The Sourcebook of Decorative Stone: An Illustrated Identification Guide

Authoritative text and color photographs provide reliable identification of more than 300 types of cut and polished stone selected from renowned collections around the world, from the most commonly encountered to the exquisitely rare. This Guide describes decorative stone both ancient and modern, and used variously for architecture, sculpture and ornamentation. This guide is organized by geological type with each stone displayed according to dominant colors and markings, enabling you to understand how the stones are related, as well as how they differ. Sharp color photographs accompany information on the stones' geology, historical associations, quarry sources, and past and present uses. This book is an invaluable reference useful for archaeologists, architects, artists, antique restorers, academic departments, museums, the stone trade, and the enthusiastic amateur.