Types of Stone
Granite
Granite is the most durable stone we use and is most suited to the British weather. It comes in many colours including black, red, blue, light and dark grey and other more unusual multicolours.
Polishing brings out the true beauty and deep colour of the stone and is commonly used in cemeteries. When used in most churchyards, it is usually stipulated that granite must have an eggshell or honed, non-reflective finish.
Some granites are more porous than others and will become darker when wet but it is a highly recommended material
Offley Memorials provide a large range of Granite colour options and this gallery
illustrates just a few.
We have more examples in our brochure, which you can view here
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us.
Finishes
Polished Granite -
All visible areas of the
memorial are polished with the exception of any design work or inward facing surfaces.
Honed Granite -
A honed finish can be best described as an eggshell finish. Whilst extremely smooth it is non-reflective.
Part Polished Granite -
The polished or honed area of a memorial is restricted to the inscription face and top of the base where applicable. All other surfaces will be
pitched, sawn, sanded, blasted or rubbed as appropriate to the individual memorial.
Pitched or Rustic -
A pitched finish is one that has been obtained by using a bolster and hammer which gives a rough, natural finish to the memorial.
“Being a natural product, colours may vary slightly from memorial to memorial, making each one unique.
Therefore colours shown are for illustration only although we have tried to make them as representative as possible.”
Nabresina
This fine hard limestone is fawn/beige in colour. Due to its porous nature, Nabresina will need washing down fairly regularly if used under trees or in damp areas. It has the same finish as marble and is permitted for use in churchyards.
Portland
Portland is a soft, light coloured stone which discolours relatively quickly giving an aged look. Due to its porous nature, Portland is not recommended for use under trees or in damp areas. It is permitted for use in churchyards.
Yorkstone
Yorkstone is a sandy coloured stone which discolours relatively quickly. Due to its porous nature, it is not recommended for use under or near to trees and damp areas. It is another lighter coloured stone that is allowed in churchyards.
Marble
Marble, depending on which type (Carrera or Dove Grey), ranges from white in colour to grey and is veined with blue/grey markings. Due to its porous nature, Marble is not recommended for use near to trees or in damp areas and may stain in certain circumstances. It is always given a finely rubbed finish which is very smooth but not polished. White Marble is not usually permitted for use in churchyards although Dove Grey Marble may be.