Precious, semi-precious, natural stone driveways, walkways, fireplaces, or jutting skyward such as the straight edge red rock cliffs of Sedona. There is a beauty within stone that many see and take for granted everyday without ever stopping to consider.

A part of its magnificent beauty lies in the fact that no two stones are identical. They may appear similar, however, if you look closely you will see the unique characteristics of each stone. Natural stone is created by centuries of wind and water working in unison with the other elements such as soil, sun, snow and ice.

Because each stone is unique in size, shape, color and texture, man cannot precisely duplicate nor capture its beauty with neither machine nor technology.

Have you ever noticed the veins that run through granite and marble, or the specific texture of lime or sandstone? Man, continuously attempts to recreate this beauty and magnificence however he cannot. Thus, the term “faux” stone.

The word “faux” means false. False stone is a man made creation. It is a combination of chemicals mixed with sand, gravel and sometimes quartz crystals then molded and either painted or stained to give the appearance of natural stone.

Some men or companies make very good faux stones. Nevertheless, careful attention to the detail will show that every vein is identical. Every line of texture is exact. This defeats the purpose of attempting to appear natural.

Stone has been the builders’ material of choice for homebuilding, countertops, fireplaces, shelving units, floors and much more for hundreds of years. Stonewalls hold in the cool in the summer and the heat in the winter. It is one of nature’s most resilient insulators.

Floors made of stone are sturdier and last longer than those of most manmade materials. A stone fireplace and mantel cannot be equaled in beauty, strength and longevity.

The next time you think about making a change in your home, think stone. Natural stone, not the faux kind, which quiet, simply cannot compare.