Material Sample Guide
It is important to remember that all materials are naturally formed and may differ slightly in texture, colour and grain structure from samples and memorials of the same material the panel shown on the swatch. Materials can be shaped and carved to meet your particular need. It is also possible to combine different styles and to re-produce any design in any material.
Granite is quarried from a variety of countries and varies greatly in colour and price. The main colours available are in Black, Blue, Red and Grey but more unusual colours and shades are becoming popular. Granite is normally more expensive than marble and may be double the price in some designs as it is a difficult material to shape and cut. This hardness ensures that the memorial is almost maintenance free. Usually, the lettering is engraved into the stone and painted in gold, black or silver to stand out. Alternatively, leaded letters can be added but they are more difficult to fix than in marble. Granite is often highly polished to create a bright, colourful appearance allowing detailed designs to be inscribed into its surface. Because the depth of inscribing letters is not as deep as with softer materials the size of letters can be smaller or intricate fonts used.
A more subtle, matt finish can be achieved for a traditional style. This process is achieved by removing the final polished finish by re-polishing using pre finish polishing pads to produce a dull matt finish.
is when the face of the memorial and top of the base is polished with the remaining surfaces left unpolished
Virtually all granites require very little maintenance and only weather slowly over time. Rubbed (softer materials such as marble York stone Portland).
Quarried in Carrara, North West Italy, this material is classically white to blue-white in colour and veined with darker blue/grey markings. Marble can also be seen in a darker blue/grey colour called Dove grey marble. The main advantage of marble is that it can be carved and shaped by hand to produce attractive and intricate designs.
Inscriptions can be engraved into the stone and painted black. Alternatively, lead letters can be fitted instead.
Marble is a long lasting stone but it should be cleaned periodically to reduce the effects of weathering as the pores of the stone can soak up dirt. It is for this reason, that marble stones should never be fixed on graves that lie beneath trees or bushes, as leaves and bird droppings will leave permanent stains.
Native stones such as York, Portland and Slate
Provide a more traditional appearance and can be carved and shaped by hand. A number of designs are shown but these memorials are often made to order to incorporate a special engraving or feature.
Comes in various shades of colour predominantly Green and grey are used for memorials Slate is a dense, durable, naturally occurring material that is essentially nonabsorbent. Two properties of slate are cleavage and fracture. It has natural cleavage, which permits it to be easily split in one direction. Fracture, usually occurring at right angles to the cleavage, is called the grain. Roofing slate commonly is split so the length of the slate runs in the direction of the grain. The surface texture of slate after being split for commercial use derives from the characteristics of the rock from which it was quarried. Some slate splits to a smooth, practically even surface, while other yields a surface that is rough and uneven.
The colour of slate is determined by its chemical and mineral composition. Because these factors differ in various regions, roofing slate can be obtained in a variety of colors. In addition, exposure to weather causes slate to change color. The degree of change varies depending on the slate. Slate exhibiting minimal color change is known as "permanent" or "unfading" slate. Slate that shows a more marked color change is known as "weathering" slate. Between unfading slate and weathering is "semi weathering" slate.
Varies in colour between Brown, Beige and Cream and has a fine grain texture.
Buff/Cream coloured stone in some areas it is not as long lasting as other stones.