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Underground mines vs. surface mines

When we think of the word ‘mining’, we think of the process of extracting precious resources from the earth. Underground mining and surface mining are two of the four major types of mining. Each mining method has different safety and environmental impact levels, both for legitimate mining operations. So, what is the difference between surface and underground mining? Let’s discuss… Keep reading >>

What is the difference between landscape decorative rock and aggregate rock?

Anyone planning landscape design these days is spoiled for choice when it comes to both rocks and stones. Decorative rocks and aggregate rocks are vital materials in landscaping and outdoor improvement projects. But what are the differences between these two? And how do you choose from all the options? Once you understand the vision you have in mind for your landscaping project, choosing the best rocks can be a lot simpler than it first seems… Keep reading >>

11 Interesting facts about metals & minerals!

Minerals and metals became an integral part of modern technology. Mined materials are used to construct basic infrastructure and to generate power, they support the promotion of sustainable economic growth and the building of resilient and inclusive communities. US’s minerals and metals sector is a mainstay of the national economy that supports jobs and economic activity in every region. … Keep reading >>

What is specialty decorative rock?

Decorative rock can be used in your landscaping for ground cover, on driveways or as filler around your patio and pool areas. They can be used to brighten up your landscaping and in garden beds. Typically, when you think about landscape rock you think of massive applications like shoring river banks with rip rap, crushed rock on the grounds of a property, and… Keep reading >>

Making a low-water flower bed [xeriscaped]

Xeriscape is landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is practiced. So, the reasons for considering making a low-water flower bed are many! This practice allows you to use a wide variety of attractive plants but insists on common-sense measures that will help conserve water, as requested by laws in California… Keep reading >>

What is diamond mix?

Diamond mix is a 100% natural mixture composed of sand and clay used in landscaping applications. This mix allows for reduced erosion, excellent drainage and dust control and does not bleed onto other areas. These natural materials bond to provide the required consistent firmness and resiliency to any playing field… Keep reading >>

How does blast mining work?

Blasting in mining is a chemical and physical process that breaks mineral-bearing materials through the firing of explosives. There are six controlled blasting techniques and they usually use a specific type of grit to achieve the desired results, so it’s very important to determine the correct technique to use… Keep reading >>

Introduction to riprap

Rip rap is permanent erosion-resistant ground cover of large, loose, angular stone used primarily to stabilize slopes that are unstable due to seepage. It is also used to slow the velocity of concentrated runoff which in turn increased the potential for infiltration. They are available in different color variations, so with the right color combination, the rip rap will also boost the aesthetic appeal of the area where it is installed… Keep reading >>

What’s the difference between minus & screened/clean rock?

Clean rock products contain no fines, which are small particles of ground rock. On the other hand, minus rock does contain fines. Screened/clean rock is usually used for decoration purposes, drainage, as the top layer and might be loser. Minus rock contains small particles of ground rock that help a product compact and is generally the base layer of ground projects… Keep reading >>

Designing a killer walkway

Walkways are integral to almost all landscapes. When you are getting these outdoor features designed you want the them to look stunning, yet be durable and easy to maintain. Therefore, you want to be sure that resilient materials are used in their construction, that are also available in a wide range of textures, styles, shapes, and designs… Keep reading >>

Introduction to Quartzite

If you’ve ever walked on a beach and felt the sand under your toes, you’ve actually walked on the precursor to quartzite. As sand builds up on the earth’s surface (be it under an ocean floor, riverbed, or other bodies of water), thick layers of sand form, and as the earth ages, and other layers of materials settle on top of those layers of sand, the sand becomes sandstone. As the earth continues to age… Keep reading >>

The use of boulders in landscape design

If you are looking to develop a natural outdoor environment, there is no better way than to install landscaping boulders. Designing your landscape with boulders will dramatically enhance your home’s curb appeal and it’s also a great way to prevent erosion and help to retain moisture in garden beds. Installing boulders in your front or backyard landscape will also add authenticity to your property… Keep reading >>

How to choose the right color of landscape rock for your property

It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: you want your property to look GREAT! Depending on your location, you may have to rely on crushed rock for the majority of your landscaping. So, how do you make the most out of it, and how do you choose the right colored rock for the job? There are a few approaches. It all depends on what emotional effect you want to create in the viewer… Keep reading >>

All About Rhyolite Rocks

Last month we went deep on the topic of Granites, their origin, qualities and uses. This month, let’s dive into another type of rock: Rhyolites. When you think of rhyolites, think of a rock that forms by slow lava flowing on the Earth’s surface. These are igneous rocks (rocks formed from lava/magma)… Keep reading >>

Californians are being required to replace grass and use decorative rock to save thousands of gallons of water

California leads the United States in many things, population, economy, entertainment, and also environmental movements. In last week’s article we touched on the fact that across the United States, American homes consume about 9 billion gallons of water a day for their landscaping, according to the EPA… Keep reading >>

How landscape rock makes the planet more green

How do gray boulders and brown stones make your beautiful landscapes more green? Because they are more eco-friendly, and therefore more ‘green’. How so? Take a moment and imagine how much water is required to water a lawn for a single-family home. What do you think? A few gallons a week? Keep reading >>

14 Interesting Facts About Granite

It is a well-known fact that granite is one of the most demanded materials for bathroom remodels, kitchen renovations, and landscaping rock. But there are some lesser-known interesting facts about granite that may surprise you: Keep reading >>

Applications of Granite Rock

In last week’s article we went deep on the topic of what granite is and how it is formed. This week let’s look at some examples of how residential and commercial properties use granite as a building material and as a beautification material. Everyone knows granite slabs are used for counter tops, so we’re not even going to bother discussing that! Keep reading >>

Introduction to Granite

Granite has been with us for a long while. The oldest granites we’ve found on record are from 300 million years ago when earth was covered in the super-continent Pangaea, forming deep within the Earth’s crust. That is 100 million years before the Jurassic Period (the time of the dinosaurs)… Keep reading >>

6 types of stone used as landscape decorative rock and the differences between them…

Our quarries mine specific types of quality granite, rhyolite, and quartzite deposits that produce exceptional colors resulting in our picturesque product line. This allows designers to truly turn their landscapes into a work of art. We choose to exclusively mine deposits that not only… Keep reading >>