Use and Care Manual

M S International, Inc.
Premium Natural Stones
Page 3 of 4
• Honed
Grinding and sanding produces a smooth, yet not glossy finish. This is best for
low maintenance, high traffic applications.
• Tumbled
Tumbling stones in a solution of sand, water and mild acid creates an old world,
weathered look.
• Gauged vs. Ungauged
Slate is cleft out of blocks to form tiles. When it is cleft by machine or saw, it is
gauged because a uniform thickness is formed. Ungauged stone is hand-cleft
and its thickness may vary up to 5/8 of an inch.
7. Why are Travertines filled or unfilled?
Travertine is characterized by the presence of many tiny holes, caused by trapped gas
bubbles during its formation. This creates a porous, uneven surface, which is referred to
as Unfilled Travertine. When these cavities are filled with cement or another material, the
result is called Filled Travertine and may be honed and polished to provide a uniform
surface.
8. Is the sizing always exact in tumbled material?
Tumbled stone pieces are intended to produce a rustic, old-world look. Therefore, they
are not created with precision and may vary slightly in size. Some pieces may have large
chips on the edges or may have a corner missing. Care must be taken to ensure an
even surface when installing tumbled stone flooring.
9. Can I specify the exact stone color I want?
Granite, marble, and slate may be available in nearly any color, so it may be possible to
specify stone color, with some tolerance for shade differences. Not all stones are
available in all colors, however. Travertines, for example, are only found in shades of
beige, yellow, and gold.
10. How much variation can I expect from the sample of the stone shown?
Each stone is unique, and some types of stone display more variation between the
pieces than others. Granites show little variation in color, but may have differing patterns
and grain density. Slates tend to show a wide variation in color, even within the same
pallet of stone.
11. What is thickness tolerance for different types of stone?
Thickness tolerance varies from stone to stone. Slates generally have a tolerance of
0.38”, and granite tiles have a tolerance of 0.06”.
12. What is blending? When is blending recommended?