M

Mantel

Marble

Masonry

Metamorphic Rock

Mortar

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Mantel
1. The beam or arch which serves as a support for the masonry above a fireplace; also called a manteltree.
2. All the work or facing around a fireplace. *

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Marble
1. Metamorphic rock made up largely or calcite or dolomite.
2. In dimension stone rock that will polish and is composed mainly of calcite or dolomite or rarely serpentine. The commercial term includes many dense limestones and some rock dolomites. Numerous mineralsmay be present in minor to significant amounts in marbles; their presence and distribution account for much of the distinctive appearance that many marbles possess. *

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Masonry
The art of shaping, arranging, and uniting stone, brick, building blocks, etc., to form walls and other parts of a building. *

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Metamorphic Rock
Rock which has been altered in appearance, density, and crystalline structure (and in some cases mineral composition) by high temperature and/or high pressure; e.g. slate is metamorphic rock derived from shale. *

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Mortar
A plastic mixture of cementitious materials (such as plaster, cement or lime) with water and a fine aggregate (such as sand); can be troweled in the plastic state; hardens in place. When used in masonry construction, the mixture may contain masonry cement or ordinary hydraulic cement with lime (and often other admixtures) to increase its plasticity and durability. Mortar compostition is specified in ASTM C270. *

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* Dictionary of Architecture & Construction, by Cyril M. Harris

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