Natural Stone Definitions
M
Machine Finish
In limestone, the generally recognized standard machine finish produced by the planers. Also known as “machine smooth” or “planar” finish.
Maintenance
Cleaning and/or other remedial activity performed on a scheduled basis: daily, weekly, etc. in order to remove dirt, dust and other contaminants that degrade the stone’s appearance and/or performance.
Marble
Marble (commercial definition)
A crystalline rock, capable of taking a polish, and composed of one or more of the minerals calcite, dolomite, and serpentine. Commercial and scientific definitions of the marble group are explained in detail in ASTM C119.
Marble Institute of America (MIA)
An international trade association whose membership is composed of producers, fabricators, contractors, exporters, importers, distributors, sales agents, and vendors who provide products and/or services to the dimensional stone industry and building owners. MIA traces its roots back to the National Association of Marble Dealers, founded in 1907, which joined with the National Association of Marble Producers in 1944 to form the Marble Institute of America (MIA). The National Association of Marble Builders merged with MIA in 1962.
Masonry
- Built-up construction, usually individual units set in mortar.
- That branch of construction dealing with plaster, concrete construction, and the laying up of stone, brick, tile and other such units with mortar.
Metamorphic Rock
Rock altered in appearance, density, crystalline structure, and in some cases, mineral composition, by high temperature and intense pressure. Includes slate derived from shale, quartz-based stone from quartzitic sand, and true marble from limestone.
Metamorphism
The change or alteration in a rock caused by exterior agencies, such as deep-seated heat and pressure, or intrusion of rock materials.
Microcrystalline
Said of a stone that consists largely or wholly of crystals that are so small as to be recognizable only under magnification.
Milling
In the stone industries, comprehensive term for processing quarry blocks through sawing, planning, turning and cutting techniques to finished stone.
Miter
Mockup
A sample section of stonework that is installed, often including other related construction components, for the purpose of obtaining designer and owner approval prior to commencement of quarrying, fabricating, or installation of stonework. The mockup may be independent of the project or may be part of the project and remain in place as part of the completed work.
Modular
Refers to standard patterns used throughout the stone industry that are usually based on multiples of a given height or size.
Modulus of Elasticity
Modulus of Rupture
Mohs Scale
A relative scale of mineral hardness developed by German Mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1822 ranking ten common minerals by their scratch resistance.
Moldings
Decorative stone deviating from a plane surface by projections, curved profiles, recesses or any combination thereof.
Monolithic
Shaped from a single block of stone, in contrast to a unit that was created by miter using multiple units of stone.
Mortar
A mixture of cement paste and fine aggregate used in setting stone units or filling joints between stone units. Mortar may contain masonry cement, or may contain hydraulic cement with lime (and possibly other admixtures) to afford greater plasticity and workability than are attainable with standard Portland cement mortar.
Mosaic
A decorative installation, usually a graphic or artwork display, made up of an assemblage of small units of different colored stones or glass to create the total image or pattern.
Movement Joint
In tile installations, a joint where only the finish material is separated by an elastomeric filler, and the substrate is uninterrupted. Also known as a “generic movement joint.”
MSDS
The abbreviation for Material Safety Data Sheet. The information required by OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to convey hazardous information to downstream customers.
Mullion
A structural unit that separates two window units.
