.

Jointing Scheme
The jointing pattern shown on shop and assembly drawings. The pattern is designed to be aesthetically pleasing.

Jolly Tiles - Trim tiles mitered along one or two edges, used in corner and countertop installations. Also called angled (45º) tiles.

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Kaolinite
a mineral consisting of a hydrous silicate of aluminum that constitutes the principal mineral in kaolin

Kerf
A slot into the edge of stone with saw blade for insertion of anchors.

Keystone
Originally, the final supporting unit at the center of an arch. It is generally wedge shaped. At Stone Legends, Keystones are individual Units, as well as being used in other Units.

Kiln
A furnace, oven, or heated enclosure used for burning or firing brick or clay material.

Kiln run
Brick from one kiln that have not yet been sorted or graded for size or color variation.

King closure
A brick cut diagonally to have one two-inch end and one full width end.

Kneeler
Gabled cope stone which by its shape is also part of the wall, and may support other cope stones.

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Lamination - Process of increasing the thickness of the edge of a slab  by affixing a 2-3” thick strip of the same material to the bottom surface of the slab.

Lap
To overlap one surface with another.

Lateral support
Method where by walls or columns are braced in the vertical span by beams, floors or roofs, or walls in the horizontal span by columns, pilasters, buttresses or cross walls.

Latex additive
A milky liquid added to cement mixtures to achieve a stronger, less rigid, less permeable mortar

Lathe
Machine for turning columns, balusters, and other circular stone work; also for rubbing and polishing surfaces of same.

Lava
A general term applied to igneous rocks such as basalt and rhyolite, which erupted from the earth by volcanic action.

Lead
The section of a wall built up and racked back on successive courses. A line is attached to leads as a guide for constructing a wall between them.

Lead buttons
Lead spacers in the solid horizontal joints to support the top stones until mortar has been set.

Ledger
A slab of stone used horizontally.

Legs
Vertical dimension stone used on sides of a fireplace opening.

Level
a device for establishing a horizontal line or plane by means of a bubble in a liquid that shows adjustment to the horizontal by movement to the center of a slightly bowed glass tube
 
Lift Hook
A metal device embedded into the cast stone for the purpose of lifting and/or anchoring.

Line Item
The basic part of a Bid/Estimate, the line items detail what is actually being estimated and how it is being done. Line Items are usually grouped into Product Groups or Areas for convenience, with subtotals shown. A line item may be a single piece of stone or a Unit consisting of many pieces of stone.

Line
A string stretched taut as a guide for laying the top edge of a course of masonry units.

Liners
Structurally sound sections of stone that are cemented and dowelled to the back of stone wall units, to give greater strength, additional bearing surface, assist in support, or to increase joint depth.

Line Pin
A metal pin used to attach line used for alignment of masonry units.

Liners
Structurally sound sections of stone cemented and doweled to the back of thin stone units; to give greater strength, additional bearing surface, or to increase joint depth.

Lintel
A beam placed or constructed over an opening in a wall to carry the superimposed load.

Lippage
A condition where one edge of a stone is higher than adjacent edges, giving the finished surface a ragged appearance.

Lipping
Usually refers to flagging materials. Lipping is caused when two pieces of material to be joined together are slightly warped or twisted causing one or more edges to be higher or lower than the adjoining material.

Load bearing
A structural system or element designed to carry loads in addition to its own dead load.

Lug
A small projecting member of a larger stone piece, to engage an adjoining unit or to serve as an aid in handling.

Lintel
A stone or other material spanning an opening and carrying the load of a wall above.

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Machine finish
he generally recognized standard machine finish produced by the planers.

Mallet
Type of wood or plastic hammer, used to drive chisels.

Malpais
literally, badland; refers to dark-colored rock, commonly lava, in rough terrain.

Mantel
The structural member spanning the opening of a fireplace. Also, a shelf (usually cubic stone) which is part of the finish and above the fireplace opening.

Manufactured
Dimensional stone fabricated, ready for installation.

Manufacturer
One who fabricates dimensional stone.

Mash hammer
A short-handled heavy hammer with two round or octagonal faces, used to drive hammer-head shaping tools.

Mason Masonry contactor
Licensed contractors that have experience and knowledge in executing intricate installations of stone, cast stone projects.

Masonry
The practice of the mason’s craft with brick, tile, concrete masonry units and other materials. Or, the work resulting from the practice of the mason’s craft; structures built of stone, brick or other materials set as units in patterns and amenable to assembly with mortar whether or not mortar is usually used. Or, the type of construction made up of masonry units laid with mortar or grout or other accepted method of jointing.

Reinforced Masonry: Masonry constructed with steel reinforcement embedded in such a manner that the two materials act together in resisting forces.

Un reinforced Masonry: Masonry construction without steel reinforcement, except that which may be used for bonding or reducing the effects of dimensional changes due to variations in moisture content or temperature. Also called plain masonry.

Masonry cement
A mill-mixed cementious material to which sand and water is added to make mortar.

Masonry Opening
The actual opening size of a window, door, vent or fireplace. The masonry opening is the basis for the description of many Unit Types, and is the basis for the Control Dimensions used in preparing Shop Drawings.

Mastic
A pasty, mortar-like material composed of solvent-based organic adhesives that cures quickly by evaporation of the solvents.

Matching
Selecting, cutting, and placing finished stone slabs to obtain a uniform and symmetrical pattern of natural veining and color.

Matrix
The rock in which a crystallized mineral is embedded.

Mechanic
One skilled in installation of dimensional stone.

Medallion
An ornamental block.

Mastic
A pasty, mortar-like material composed of solvent-based organic adhesives that cures quickly by evaporation of the solvents.

Matching
Selecting, cutting, and placing finished stone slabs to obtain a uniform and symmetrical pattern of natural veining and color.

Matrix
The rock in which a crystallized mineral is embedded.

Mechanic
One skilled in installation of dimensional stone.

Medallion
An ornamental block.

Mesh Backed Tiles - Mosaic tiles mounted on a fiberglass mesh forming larger units of usually 12” to facilitate handling and installation.

Metamorphic rock
A rock altered in appearance, density and crystalline structure, and in some cases mineral composition, by high temperature or pressure, or both. Slate is derived from shale; quartzite from quartz sandstone; and true marble from limestone.

Metamorphism
The change or alteration in a rock caused by exterior agencies, such as deep-seated heat and pressure, or intrusion of rock materials.

Meter
A unit of linear measure in the metric system; equivalent to 39.37 inches.

Mica
Any group of mineral silicates in a multi-layered form; characterized by cleaving which permits splitting into thin sheets.

Microcrystalline limestone
A limestone that consists largely or wholly of crystals that are so small as to be recognizable only under magnification.

Miter - The junction of two units at an angle. The junction line usually bisects on a 45-degree angle.

Mold
A form in which Cast Stone is shaped. It can be constructed from wood, plaster, rubber, fiberglass, and other materials.

Model
The positive shape that represents the final product. The form for making cast stone is produced from a model.

Modulus of rupture
The stress at which a specimen of stone breaks in the testing.

Moh’s Scale - Scratch Hardness - Scale used to express the measure of a material’s hardness from Moh’s 1 (hardness of talc) to 10 (diamond).

Moisture Expansion - Change in dimension a porous tile may undergo as a result of moisture absorption.

Molding
Any linear plane which deviates from a flat surface.

Mortar
A blend of cement, lime, sand, and water that is applied at a pliable consistency to bond masonry units. Mortar bonds and cushions the stone, acting as a compression gasket.

Mortar Bed
The layer of the installation bed to which pieces are directly bonded; the installation bed.

Mortar Joint
Joint composed of, or embedded in, cement mortar.

Mosaic Tiles
Ceramic mosaic tiles are defined by their size, generally less than 6” a square and assembled into units or sheets by the manufacturer for easier installation. Back and edge-mounted tiles are bonded to material (mesh, paper, resin or other) that becomes part of the installation. Face mounted tiles are bonded to a material that is removed prior to grouting.

Mud Cup
Trim piece used in mud set or mortar installations to finish a row of tiles.
Mud Set - Method of installation using cement-based mortar applied in a minimum thickness of 3/4” to create the backing surface on which tiles
will be installed.

Mullion
A vertical member that forms a separation from adjacent window and doorframes.

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National association of marble producers
The National trade Association of the American Marble Industry whose membership is composed of marble producers (quarries) in the United States, its territories and Canada.

Natural bed
The setting of the stone on the same plane as it was formed in the ground. This generally applies to all stratified materials.

Natural cement
Lime with high clay content.

Natural cleft
This generally pertains to stones which are formed in layers in the ground. When such stones are elevated or separated along a natural seam, the remaining surface is referred to a natural cleft surface.

Natural stone
Although technical a redundancy, as a stone its occurrence by definition, the term is used to distinguish true stone from imitation materials.

Neat cement
A pure cement uncut by a sand admixture.

Nicked by finish
Obtained by planning the stone with a planer tool in which irregular nicks have been made in the cutting edge.

Non-combustible
Any material that will neither ignite nor actively support combustion in air at a temperature of 1.200’F when exposed to fire.

Non-corroding
Resistant to harmful oxidation or other corrosive actions because of its composition (i.e. stainless steel, bronze, copper).

Non-ferrous
containing no iron material.

Non staining mortar
Mortar composed of materials which individually or collectively do not contain material that will stain and usually have a very low alkali content.

Nominal Size
The approximate size of tile’s face or thickness used for general purposes.

Nose Tread
Special trim piece designed to fit the steps and cover the edge with a 90-degree angle and a round edge overhanging the riser.
Notching - Use of a notched trowel to comb the mortar bed to improve tile’s adhesion.

Nosing
The rounded front edge of a stair tread.

Notched trowel
Trowel with a serrated or notched edge used for spreading mortar or adhesive in ridges of a specific thickness.

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Obsidian
A glassy phase of lava, usually black.

O.C.
On centers, an abbreviation frequently used in dimensioning shop drawings, designating dimensions from the center of one member to the center of the next.

Offset
A course or unit that is set in from the course directly under it, the opposite of a projection.

Ogee
A stone molding with a reverse curved edge, concave above, convex below.

One-man boulder
Rough stone under 150 pounds.

Onyx
A variety of quartz in crystalline form of calcium carbonate. It is characterized by a structure of parallel brands each differing in color or in the degree of translucency. Considering to be a marble because it can take a polished.

Onyx marble
A crystalline from, commonly microcrystalline, of calcium carbonate deposited usually from cold water solutions. It is generally translucent and shows characteristic layering. Commercially, onyx is considered a marble because it can be polished.

Onyx - A translucent, generally layered cryptocrystalline calcite with colors in pastel shades, particularly yellow, tan and green.

Orange Peel - A pitted, textured face, resembling orange skin, which provides a slip-resistant surface.

Organic
Designation of any chemical compound containing carbon (some of the simple compounds of carbon, such as carbon dioxide, are frequently classified as inorganic compounds). To date, nearly one million organic compounds have been synthesized or isolated. Many occur in nature; others are produced by chemical synthesis.

Out-crop
Rock protruding above or at ground level.

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Paddle Mixer
Large paddle mixer rotating on a strong axel used mostly by stucco contractors.

Palletized
A system of stacking stone on wooden pallets for shipment or storage.
Stone which comes palletized is easily moved and transported by modern handling equipment. Palletized stone generally arrives at the site in better condition then non-palletized material.

Panel
A single unit of fabricated stone veneer.

Panel wall
A non-bearing wall consisting of panels of various materials, each panel being separately held in frame. The frame may be the structure itself or fastened to the structural framework of the building.

Parapet
A low wall around the perimeter of a building at roof level or around balconies.

Parapet wall
Part of any wall entirely above the roof line.

Par close
A screen of stone separating chapels, especially at the east end of the aisles, from the body of the church.

Paring
Damp proofing by applying a coat of mortar to the back of the stone units or to the face of the back-up material.

Part
Specific pieces of stone used to make a final installed Unit.

Patch
Repair compound used to fill natural voids or to replace chips and broken corners or edges in fabricated pieces of dimension stone. Mixed or selected to match the stone in color and texture.

Patina
The color and texture added to a surface by time and various allies.

Paver
A single unit of fabricated stone for use as an exterior paving material.

Pedestal
A stone supporting structure or piece for a bust, column, statue, or vase.

Pediment
The triangular face of a gable, if separated by entablature or molding from the lower wall and treated as decorative unit.

Penetrative sealer
A protective treatment that lines masonry sealed

Perforated  wall
One which contains a considerable number of relatively small openings. Often called pierced wall or screened wall.

Perlite
extremely light weight aggregate.

Perm
The rate of vapor transmission of one grain per square foot per inch of mercury vapor pressure difference.

Permeability
The property of a substance which permits passage of water vapor; moisture vapor transmission.

Per Pender
A stone extending through the thickness of a wall and finished on both ends.

Peron
Slabs of stone set on other stones serving as stops and arches in gardens.

Petroglyphs
Primitive stone carving.

Ph value
A number denoting the degree of acidity or alkalinity; 7 is a neutral value. Acidity increases with decreasing values below 7, while alkalinity increases with increasing values above 7.

Phenol
A class of acid organic compounds used in the manufacture of epoxy resins, phenolformaldehyde resins, plasticizers, plastics and wood preservatives.

Picked
Stone dressed using mason’s point

Pick & dip
A method of laying brick with one hand and, with the other hand, dip enough mortar on a trowel to lay the brick. Sometimes called the Eastern or New England Method.

Pier
Solid stone support, smaller than and distinct from a column.

Pilaster
Engaged pier of shallow depth; in classical architecture it follows the height and width of related columns with similar base sod cap. In classical architecture, it follows the height and width of related columns, with similar base and cap.

Pillow Edge
An edge that is softly tapered to create a shape like a puffy pillow.

Pitched
Surface resembling rock-faced produced with pitching tool.

Pitching tool
Similar to large chisel but with blunt, not sharp, broad edge, about 6mm thick.

Piscina
In ecclesiastical architecture, a basin of stone or marble in which the chalice is washed after the rite of the Eucharist.

Planer
Machine for planing moldings on to stone; machine used to reduce thickness and gauge stone; machine used to produce a machine finish on limestone.

Plaster of Paris
A calcined gypsum in a hemi hydrate state.

Plata Tracery
Tracery designs, usually simple and geometrical, cut through a thin slab of stone, as distinguished from a tracery proper, which is formed by mortared sections of molding.

Plinths
The lower square part of the base of a column. A square base or a lower block, as in a pedestal. The base block at the juncture of base-board and trim around an opening.

Plucked finish
Surface obtained by rough planing the surface of stone, braking or plucking out small particles to give rough texture.

Plug and feathers
Tools used for splitting stone blocks.

Plumb bob
A shaped metal weight that is suspended from the lower end of a line to determine the vertical trueness.

Plump rule
A narrow board with parallel edges having a straight line drawn through the middle and a string attached at the upper end of the line for determining a vertical plane.

Pointing
Final finishing of a stone installation. The joints are left clear about 1" back from the face of the stone and filled with either a matching or contrasting mortar mix.

Polished
The finest and smoothest finish available in stone, generally only possible on hard, dense materials. Or, a glossy finish which brings out the full color and character of the stone.

Polyester resin
A flexible, usually thermal setting resin formed by a polymerization process using a small amount of accelerator compound and used as an adhesive or to repair or fill certain stones.

Polyethylene film
Plastic film sheet used for curing or as a cleavage or isolation membrane.

Porosity
The term rock refers to the bulk volume of the material, including the grains or crystals as well as the contained void space. The volumetric portion of bulk rock that is not occupied by grains.

Portland cement
A type of cement used in mortar mixes, made by processing clay and limestone.

Poultice