REFLECTIVITY 0F STONE

Stone contains natural crystals. These crystals reflect light to provide

a shine on the surface. When the crystals are dull, crushed, or broken,

they cannot reflect light evenly. For example, when the lens of a

flashlight breaks, it cannot reflect the light that is being emitted

from the bulb.

Polished stone floors become dull when heavy foot traffic along with

sediment erodes the crystals. Normal footwear does not cause the main

damage, sediment and grit do. The sediment and grit that lies on the

stone surface is the main enemy of the stones crystals. The damage to

the crystals occur when the pressure from the shoe forces the sediment

to abrade or fracture the crystals.

The only safe way to restore and sharpen the crystals is to polish them

with diamond abrasives or polishing powders. The life span of crystals

can be extended by administering a thorough dust mopping an extensive entrance

matting is extremely important because it keeps exterior

sediment from entering a building.