Stones of the Mid-Atlantic Region
Flagstone is a durable, versatile stone that’s ideal for many outdoor installations. Because it’s a natural material, you may wonder why it comes in a variety of colors. Has it been colored or tinted? In fact, the colors of flagstone depend on the type of stone it is and where it comes from. Here are some of the natural color variations you can find in local flagstones from the Mid-Atlantic region.
What Is Flagstone?
The term flagstone doesn’t refer to a particular type of stone. Flagstone is any stone that’s been split into pavers. The color variations come from the quality and amount of minerals in the stone.
Flagstones can be:
• Granite
• Limestone
• Marble
• Sandstone
• Travertine
• Slate
• Bluestone
Local Colors
If you live in Virginia, Maryland or D.C., flagstone is a smart choice. It stands up well to our humid, changeable weather. Here are some local stones and the colors they produce.
Slate
Slate from this region is usually deep bluish-gray. It is an excellent choice for outdoor spaces because it is highly resistant to fading when exposed to sunlight. When you want a stone that keeps its deep color for years, choose slate. You can use this durable stone for walkways, steps, and patios.
Sandstone
Sandstone from the Mid-Atlantic region has quartzite in it. This stone comes in varying shades of orange and rust against a cream background. These may go from pale stones with just a faint orange glow to stones with deep, reddish spots and stripes. It’s an especially tough stone that’s excellent for retaining walls, walkways and outdoor fireplaces.
Shenandoah Bluestone
This elegant stone comes in a deep blue color. Local bluestone may have faint gray or brown veins in it. Named for Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, it is a popular choice because of its durability, smooth surface and stunning color. Bluestone is actually a type of sandstone, which is very resistant to cracking. It is a wonderful choice for patios and walkways.
Shenandoah bluestone should not be confused with Pennsylvania bluestone, which is a multicolored stone from Pennsylvania. There are also bluestone quarries in New York.
Setters Quartzite
This stone is a popular building choice for its toughness and its uniform coloring. It has high levels of tourmaline crystals, which give it a pale tan color. It is a thinly layered stone that is ideal for walls, fountains and pathways. Many older buildings in Maryland were constructed with this local stone.
Delaware River Rock
This stone comes from the beds of the Delaware River. It is a multicolored stone that primarily comes in shades of gray and pale brown. Use larger rocks to edge garden beds, line ponds or decorate walkways. Smaller rocks are ideal under gutters or between masonry stones. This stone adds instant visual appeal to any outdoor landscape design.
Capital Masonry Is Your Local Expert
At Capital Masonry, we specialize in constructing and installing all types of stone projects. As a third-generation masonry company, we have decades of experience creating beautiful hardscapes for our customers. Talk to us before you start your next project. We’ll make sure you get the look you want.