Since the dawn of time, stone has been used by man. Despite the arrival of concrete and other derived materials, it still pleases as much. It is true that we can only imitate its aestheticism, its qualities are no longer to be demonstrated and the atmosphere it brings to our works is still unequalled.
Qualities that are no longer to be proven
Indeed, natural stones have always been able to stand out from other materials because of their resistance to the elements they face outdoors. As a general rule, they resist very well to the load, do not bend, keep their volume, degrade very slowly to erosion, do not rust and, due to their density, are not sensitive to wind and various pressures. All these advantages allow them to be used in roadways with granite paving stones, for example, in the construction of low walls with bars or rubble or in terraces with sawn, hammered or free (incertum) slabs.
Of course, not all stones react in the same way to these phenomena, but the range of choices is such that we can easily find the one that best meets our expectations. We can even add to the criteria of physical resistance a more personal criterion, aesthetics.
An aestheticism that always seduces as much
The stones are extracted from quarries which, depending on their geographical location, produce different veins. The choices are often a question of local culture, there is only to observe the old houses in each region, the stone of Nozay pleases for example much in this sector whereas the mauve schist extracted more in the north of the department will have more success in Ille-et-Vilaine.
Even if it is true that the cost of transport is also a factor. However, with the development of importing companies, we can easily choose stones that allow us a change of scenery. For example, Brazilian quartzite, which is colorful and warm, goes very well with wood and Mediterranean plant beds and is very successful in terraces at the foot of contemporary houses. Just as blue/black schist from Portugal is a trend in terms of landscaping (palis, terrace, low wall, fence...).
Creator of ambiences
In addition to being used for the usual works, the mineral finds an increasingly important place in the decoration of massifs. It is true that plants blend very well with minerals. Sometimes, one can even directly influence the other (a pink hydrangea planted at the foot of a slate roof and receiving its rainwater will turn blue over time, due to the slate).
By associating plants with mulches we can create different atmospheres. Red gravel associated with yellow gravel or sand can create, with grasses and plants such as bottlebrush, cordyline or phormium, a Mediterranean atmosphere. In the same way, white pebbles, associated with slate petals and plants such as Japanese Maples, Pieris or other Azaleas plunge us directly into a Japanese, Zen universe.
Much more than a fashion
Although many artificial products are available on the market, stone continues to seduce us. It adapts to all types of furnishings and appeals to all generations. This noble material has crossed the centuries and has never disappointed us, more than a fashion phenomenon, it represents a real safe value.
