> -----Original Message-----
> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: 24 November 1998 12:47
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Stone Carving
> <snip>
> Be aware that granite will last longer than marble once it is placed
> outside.
>
> [Andrew James] re longevity - granite will indeed last much better
> than marble (which does not withstand acidic rainfall at all well).
> However, examining English and Welsh tombstones one can find that many
> carved in slate 150 or 200 years ago have good detail remaining in the
> inscriptions, unlike those in other stones. There are also for
> example the horizontal slate dials of Richard Melville or Melvin
> dating from c 1860 which have very fine script like copperplate
> handwriting still (just about) legible. I am impressed by the clarity
> of some 200 year old slate vertical dials, although being rather dark
> it does have a reduced contrast of shadow; but I believe it is easier
> to work than granite and will take a much finer line. There are many
> varieties of slate - just as there are of granite or marble - and I am
> no expert on what kind is best. Also, horizontal and vertical
> surfaces seem to have rather different life expectancies for some
> kinds of stones. Can anyone recommend particularly good varieties?
>
> Andrew James
>
