Bluestone is a natural stone which is found in the United States. First discovered in New York State during the 1820’s, many a pool setting – many an outdoor kitchen – is adorned in the beauty of Bluestone.
Bluestone – removed from the ground by either drilling, blasting or excavating – is weather-resistant. With its aesthetic bluish – grayish tone, the ornate features of Bluestone anoints this “American sarsen” as a popular selection when it comes to outdoor living. And hardscaping. Leading to the ascension of Bluestone as the stone-of-choice for millions of homeowners who embark upon the fun task of crafting a customized design plan for their patio. For their outdoor kitchen. For their walkway.
Bluestone is a type of flagstone. A fine-grained variation of flagstone.
So, what then is flagstone?
Flagstone is the broad term for sedimentary rock that is able to be split into flat, rectangular pieces.
Sedimentary rock – I.e.: flagstone – is formed through the accumulation of deposits. Formed by the fusion of particles. Particles brought together by waterways. For example, by the natural flow of a river.
Flagstone is derived from Middle English vernacular… its birth, traced back to the Old English word, flagge. Which means, turf.
Flagstone is a form of sandstone. The composition of flagstone? Fieldspar and quartz. Bluestone is flagstone. Flagstone is a form of sandstone.
So, what then is sandstone?
Sandstone is sedimentary rock, composed of grains of sand. Grains of sand cemented together.
While sandstone grains are adjoined, the grains in sandstone remain unfused.
Sandstone can be seen alongside rivers, lakes and coastlines. Areas where sand has been carried and deposited. Deposited sand – over time – leads to the formation of sandstone.
Flagstone – which mostly will be either red, buff or blue in color – is bound together by iron oxide. Or by calcite.
The state in which Bluestone was first discovered early in the 19th Century – New York State – is one of the two states which, to this day, supplies the majority of the Bluestone that Americans have come to love when it comes to hardscaping.
The other state being, New York’s neighbor, Pennsylvania.
Bluestone is also excavated in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.
Today, there are just a tad under 100 Bluestone quarries in New York State.
Author, Ted Ihde – Ted is a real estate broker, a real estate developer as well as co-CEO of Team With
Heart.
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