The Stones

Color and Texture. The beauty of working with natural hand carved stone in architecture is that there is a color and a texture to fit every need, both residential and commercial.

Some projects may call for a classic almost marble-like look, with even tones and just a little amount of pattern to add character (example: Macedonia, see photo below). Other times, something heavily textured and rustic may be appropriate (example: Cantera and Adoquin stones; see photo below).

Italian limestones can be used to bring an extra element of refinement and sophistication into a project.

Specialized Applications. Sometimes De Santana is called upon for a specialized application. A wonderful coastal look can be introduced with Ostra or Sisal limestones (see photos below), with actual pieces of shell visible in the stone; a natural choice for an ocean-vicinity setting.

Durability. Stone is "built to last". witness the great pyramids. The strength and longevity of real stone is indisputable.

Stone Categories. At De Santana we supply our customers with many types of carved stone from many different countries. The ones shown below represent some of the most popular ones and provide a useful reference as you consider the possibilities for your own use.

• Limestones. All the stones from the Yucatan and from Italy shown below are limestone. Limestones are extremely strong (compressive strength generally exceeds 4,000 pounds per square inch!). At the same time, they are good carving stones, and take wonderful form and detail in the hands of the skilled carver.
• Cantera Stones. The word cantera simply means "quarried", but is used more specifically to describe the kind of volcanic stones shown below. These stones carve well and have a rustic beauty which gives them a sophisticated informality.
• Adoquin Stones. Similar to Cantera stones in origin (volcanic) and in their properties. They are somewhat denser than Cantera stones, and were often used as pavers because of their relative hardness. Nevertheless, they carve well and look beautiful.

Interior and Exterior Use. All the stones that De Santana supplies are excellent for both interior and exterior use.