Home Kitchen

Tips for removing linoleum

When it comes time to buy new flooring, you can save money by removing the old flooring yourself, but if you have old linoleum on your floors, you may be in for quite a challenge. Depending on the age of the linoleum and the type of adhesive used, it can be extremely difficult to get up.

First of all, it is unlikely that you will be able to remove the linoleum and the adhesive at the same time. Consideration should be given to the surface under the linoleum and the damage it could cause, especially if that surface is wood. Concrete floors can take a lot more in the way of rough treatment. The type of scraper you use has a lot to do with your success, as well as the damage to the floor below. Lots of people use paint scrapers, but the ones with a razor blade are usually more efficient. Be prepared to break a few blades if the adhesive is hard and you are working on concrete.

Try cutting the linoleum into strips or sections rather than removing the entire piece at once. This will make it easier to gain an advantage to pry. Of course, the linoleum probably won’t come off in nice, neat sections, so be prepared to deal with a lot of leftover backing and glue still attached to your floor.

One way to deal with those debris that just won’t come off is to apply some type of solvent or remover. One popular brand is Krud Kutter, which seems to work very well based on customer feedback. Follow the instructions on the label of any product you use and wear gloves to protect your hands. Do one small section at a time, and then move on to the next.

Another technique is to use boiling water and pour it directly onto the backing and adhesive. Let it soak and then scrape. If you don’t want to use water, you can try heating the glue with a hair dryer or heat gun. Choose a very inconspicuous area, such as behind a door, to test it. Heat the adhesive with the hair dryer and scrape it off with a straight bladed scraper (such as a stiff putty knife with a beveled edge). Move the scraper in the direction of the wood grain if you are stripping a hardwood floor. Have a saucepan or some other container handy to drop the scrapings into, one that is unlikely to melt or catch fire when in contact with hot materials. Be very careful if you are using a heat gun as it can easily damage the flooring below if it is wood.

If things take a turn for the worse and you’re left with some stubborn adhesive on your floors, it might be time to sand. Of course, if your floors are wood and you plan to restore them, you’ll need to sand them anyway, but during this step you should be careful not to damage the particular area by holding the sander on it for too long.

Once you’ve finally lifted the linoleum and all traces of adhesive, you’re ready to seal the floor as recommended for your flooring type and apply the new flooring as recommended!

Home Kitchen

microwave upgrade

Some studies claim that microwaves leak, ruin food and even cause cancer. Many of these studies are old and not very scientific. So, let’s take a look at the latest studies and recommendations.

Microwaves work by emitting electromagnetic radiation. These waves of energy cause the water molecules to spin rapidly, which creates the heat that cooks the food. This low level of energy is not strong enough to cause the ionization that would spoil food.

DRAIN

The Federal Drug Administration has requirements that limit the amount of leakage. This limits the radiation to about two inches from the machine itself. This radiation also dissipates quickly. So as you move away from the microwave, the waves slow down rapidly. Just stand more than two inches away and it will have less of an effect on you than your cell phone.

EFFECT ON PROTEINS

An old thought is that microwaving breaks down the proteins in food and makes it toxic. However, new studies(1) show that “all the amino acids in the protein are still bound together.” The nutritional value is not compromised. They concluded that if a failure occurs, it is more likely due to overheating. Cooking food at high temperatures or for too long will reduce the nutrients in that food and lead to carcinogens. Barbecue, for example, is one of the worst ways to cook.

EFFECT ON NUTRIENTS

I mean minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. The general rule of thumb here is that nutrients are always lost in cooking. More are lost when the temperature is higher or when food is cooked for longer. The microwave results are that nutrient retention was actually higher for some foods and lower for others. It depended on how hot and how long it’s cooked and if it’s in water. Foods microwaved in water tend to lose nutrients to that water.

IN CONCLUSION

The study finds that “there is no evidence that microwaves negatively affect the nutrient profile of food.(1)” The protein also remains intact, and the leak from the machine requires only a two-inch tampon. Some have even claimed that cancer is caused by microwaves, however I couldn’t find any studies to support this. I generally use my microwave to reheat drinks or food for short periods of time. I never used it to cook a main dish outside of TV dinners when I was in college many years ago. So unless you’re pressing your face against the microwave as it cooks, you’re fine. johnson

(1) Kresser, C., 7-4-2015, “Are Microwave Ovens Safe?” from chriskresser.com/are-microwave-ovens-safe/

Home Kitchen

Constitution of Granites and Marbles

With the variety of stone options offered to consumers and homeowners, it can be confusing to choose the right stone for your needs. For example, with the vast list of countertop options in California, one may somehow find it difficult to choose one for their home. Since the countertops offered by California are elegant and attractive, you need more information about them to make the best decision among the Bay Area kitchen remodeling options. And for that, we include here information about granite and marble to help you better understand these stones and be able to choose the exact stone for your needs.

For granite, it is an igneous rock that forms from magma and can be found 10 to 50 kilometers underground. This is what gave granite its hardness, as it is one of the hardest minerals in the world, second only to diamonds. That is why granite is used in buildings and other construction applications, as it can withstand the abuse of nature and the elements, and the ravages of time. Granite also has strong resistance to heat and weather, in addition to its resistance to chipping and scratching. With those qualities in mind, granite is a great choice for kitchen use as well as outdoor applications like barbecues and outdoor countertops. Its heat resistance also makes it a great choice for fireplaces.

Marble, on the other hand, is a metamorphic rock that is primarily made up of calcite, or a crystalline form of calcium carbonate. The main advantage of marble is its appearance, it gives an elegant and classy look to any surface it is placed on. This is the reason why sculptors place great value on marble, and some of the great sculptures the world has seen are made of marble. The downside of marble is its smoothness; Compared to granite, marble is more easily damaged. It is also susceptible to acids, so more care is needed with marble. Marble can be used for kitchens, bathrooms, countertops, and tiles.

Hopefully the information provided here can help you decide which stone to get. If you are in California, you have plenty of California countertop options, especially for kitchens located in the Bay Area. Bay Area marble offerings are some of the best in the state, and Bay Area granite kitchen options are the same. With the information mentioned here in mind, you can better choose which stone option to get and for which application.

Home Kitchen

The fastest way to lose weight and keep it off

Are you looking for the fastest way to lose weight? Join the club. It is probably one of the most popular concerns of overweight people. However, if you finally found the fastest way to lose weight, would you be willing to make the changes in your life to achieve it?

Many people, after learning that I advise people on how to lose weight, immediately want to learn about what I consider to be the fastest way to lose weight. So, I start telling them, and before 10 minutes of what to do, they start to look concerned. Some people even cut me off and then made an excuse to run away. Most people don’t want to change the way they live or behave. They just want to keep doing the same things they’ve always done and magically lose weight.

Needless to say, this kind of thinking doesn’t work. Weight loss requires a change. A lot of weight loss requires a lot of change, or a change that is sustained over a longer period of time. If your goal is to lose weight quickly, the fastest way to lose weight will usually require a sudden and dramatic change in the way you view food and how it compares to the way you look and feel.

The fastest way to lose weight is to take drastic and massive measures. Here are some examples:

  • Hire a personal trainer and pay in advance for 3 months.
  • Sort ALL your “thin clothes” and hang them in the kitchen.
  • Join a karate program, tennis team, or some other high-intensity sports league.
  • Go through the cupboards and pantry and throw out all the junk food.
  • Buy new clothes a few sizes smaller.
  • Do a cleansing fast for a week to ten days to break your food addictions.

The last point is one of my favorites, and it’s what I consider the fastest way to lose weight by far. Many health gurus won’t prescribe fasting for weight loss, but if pressed, they’ll generally admit that it’s also a great way to drop the pounds fast. Fasting for a short period of time is downplayed by many Western medical “professionals”, but other cultures wholeheartedly accept it as very therapeutic, and I have seen it work wonders for those looking for a fast and successful start. Going on a cleanse fast jumpstarts your weight loss by giving you a lot of quick success in a short amount of time. Not only is it the fastest way to lose weight in the short term, but it also helps break food addictions (carbohydrates and sweets) and unhealthy eating habits (associating eating with watching TV).

Now that you know the fastest way to lose weight, are you going to keep looking for something “easier” or are you going to push yourself and make the necessary changes to lose that weight? Most people will continue to search for that elusive magic pill that will give them the fastest way to lose weight without changing any of the bad habits in their lives. What will you choose?

Home Kitchen

Aruba: a happy island

When my husband told me he won a package trip for two to Aruba, I didn’t shoot him down with my enthusiasm. To me it was a Caribbean cliché with no real exploration or adventure. Of course I now understand that he suffered from cold weather dementia brought on by gray skies and freezing temperatures. In fact, he got so bad that I heard myself complain to a fellow New Englander, “But we’ll miss almost half of March!”

Fortunately, my frost-fueled hissing fit dissipated shortly after our charter scramble landed in Aruba. At the airport I was slightly freaked out by the sight of a burning garbage hill at the dump overlooking the ocean. This eyesore soon faded, however, and was replaced by expanses of electric blue ocean that kept us company on the short tour bus ride to our hotel.

It’s easy to excuse a few minor blemishes in Aruba, the “jewel of the Caribbean.” Just 15 miles from Venezuela, Aruba is small, only 20 miles long and about 7 miles wide. It is the most popular of the “ABC” islands (Bonaire and Curacao are B and C), a small group of islands that are part of the Netherlands Antilles and enjoy perfect, hurricane-free weather year-round.

With its strong economy, a harmonious population of less than 100,000, and a comfortable standard of living, Aruba seems like a political paradise. In fact, it has one of the highest literacy rates in the Caribbean, and the average Aruban speaks four languages: official Dutch, English, Spanish, and native Papiamento, a mix of African, Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch developed by slaves. from Curaçao in the 1500s to communicate with its owners who had fled from the Spanish inquisition.

We enjoy Aruba like most tourists do, at a resort on the south coast. Beginning in the capital city of Orangestaad, near the western tip of the island, the resorts stretch up a ten-mile stretch to the expensive high-rises on the northwest tip near Boca Catalina, a world-renowned windsurfing spot. Aruba, nicknamed “One Happy Island,” has plenty to amuse and delight everyone. And, as we later learned, there’s even some opportunity for a real white-knuckle adventure.

But that doesn’t come until later. First is the pure, effortless fun of Aruba. GWV put us up at La Cabana, an all-suite resort across the street from Eagle Beach, prized for its soft, sandy beach. (GWV offers 7-day trips in the summer starting at $1025 per person) The kitchen, living room, two TVs, and phones were overkill for our needs, although we did use the microwave to reheat leftover snapper or Viennese schnitzel. The concept of light food, other than MacDonalds or Wendy’s, hasn’t really caught on, and it’s hard to find anything other than a multi-course dinner. We chose the “Dine-Around Plan” to provide us with seven breakfasts and four dinners in a variety of restaurants. ($419 per person). For breakfast it was worth the few minutes it took to take the bus to one of the skyscrapers like the Marriott and the Aruba Grand where we got a great view and the rare treat of real milk and half. -and a half. There are plenty of goats in Aruba, but no cows, so what you usually get for coffee is sweetened condensed milk with the consistency of latex paint.

Speaking of goat, they serve up an excellent curried version at Boonoonoonoos, a popular tourist spot in Orangestaad that offers Caribbean fare and funky decor. The Jamaican ribs were spicy – 20 on a scale of 1-10. (entrees start at $21) Another standout was Villa Germania, where you can slurp fantastically rich sauces outdoors (entrees start at $23) while watching the yachts in the harbor and tourists on their way to the Casino next door.

Most days involved beach time, usually under one of Aruba’s famous divi divi trees, short, hunched specimens bent by the constant 15-knot trade winds. They provide shelter from the sun, which at 12 degrees from the equator, is formidable. When we weren’t on the beach looking out at the turquoise water, we basked in its warmth and translucency, the quality that makes for a great snorkel. Snorkeling is perfect for those who are weak in the water like me because it gives the illusion of a great adventure, while being very gentle. Down there with the lemon yellow angelfish, she sure wasn’t the only one in the mask and fins who fancied herself an intrepid diver in the deep.

Aruba offers many organized water and land activities. An early morning orientation session at a local casino offered by GWV on our first full day was invaluable. Despite the hype, he was efficient – we were able to hear about sunset sails, jeep adventures, and snorkeling trips and then sign up at a discount. A favorite was the Jolly Pirate, a 4 1/2 hour snorkeling cruise with a crew of charming males serving poison rum and lunch and showing us how to swing from a rope. ($55 pp) We also liked the softer sunset sail ($40 pp) with snacks and an open bar. (Yes, pretty much every activity in Aruba has an open bar.) Most of the boat and land tours are offered by De Palm tours, the oldest and most established tour operator on the island.

It was on our DePalm bus tour that we got to see “the other Aruba”. (Approximately $42 per person for a half-day snorkeling tour.) The Atlantic Ocean crashes against the rocky northern shoreline from the California Lighthouse in the far northwest to San Nicolas in the far southeast. Cactus and aloe plants dot the desert landscape that is enlivened by brightly painted houses. In Aruba, the color of the house is a family affair; even the ornate above ground burial crypts are painted to match the home of the deceased. Our bus tour took us to the Natural Bridge, a coral formation that centuries of surfing have turned into a bridge. Unfortunately, what I remember most about the place is having to pay a quarter to use a dirty toilet and no toilet paper. I guess that’s extra.

Our favorite site was Arikok National Wildlife Park with its abandoned gold mines and pirate castle ruins. We saw rock drawings and made friends with a very tame “wild” donkey in this nature reserve that covers about a quarter of the island. As our old tour bus bounced down the dirt roads through the vast park, the bus driver assured us that if the vehicle did break down (which actually seemed very likely at some points) we shouldn’t worry because “it’s impossible.” getting lost in Aruba”.

A few days later, when my husband and I were definitely lost in our rented jeep in the middle of the Arikok Nature Park, we remembered his words. We were also trying desperately to remember where that bumpy road was, having strayed far off course looking for a shortcut to the Natural Pool, a swimming spot on the north shore. Our shortcut turned into a dizzying series of washed-out paths littered with rocks the size of washing machines. After two hours of fear, danger, and a heavy dose of marital tension, we stopped to get our bearings and have the discussion we’d been waiting for. (You see, I had insisted that we take this route.)

After a brief but satisfying fight, we passed the remaining 6 ounces of warm water between us, watched the sun go down, and vowed to work as a team. From our height we could see another dump burning garbage, a recently appreciated sign of civilization. “Wow, that dump looks beautiful to me now,” my husband said. With a clearer head we decided to trace the path. By some miracle, we finally came across an Aruban who was also lost but was able to find his way out.

Please, dear reader, do not repeat our mistake. I learned after our trip that off-road travelers are a big problem in the park. Park authorities are developing a map and guidelines to help visitors enjoy Arikok Park and its spectacular rock formations, vegetation, prikichi (Aruban parakeets), and natural beauty without being an environmental pest or needing rescue.

Home Kitchen

Top reasons to remodel your home

As the years go by, your home is likely to be in need of improvements, either due to normal wear and tear or your desire for improvements, whatever the reason. General contractors report that home remodeling is designed to take your current space as-is and add or remove something to the interior or exterior. Despite the inconvenience of construction, many homeowners choose to exercise instead of a better lifestyle. Exterior remodeling can be as simple as changing the landscape, while interior work can be quite extravagant, but the outcome of either plan should be guaranteed to make a positive change.

There are as many reasons to remodel your home as there are projects to select from. Let’s go over some of the top reasons homeowners start the journey.

increase the value

If you plan to sell your home in a few years and want to get the most value when you put your home on the market, then it’s best to start with some improvements. Simple alterations like new fixtures, updated lighting, changing the flooring or upgrading the carpeting, fresh paint can make a big impact. The external appearance of the house will play a very important role in increasing the value and sales potential of your house. Some of the larger projects that have immediate returns are kitchen and bathroom upgrades, front door replacement, increasing the primary living space, a new roof, and manicured landscaping, just to name a few.

Making it more comfortable and efficient.

Seek the advice of professional remodeling contractors to ensure your upgrades achieve comfort and efficiency. With all the modern techniques and new materials and products on the market, it’s not too much to ask for both. You may love to cook and therefore you will spend more time in the kitchen and update it to meet your desired requirements. If you love spending time outdoors, then the outside is where you’ll be focused during the remodeling process. Efficiency can be increased by choosing green materials, replacing new windows, adding insulation to lower energy costs over time.

Keep up with the latest trends

New trends are always exciting, but be sure to dig in and make sure the trend is here to stay and works for you and your lifestyle as a long-term option. Home design trends are very dynamic and if you are one of the many concerned about this, updating your home can help keep up with these trends. You can also use the timeless styles that give your home a unique touch of sophistication despite the changes. A knowledgeable contractor will be able to advise you on updating your timeless style with an on-trend touch at a later date, should you need it.

Avoid the stress of building a new home

Although the idea of ​​building a new home is exciting, most contractors will advise you to go for the remodel option. The time it takes to get all the permits and inspections alone can set you back years when it comes to building a new home from scratch, not to mention up-front money commitments. To avoid this, you can opt for the best home remodeling experts and work with them side by side to remodel your home and achieve the feeling of a new home at much less cost and stress. It’s easier to turn your current home into the perfect dream home than it is to find or build one from scratch.

Home Kitchen

Kitchen Backsplash Ideas – Spruce Up Your Kitchen With These Backsplash Ideas

Adding that extra interest to your kitchen is a breeze with a few simple backsplash ideas. This will allow you to fix it without having to spend a fortune on remodeling and refurbishing. Of course, you can spend a few hundred dollars on it, but you don’t have to if you use some of the cheaper options available to you.

Using tiles is one of the best and most affordable ways to put up a kitchen backsplash. Here are some tile materials you can find to make your kitchen area hype beautiful and cheap.

  • Mosaic Tiles: Mosaic has been popular since ancient times and never seems to go out of style. You can find it in many materials such as ceramic, metal, glass, and it can give your kitchen a very modern look. However, you should do your research as you can easily find very expensive tiles and go over your budget if you are not careful. Metallic mosaics can really change a whole kitchen with just a little power. Add some under cabinet lighting and your kitchen counter will practically glow.
  • Ceramic Tiles – These are the most common types of tiles today, everyone knows about them because they are the cheapest out there. You can find them in all kinds of sizes, colors and finishes.
  • Kitchen Murals – These are relatively new on the market and are basically a set of tiles that make a picture when put together well. You can find motifs such as various animals and foods, including fruits and vegetables and food dishes.
  • Stone: It is perfect for stone countertops, since it combines perfectly. This includes many tiles that are installed in one spot, sometimes with thin grout lines.
  • Painted Glass – This will make a gorgeous effect in any food preparation area. Use a section of painted glass to give your room a unique and contemporary look.
  • Marble or Granite Tiles – These are perfect when you have wood cabinets. If your cabinets are a deep dark brown, you can add a lighter colored backsplash or table top that will just break the two up visually in an interesting way.
  • You can also achieve this look by simply continuing the countertop material up the wall in an endless seam.

You can have backsplashes that run the length of the entire kitchen counter, or just behind the sink area. It’s up to you how much backsplash you want to add.

Whatever you do, you need to make sure that you select the right tiles that will complement the ambiance of the room very well. Installing your backsplash doesn’t have to be difficult, although it might be tricky at first. You can do it yourself or ask a professional for help.

Home Kitchen

Introduction to kitchen organization

In addition to a introduction to kitchen organization, I will provide tips and guidance on kitchen storage, which is somewhat dependent on the shape and layout of the kitchen. The four classic kitchen arrangements are the U-shape, the kitchen, the L-shape, and the island. The U shape has a work surface on three sides, the kitchen has a counter along one or both long sides of a rectangle. The L shape is exactly that; on two sides at right angles to each other. An island configuration is a variation on the L shape, with a work surface block with storage below.

To make the kitchen safer and more efficient to work in, there are certain guidelines. One is to have a flat, heat-resistant surface immediately to at least one side of the oven and the hob, so you don’t have to walk anywhere with something that’s boiling hot. Another is that cupboard doors don’t open to a step, where people walk to get to the table or door. Yet another is to have the dishwasher right next to the sink and not create a blockage when the door is opened.

Some people disagree about whether dishes, cutlery, and glasses should be stored near the dishwasher or near the table where it is used. The latter arrangement makes setting the table quicker and easier, but the former makes emptying the dishwasher less tedious. This is clearly a matter of personal preference.

Planning the kitchen from scratch means first drawing it on paper. If you have time, make cutout shapes that represent appliances like the refrigerator, as well as furniture. Feel free to move the cutouts around the tight space until you’re satisfied.

Mass-produced kitchen cabinets are basically regular-sized boxes that allow you to arrange doors and work surfaces. The height of a base unit is typically 36″ with a depth of 24″. The widths tend to be more varied. There are also corner units, and some ranges have special pieces such as trays, wine racks, etc. These are built for people of average height.

Standard units can be lifted on a custom-made plinth, so there’s no need to bend over for those who are taller than average. Place drawers in the plinth for more storage space. Your work surface can also be made deeper than usual from back to front. This is a clever ruse to give more counter area if space is limited. Have your kitchen custom built by a specialist company or a local or ‘DIY’ carpenter. Taller and deeper units will provide plenty of under-counter storage.

Home Kitchen

How are minerals formed?

HOW ARE MINERALS FORMED?

MINERALS They are inorganic solids of natural origin, with a characteristic chemical composition, having a regular atomic structure throughout. Industrial man-made diamonds are not considered true minerals but, that being said, there are also some organic minerals, such as amber, which purists are reluctant to call minerals, but meet at least three of the criteria for mineral composition and, therefore, the point is open for debate.

How many minerals are there? There are about 4,000 listed minerals on this planet, but only a few have gained popularity due to their pleasing appearance, often odd shapes, exquisite spectrum of colors, and commercial value. Minerals are generally made up of more than one element or compound. Those that are made up of a single element are called native elements e.g gold, silver, mercury, copper. Tea conquerors he fell in love with the gold of the New World and “liberated” it by ship cargo to fill the coffers of the Government and the Church in Spain. Silver also, along with Topaz, tourmaline, agate, ruby, diamond and many other precious rocks and minerals, have been highly prized since man was first enchanted by their beauty, commercial value, and status imparted to the wearer.

So how are minerals formed? Minerals can form in a wide variety of geological settings; inside volcanoes, at the bottom of deep oceans, deserts, salt lakes, and deep cooling reservoirs of molten rock. Furthermore, under the influence of heat or pressure, when solutions and gases containing concentrations of specific elements cool or evaporate, mineral growths are deposited within fissures or voids in rocks. These minerals are sometimes forced to pass as a suspension in water, the water then evaporates leaving the mineral deposits as crystals (for example, amethyst) when the rock void is not completely filled or as agates, when the rock is completely full. These minerals are only visible when the rock is broken open; It takes some skill to decide which rock to break! More on that later. An example of such crystal and mineral specimens for collectors are geodes which are round rocks that contain precipitated mineral salts, these being commonly Agates (caused by crystals of mineral salts that form within Basalt rocks), Amethysts, Quartz, Jasper.

Minerals don’t necessarily need heat or pressure to form; water saturated with mineral salts can leave deposits (stalactites) as it drips from the ceiling of a cave, forming corresponding stalagmites directly below, over the centuries, where the drops fall. Eventually, they both grow to meet and thicken over the years. Sometimes, as a novelty, tourists can hang an item on a rope in a cave, over which water saturated with calcium carbonate runs; over a period of a few months it is locked in a hardening tank of Calcium carbonate.

THE THREE TYPES OF ROCK.

Ok, the basic scene has been set, now let’s take a closer look at the different mechanisms involved in mineral formation. All minerals are made up of ROCKSwhich are an aggregate or mixture of various minerals and are the basic materials from which a mineral is formed.

The rocks can be:

Igneous – formed due to volcanic activity in the Earth’s core.

metamorphic – formed by pressure or heat (for example, colliding tectonic plates) on existing rocks, transforming them into another type of rock.

sedimentary – as a result of compaction in layers of rocky materials and/or shells.

Let’s examine these rocks a bit more:

IGNEOUS ROCKS(from Latin switched on – fire) can be further classified as Prayed extrusive.

mineral crystals formed from intruder Igneous rocks have a coarse structure because the cooling effect was slow and the crystals could grow for a long time, sometimes to a very large size, especially when molten rock (magma) is trapped underground and cools very slowly. Granite is an example of a commonly found intrusive rock. Other examples are:-

greenstone

gabbro

Pegmatite (Pegmatites are known to contain aquamarine, tourmaline, beryl, topaz, cassiterite, fluorite, apatite, tin, and tungsten plus a host of other minerals.

These rocks are generally only exposed after mountain-forming uplifts, when the rocks at the bottom are pushed to the surface due to the convergence of tectonic plates. The Himalayas, for example, are still being pushed up by convergent forces.

extrusive Rocks are magma ejected from volcanoes and cool rapidly on Earth’s surface. This means that their crystal structure is usually very small or microscopically small, since the crystals did not have enough time to develop. Obsidian (a black, glass-like rock that is still used by some surgeons because it keeps its sharp edge, down to a molecule!)

Andesite

Pumice

rhyolite

Human waste

METAMORPHIC ROCK MINERALS (from the Greek goal after, turn shape) are formed when enough heat and pressure change the original rock into an entirely new rock. The original rock can be sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic. The most important metamorphic mechanism is heat, which changes the chemical structure of the rock at temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius, breaking down the crystalline structures of the rock and converting them into new minerals. If the temperature gets too high, the metamorphic action stops and the rocks become igneous. Marble it is a common example of metamorphosed limestone.

(hot water with dissolved ions) may also be responsible for changing parent rocks and is responsible for producing Sulfide minerals (for example Pyrite and Galena) and also Copper at the bottom of the sea when warm, mineral-enriched water comes into contact with seawater.

metamorphic minerals – most of the minerals in the following list are found exclusively in metamorphic rocks: –

Garnet

kyanite

chlorite

talcum powder

Graphite

tourmaline

Asbestos

Mica.

Board

serpentine

MINERALS OF SEDIMENTARY ROCKS. (from Latin sediment – a settlement). Sedimentary rocks are the building blocks from which almost all metamorphic rocks are formed; it is the sedimentary rocks that are dragged down or pushed up by tectonic activity. While igneous and metamorphic rocks produce some of the finest mineral/gemstone specimens, the minerals in sedimentary rocks are not as impressive in shape or range, although some sedimentary rocks may also include igneous and metamorphic minerals as they age. rocks crumble due to weathering and wear. dissolved in water. Sedimentary rocks are also a mirror of the past, the different layers tell a story of what the Earth’s climate was like during the millions of years that the rocks were formed, especially due to their fossil content since, unlike the other two Rock types, heat, and pressures produced in the formation of sedimentary rocks are not enough to destroy fossil evidence.

CLASSIFICATION OF SEDIMENTARY ROCKS.

CLASTIC Sedimentary rock is stratified or lithified (from the Greek stones – rock) by deposits of rubble eroded from other rocks (due to weathering, frost, glacial action or water). Most minerals in igneous rocks (with the exception of quartz, which is very hard) are attacked over time by water, acids, and alkalis, transforming into clay minerals and chemicals in solution. Other minerals in clastic sedimentary rock, such as zircon, rutile, and magnetite, are inert and highly resistant to mechanical and chemical breakdown.

Clastic rock also contains the minerals feldspar, quartz, amphiboles, and clays.

The minerals found in clastic sedimentary rocks belong to the classes of halides, sulfates, borates.

BIOGENIC SEDIMENTARY ROCKS They are made up of materials from living organisms, that is, corals, molluscs, and amoeboid organisms, which deposit layers of calcite on the ocean floors, which then form limestone. Other examples of minerals found in biogenic rocks are stromatolites and flint.

PRECIPITATED SEDIMENATRIAN ROCKS are formed when mineral solutions, for example seawater, evaporate and deposit minerals as Halite and gypsum.

And finally, a list of mineral classes (for the list lovers!)

mineral classes.

All minerals found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks can be classified as follows:

1. Elemental (Diamond, Gold, Silver)

2. Sulfides, Selenides, Tellurides, Arsenides, Antimonides, Bismuthides (Galena, Pyrite, Chalcoprite)

3. Halides (fluorspar, carnallite)

4. Oxides and Hydroxides (Corundum, Quartz, Hematite, Magnetite)

5. Sulfates, chromates, molybdates, tungstenates (barite, selenite)

6. Phosphates, arsenates, vanadates (variscite, mimetite, vanadinite)

7. Silicates (opal, zircon, talc, tourmalines, topaz)

8. Nitrates, Carbonates, Borates (Calcite, Malachite, Azurite)

9. Organic minerals (amber, whewellite, oxamite)

I hope the information has been helpful to you in your search for answers about how minerals are formed. The subject of Mineralogy can be developed in great scientific depth, but I have tried to present the information in a format that anyone can understand. I hope this little offer has whetted your appetite for further digging! Later I will add information on where and how to find some of the most popular minerals and gemstones. Happy hunting!

Home Kitchen

Lighting for your kitchen and cabinets

kitchen lighting

Kitchen lighting is a form of home lighting specifically for the functional purpose of a kitchen. In the kitchen, various requirements must be met and these must be helped by precise lighting. So kitchen lighting is mostly task lighting and mood lighting and less accent lighting. Good kitchen lighting, from an aesthetic and functional point of view, incorporates both ambient and task lighting.

From the perspective of a professional lighting designer, the kitchen is one of the most exciting and versatile projects one can tackle. Filled with numerous nooks and crannies, cabinets and appliances, shelves, and other specialized areas like islands, kitchens can present more lighting challenges than any other room in your home.

Start with the task areas. These are best lit in bright, shadow-free light. Fluorescent tubes are particularly suitable for this. You want to place the fixture close to the work area for maximum concentrated light in the area you want to work on. In kitchens, they would be countertops, sinks, and tables. Spotlights and directional lights also provide task lighting in kitchens. For pantries or other closets, small under cabinet lights provide good lighting. They can be mounted inside the cabinet above the door head to provide glare-free illumination of the cabinet’s contents.

Ambient light is general light that fills in shadows, reduces contrast, and brightens vertical surfaces to give a space a brighter feel. Fluorescent tubes are well suited for the job of providing ambient light. They provide ample and uniform lighting and their effectiveness allows the space to be filled with light without turning it into an oven. Incandescent recessed lights are more dramatic, giving off bright white light, but require multiple fixtures to avoid shadows in a kitchen.

Direct lighting is achieved through the use of conventional recessed lights, surface lights, or fixtures that are on a pendant or chain. These types of lights work well to provide bright lighting for work surfaces and general purpose lighting in the kitchen area. String lighting and small recessed lights are inexpensive.

Add a layer of accent lighting. You may be lighting artwork, architectural details, collectibles, or a food presentation area.

Kitchen occupancy sensors can be used instead of expensive and complicated 3-way switches in kitchens with multiple entrances. If the sensors can “see” all entrances from their mounting location, they will automatically turn the lights on whenever someone enters the room from any direction.

The importance of kitchen lighting is often overlooked. The traditional kitchen has been replaced by a modern one where people interact quietly over the counter. Therefore, kitchen lighting evolves with the needs of modern homes.

Cabinet Lighting – Make your cabinet more attractive than ever:

When it comes to interiors, cabinet decoration is a subject of great attention as beautiful cabinets make the place more attractive, especially the kitchen. The normal type of lighting has a problem of shadows and reflections and hinders the quality of light. There are luminaires for cabinets and cabinets that have different types of uses and specialties. Cabinet lighting has a variety of vintage and modern lights with a wide variety. Polished with brass and silver, the lights look more attractive and make the cabinets look brighter. These days there are many lights that have a great finishing touch with a variety of colors. There is excellent lighting including ambient lights and halogen lights used to enhance the quality of cabinet glow.

Cabinet Lighting Types:

The types of lights depend on brightness, voltage consumption, color and temperature. There are some adjustable lights that can be moved in a complete circular motion. Some people have problems with the heat of the lighting so for them the lights with a fluorescent effect can be very useful. Since halogens radiate heat and create a problem for people who can’t keep warm, these are a convenient option. There are some lights that have a brightness adjustment effect and are very useful at every time of the day. Another good point is the energy efficiency and flicker-free technology that can reduce maintenance costs. The life of the lamps is due more to the use of xenon and therefore they are worth their price.

Cabinet Lighting Usage:

Most of the cabinet lighting is used to display things or to provide a sufficient amount of light for normal work. Most of them are used in the office for desks, hospitals, study rooms or libraries, bathroom cabinets, bedroom shelves, nooks and corners along hallways and stairways, living rooms, family rooms, and anywhere else. where a little shine is required. For the installation of the kitchen, it must be taken into account that it must be in front of or near the furniture. It will be beneficial in providing the exact amount of light required with an added elegance of shine to the kitchen cabinet. Therefore, by using these tips, you can improve your cabinets.