The Senegambian stone circles are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Senegal and The Gambia, consisting of over 2.5 circles with more than 1,000 standing stones. They were mostly erected in the 8th century and are based on complex geometric relationships. The people buried in the mounds were kings or chieftains. The Wassu Circles and […]
Dimension stone is natural stone cut to specific size or shape guidelines using techniques such as trimming, grinding, or drilling. It is chosen for its texture, color, and durability, and used for aesthetic effects in construction. Techniques used to harvest dimension stone include cutting, burning, and controlled explosives. After separation from the rock face, the […]
Engineered stone is a man-made material used in kitchen and bathroom décor as an alternative to granite. It is made by crushing natural stone, adding additives and colorants, and compacting it with resin. The final product is more uniform, non-porous, and easier to clean than natural stone. It is commonly used as a replacement for […]
Image stones are stones with carved or painted pictures that tell a story. They can be found all over the world and vary in age. Some include text, but archaeologists struggle to interpret them due to wear and lack of context. They were often used as memorials or to tell stories from mythology or history. […]
Choosing a baking stone depends on size, shape, material, and heat distribution. Pizza stones are round and optimized for certain temperatures, while free-form loaves are square or rectangular. Thicker stones made of high-quality ceramic conduct heat evenly for a crispy crust. Ensure the stone fits in your oven and doesn’t touch the heating elements. Choosing […]
Cast stone is a man-made masonry product that resembles natural stone and is used for structural and ornamental purposes. It was first used in the 12th century and became popular in London in the early 20th century. Today, it is made with chemical additives and plasticizers for durability and comes in a variety of styles […]
The Black Stone is a 30 cm diameter stone set in a silver frame on the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. Muslims pray towards it and kiss it during the Hajj. Legends say it fell from Heaven and turned black from absorbing sins. Its composition is unknown, but it may be tektite […]
Fairy Stone State Park in Virginia is known for its staurolite crystals, which are said to have been formed from fairy tears at the news of Jesus’ crucifixion. The park offers camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing, and was created from land donated by Julius B. Fishburn in 1933. The land was originally owned by Native […]
Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina covers 14,100 acres and offers outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, rock climbing, and hiking trails. The park also features historical exhibits and a 600-foot-tall granite peak called Stone Mountain. Visitors can fish in the park’s streams, hike on its trails, and camp in its facilities. Stone Mountain […]
Jerusalem stone, a type of limestone found near the ancient city, is used in building projects, religious art, and ceremonial pieces. It comes in various colors and can be used for flooring, wall cladding, countertops, and more. Softer types are less expensive and malleable. It is also used in religious jewelry and symbols and in […]
Many US states have official symbols, including birds, flowers, trees, and stones. These symbols represent the state’s history, natural resources, and economic exports. Some states have multiple stones, while others have none. Gems, minerals, and rocks are all used as state symbols. Many states in the United States (US) choose official symbols to represent the […]
Kidney stones can be caused by diets high in fatty foods. Symptoms include body aches, changes in urination, and pain that gradually increases in intensity. If left untreated, kidney stones can lead to nausea, vomiting, and high fever, and even kidney damage. While kidney stones can occur due to physiological dysfunction, studies have suggested that […]
Rotten stone is a powdered limestone mixed with silica used to polish wood and some soft metals. It’s available in carpenter shops, and can be mixed with oil or water to create a paste. It’s important to test on a small, hidden area before using it on the entire item. Rotten stone, or rotten stone, […]
Ohio’s state gemstone, flint, is the most common mineral found on the earth’s surface. Native Americans and early European settlers used it for tools and weapons. Today, artists make flint jewelry, and it comes in a variety of colors. Ohio has no official state stone, but has other official symbols. Technically, there is no Ohio […]
Artificial stone includes synthetic gemstones, stone veneer, concrete compounds, and cast stone. Coade stone, a ceramic compound, was created in the 18th century and is revered for its erosion resistance. Man-made gems are used for jewelry and industrial purposes. Concrete is a primary ingredient in cast stone, which can be stained or painted to mimic […]
The Stone Age lasted from 2.6 million years ago until about 3500 BC and is divided into three segments: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic. At least nine species of the Homo genus participated in the Stone Age, living in small tribes leading a hunter-gatherer lifestyle until the Neolithic Revolution took place. Common wares included hand axes, […]
The Foundation Stone in the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is believed by Jews and Muslims to be a sacred site. It is considered the place where the world was created, where Adam was formed, and where important events in Judaism and Islam occurred. The stone has a long history, […]
White piedra is a fungal infection that affects the outer layer of the skin and can also infiltrate the gastrointestinal tract. It can be caused by various fungi and is found in semitropical and temperate climates. The infection can be mistaken for lice infestation and is usually treated by shaving the affected area and applying […]
Stone crabs are found in Atlantic waters along the southern coast of the US, with Florida harvesting the most annually. They are small with large claws and are environmentally friendly to harvest as only one claw is taken per crab, allowing it to regrow. The meat is delicious and filling, and US-harvested stone crab is […]
A pizza stone is a round stoneware plate that absorbs moisture and distributes heat evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked pizza. It can be made of different materials and thicknesses, but care must be taken to avoid breaking it. Sprinkle cornmeal on it to prevent sticking and clean it with a dry brush. Pizza is […]
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