Stone has long been the bedrock of a civilized society. From the ancient pharaohs of Egypt to the Roman Empire—not to mention the Flintstones!—stone has been an integral part of how we live. The Inca culture revered stones as much as living beings. Italians treated stone with great care: there are the elaborate mosaics of Pompeii, Venetians perfected the art of terrazzo, and the Duomo in Florence features an awe-inspiring marble façade. Fashioned out of local marble, ancient Greek monuments have not only stood the test of time, but also have influenced architecture around the world for thousands of years. Needless to say, there is no shortage of cultures whose artists and craftsmen made enduring and inspiring impressions with stone, many of which survive to this day.
From architecture to landscape design to interiors, stone has long played an integral role in how we cultivate our personal surroundings. Because of its durability, functionality, beauty, and, of course, timelessness, each new generation devises unique ways to use stone in seemingly countless new ways and applications.