Stone Information & Care

Maintenance & Care

Maintaining and caring for your Shona Stone Sculptures is very important and easy.

Simply apply heat evenly across the sculpture by gently using a hairdryer. Be very careful not to concentrate the heat at any one spot as this can cause damage to the sculpture. The heat enables the sculpture to absorb the polish because the stone is a natural product and is very porous.

Once the sculpture is heated apply bees wax to the sculpture and using a clean dry cloth, immediately wipe the wax away whilst buffing. This will help keep a lovely shine to the sculpture. This process can be used on all types of stone and may also help remove small scratches.

IMPORTANT: Do not apply the wax to areas where natural stone is exposed, as this will permanently stain the scultpure.

Black (Iron) Serpentine

Black (Iron) Serpentine is a very durable stone that polishes to a shiny lustrous finish. This stone is the hardest and darkest out of all the Serpentines. It is called "Black (Iron) Serpentine" because it contains small iron deposits, which gives the stone a dark hue.

Serpentine

Serpentine stone is found in a staggering variety of colours. The unique colour variations come from the many and varied mineral infusions within the stone. The name 'Serpentine' derives from a likeness to the characteristics of a serpent's skin.

Steatite

Steatite stone is reddish brown in colour and falls under the category of soapstone. A naturally soft stone that is one of most widely used minerals on earth. Sometimes also referred to Rapoko stone in Zimbabwe depending on its colour.

Spring Stone

Springstone is a beautiful dark coloured stone with softer browns infusion that polishes to a high shine finish. This stone takes its name from the fact that the tools used to sculpt the stone tend to bounce or "spring" off when carving.

Opalite

Opalite stone is a soft stone that polishes to a fine smooth texture. The colours in this stone are predominantly green with brown woven into the colour patterns. 

Cobalt

Cobalt stone is extremely hard and resilient. The depth and intensity of color of this stone is amazing. The deep red and grey hues of the stone create a stunning lustre of shine.