What Type of Stone Is Used In Sculpting?
The stone that is most frequently used in stone carving is serpentine. Rated on the universally used Mohs Scale of Hardness {1 and below is talc, up to 10 is a diamond} serpentine ranges from 2.0 to 5.5 The much harder granites, newly discovered Kwekwe and Domboshava stones and ancient brilliant green semiprecious verdite {3.6 billion years old}, approach 9.0- the hardness of ruby, and are less frequently used by the artists. The serpentine found in Zimbabwe has well over 200 colour variations. Many of the carving stones come from the Nyanga mountains or near the great dyke, a volcanic ridge running for hundreds of miles through the countryside-the longest linear mass of volcanic rock in the world! Heat and pressure, concentrated on this ancient rock mass for millions of years have created unique mineral fusions now reflected in the unparalleled variety of colours, shadings, and combinations of stone. These are the main types used: a) Springstone found in black and gold colour. b) Gree
