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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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24 Glossary Terms Found.
HAIRLINE CRACKING
Random pattern of superficial cracking in an exposed concrete surface. Usually surface openings of 20 mils or less
HALF BULLNOSE
A convex semicircular molding used on exposed edges or stone units such as countertops, stair treads, and window stools
HALF ROUND
An exposed edge or molding with a semi-circular section or radii
HALITE
Rock salt; sodium chloride; a sedimentary rock
HAND CUT RANDOM RECTANGULAR
A pattern where all the stone is hand cut into squares and rectangles; joints are fairly consistent. Similar to sawed-bed ashlar in appearance
HARD-BURNED
Nearly vitrified clay products that have been fired at high temperatures
HARDNESS
See Mohs Scale
HEAD
The end of a stone which has been tooled to match the face of the stone. Heads are used at outside corners, windows, door jams, or any place where the veneering will be visible from the side
HEAD JOINT
The vertical mortar joint between ends of masonry units. Also called a cross-joint or a vertical joint
HEADER
A masonry unit that overlaps two or more adjacent wythes of masonry to tie them together. Also called a bonder
HEADSTONE
A principle stone, as in keystone or cornerstone
HEARTH
That part of the floor of a room made of stone on which the fire is made or above is a stove, fireplace, furnace, etc.
HEMIHYDRATE
A hydrate which contains one-half of a molecule of water compared to one molecule of the principal element or compound forming the hydrate
HERRINGBONE
A pattern of setting in which the units are laid aslant, with the direction of incline reversing in alternate courses, forming a zigzag effect
HEWN STONE
To rough form by mallet and chisel
HIGH-STRENGTH ADHESIVE
A bonding agent of high ultimate strength used to join individual pieces of stone into pre-assembled units
HONE FINISH
A satin-smooth surface finish with little or no light reflection. Generally, a honed finish is preferred for floors or where traffic may wear off a high polish finish. It is also used on furniture tops and other surfaces. For the stones that cannot be polished, it is the only smooth finish possible
HONES/HONE FINISH
A very fine, satin smooth finish on stone. This is the last step before polishing. A super fine smooth finish with little or no gloss. Recommended for commercial floors
HORNEBLEND
A group of minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, and aluminum silicates. May be present in igneous stones
HYDRATE
A mineral formed by the combination of water and some other elements or compounds
HYDRATED LIME
Quicklime to which sufficient water has been added to convert the oxides to hydroxides
HYDRAULIC
To harden under (or with) water
HYDROPHILIC
Substance which absorbs or has exhibited affinity for water
HYDROPHOBIC
Having no affinity for or is repellent to water. The quality of beading water on a substrate