An authoritative reference to 300 types of ancient and modern ornamental stone. For professional decorators, architects, landscape designers and masonry contractors, this is a comprehensive guide to the identification of decorative stone used in exterior and interior construction, architectural adornment, in-lays and artifacts. For art historians, curators, conservators, archaeologists, surveyors, engineers, jewelers and sculptors, this book will be an excellent reference. Organized by geological type, the book provides comprehensive coverage of 300 types of decorative stone, from the most common to the exquisitely rare. Large, sharp, color photographs accompany descriptions of where the stones are quarried, how they are related and how they differ in structure and appearance. There is information on: Appearance Provenance and availability Grain Geological description Structural features Hardness and durability Size and price Major uses. Practical uses are discussed, and historical and cultural details add context. For example, bowenite, often called "new jade," is the state mineral of Rhode Island, where it is actively quarried. Full color illustrations, thorough descriptions and practical information combine to make The Sourcebook of Decorative Stone the definitive reference on this topic.