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Glossary of Terms

Glossary is usually defined as an alphabetical list of technical terms in some specialized field of knowledge. This knowledge base glossary provides a collection of knowledge base documents that define many technical terms. These terms are arranged alphabetically, but you can quickly jump to a specific term by selecting its first letter from the index of the knowledge base glossary below.

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30 Glossary Terms Found.
DAB
To dress the face of a stone by picking with a pointed tool
DACITE
Fine-grained extrusive (volcanic) rock, intermediate in color and composition between basalt and rhyolite
DADO
Stone treatment on interior walls which does not extend to the ceiling often ornamented
DAMP COURSE
A course or layer of impervious material which prevents vertical penetration of water by capillary action
DAMP PROOFING
Prevention of moisture penetration due to capillary action by the addition of one or more coatings of a compound that is impervious to water
DAMP PROOFING COURSE
A horizontal or vertical course or layer, usually at least six inches above the ground level, that prevents the capillary entrance of moisture from the ground or a lower course
DEFLECTION
The amount by which a horizontal member bends at the center under stress
DELAMINATION
A failure in a laminating assembly characterized by the separation or loss of adhesion between plies, such as in built-up roofing or glue-laminated timber
DEPTH OF GLOSS
The optical phenomenon of relative depth perceived when viewing reflective surfaces
DESIGN
To bring into being a mental concept
DIABASE
A granular igneous rock, dark gray to black, sometimes called dolerite
DIE
A covering layer of interior stone from wall to ceiling
DIMENSIONAL STONE
Stone that has been cut into geometric forms for ornamental or structural purposes. Natural building stone that has been selected, trimmed, or cut to specified shapes and sizes. Final surface treatment or finish is as specified
DIORITE
Granular, crystallized igneous stone composed of feldspar and hornblende
DOLOMITE
Calcium Magnesium Carbonate [CaMg(CO3)2] A calcium magnesium carbonate; a crystalline variety of limestone, containing in excess of 40 percent of magnesium carbonate as the dolomite molecule. Main mineral composing dolomitic limestones and marbles. Dolomite rocks are also referred to as dolostone
DOLOMITE MARBLE
A crystalline variety of limestone, containing in excess of 49% of magnesium carbonate as the dolomite molecule
DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE
A limestone rich in magnesium carbonate, frequently somewhat crystalline in character. It is found in ledge formations in a wide variety of color tones and textures. Generally speaking, its crushing andmestone
DOLOSTONE
A dolomitic limestone
DOVETAIL ANCHOR
splayed tenon that is shaped like a dove’s tail, broader at its end than at its base, which fits into the recess of a corresponding mortise
DOVETAIL MOLDING
A molding in which interlocked triangles are used
DRESSED/HAND DRESSED
The cutting of rough chunks of stone by hand to create a square or rectangular shape. A stone which is sold as dressed stone generally refers to stone ready for installation
DRESSING
The shaping and squaring, sometimes called scabbling, of blocks for storage and shipment
DRIP
A recess cut into the underside of projecting stone to divert water and prevent it from running down the face of a wall or other surface of which it is a part
DRIP MOLD
A molding shaped for drip
DROVE
A mason’s blunt chisel for facing stone
DRY PACK
A type of mud bed with a lesser concentration of Portland cement, which is popular for certain stone floor installations (eg in the case of “grind-in-place” installations of marble and granite floors.)
DRY SEAM
Unhealed fracture which may be a plane of weakness
DUAL FINISH
Dry wall is a stone that is constructed one stone upon the other without the use of any mortar. Generally used for retaining walls
DURABILITY
The measure of the ability of dimension stone to endure and to maintain its essential and distinctive characteristics of strength, resistance to decay and moisture, and appearance
DUTCHMAN
A small, matching piece of dimension stone that is cut, finished and attached with the tightest possible joint to a floor, wall, top, or other larger piece of stone to increase its length or width or to repair or replace a missing or damaged area. Dutchmen are usually affixed in the fabrication shop with epoxy or polyester resin