Terminology index:

A

• abrasive finish

  a flat non-reflective surface finish for marble.
  
  

• abutment

  a solid stone "springer" at the lowest point of an arch or vault.
  
  

• adhered

  veneer secured and supported through adhesion to an approved bonding material applied over an approved backing.
  
  

• agate

  a variegated variety of quartz showing colored bands or other markings (clouded, mosslike, etc.).
  
  

• anchors

  types of stonework include those made of flat stock (strap, cramps, dovetails, dowel, strap and dowel, and two-way anchors) and round stock (rod cramp, rod anchor, eyebolt and dowel, flat-hood wall tie and dowel, dowel and wire toggle bolts).
  
  

• apex stone

  uppermost stone in a gable, pediment, vault or dome.
  
  

• arch

  a curved stone structure resting on supports at both extremities used to sustain weight, to bridge or roof an open space.
  
  

• architrave

  the member of an entablature resting on the capitals of columns and supporting the frieze.
  
  

• argillite

  a compact sedimentary rock composed mainly of clay and aluminum silicate minerals.
  
  

• arkose

  a sandstone containing 10% or more clastic grains of feldspar. Also called arkosic sandstone, feldspathic sandstone.
  
  

• arris

  a natural or applied line on the stone from which all leveling and plumbing is measured.
  
  

• ashlar

  masonry having a face of square or rectangular stones, either smooth or textured.