Terminology Index

If you find it difficult to understand terminology used in a granite busisness don't worry! Use our guide below to clarify technical mambo jambo.

abrasive finish
a flat non-reflective surface finish for marble.
abutment
a solid stone "springer" at the lowest point of an arch or vault.
adhered
veneer secured and supported through adhesion to an approved bonding material applied over an approved backing.
agate
a variegated variety of quartz showing colored bands or other markings (clouded, mosslike, etc.).
anchors
types of stonework include those made of flat stock (strap, cramps, dovetails, dowel, strap and dowel, and two-way anchors) and round stock (rod cramp, rod anchor, eyebolt and dowel, flat-hood wall tie and dowel, dowel and wire toggle bolts).
apex stone
uppermost stone in a gable, pediment, vault or dome.
arch
a curved stone structure resting on supports at both extremities used to sustain weight, to bridge or roof an open space.
architrave
the member of an entablature resting on the capitals of columns and supporting the frieze.
argillite
a compact sedimentary rock composed mainly of clay and aluminum silicate minerals.
arkose
a sandstone containing 10% or more clastic grains of feldspar. Also called arkosic sandstone, feldspathic sandstone.
arris
a natural or applied line on the stone from which all leveling and plumbing is measured.
ashlar
masonry having a face of square or rectangular stones, either smooth or textured.