PT 1: Metamorphic stones

At GMS Werks, our company offers our client’s three different types of natural stone. The options  are metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous rocks which all form in different environments inside the Earth to produce the natural stone slabs that are cut and installed into residential and commercial spaces. 

What are Metamorphic stones? 

Metamorphic rocks are formed in environments with high heat and pressure in a mineral-rich deep in the Earth where the tectonic plates are found and often meet with one another. The process of turning into a metamorphic rock does not melt the rock, but instead, it provides the rock to morph into another shape by being squished and folded by the tectonic plates! 

Yes, these types of natural stone slabs are formed into their shape by being folded and squished by the Earth’s plates! 

The most common stones that are formed are quartzite, slate, marble and soapstone Soapstone is normally known as magmatic stones that are formed in lava, but depending upon the conditions, these stones can be formed like metamorphic stones. 

Marble 

Marble is one of the most common natural stones on the market, but it often comes with a larger price tag. Marble provides a residential or commercial space with luxury and elegance while providing durability for years to come. Marble comes in shades from white to black with veins in just about every color one can think of. Marble has been used for centuries from monuments and museums to kitchen countertops. 

Quartzite 

Quartzite is the second most common choice in residential and commercial spaces due to it resembling marble and a smaller price tag. Quartzite can still provide a space with luxury and elegance, but quartzite has a cousin who is often sold in its place! 

Quartz is the man-made version of this natural stone option for all spaces. This is a mixture of quartz crystals and silica which are blended with epoxy to slabs. This makes quartz even more durable, chemical resistant and non-porous but should not be installed in exterior spaces due to the chemicals mixture that creates this stone. 

Slate 

Slate is a less common metamorphic rock that is found in mudstone environment. Slate is most commonly used in flooring installations because of its durability and unique patterns that other flooring options cannot provide to spaces. 

This natural stone  is resistant to scratches, cracks, breaks and chips which sells the option for flooring even more. This stone does not need to be sealed dependent upon where it will be installed inside of the space. In the real estate market, a residential or commercial space with slate flooring increases the market value price! A choice that will pay for itself in the future. 

Soapstone 

Soapstone is composed of talc chlorite and other mineral rich materials that form to be gray, blue, green and browns that match its minerals. Soapstone is comprised of 50 percent talc and is a soft stone that offers artistic features but when soapstone is used as sinks, countertops and flooring options the talc of the stone needs to be at minimum 60 percent for durability. This ensures that the stone will last for years to come.  

This stone comes in limited color options compared to other metamorphic rocks due to the environment it is created in. This stone is dark green or gray with light veins of white to add a wonderful contrast! 

GMS Werks offers customers with a 50,000 square foot warehouse of metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous natural stone slabs with thousands of colors and varieties available for their choosing. Contact us today to set up a walk through our warehouse!