Brick
A regular shaped cube (approximately 4"x8"x 2 1/2", but actual size varies by manufacturer and age) of formed and fired clay. Brick is divided into to two types: soft and hard clay.

Soft clay is mostly an older type of brick, but some manufacturers are still producing it. Soft clay must be soaked in water before laying as its absorbent tendencies will remove moisture from the mortar, causing the mortar to prematurely set, creating a poor bond.

Hard clay brick represents the majority of modern brick. It does not need to be soaked as it absorbs relatively little moisture.

Cap
A layer of Portland or S type cement used to seal the top of masonry work to protect from water and weather.

Cement, Masonry N
Extremely fine (close to size of talcum powder) mixture of various minerals including lime and silica, that when mixed with water forms a solution. This results in an easy to work, and slow set time mortar. Type N (for "normal") will absorb water when dry. As a result of this, it cannot be used it places where it will be exposed to large amounts of water. (ie: caps, horizontal joints, pads/footings)

Cement Masonry S
A mixture of Type N and Portland. Resulting mortar has less absorbency than Type N. May be used in places where the workability of type N, and the durability of Portland is required. (ie: horizontal joints, such as for steps or patios.

Cement, Portland
Extremely fine (close to size of talcum powder) mixture of various minerals including lime and silica, that when mixed with water forms a suspension. Portland is non-absorbent when dry. As a result of this, it can be used it places where it will be exposed to large amounts of water, and/or durability is required. (ie: caps, pads/footings)

Efflorescence
The process of dissolved minerals and salt in water being deposited on the surface of masonry. This is due to either water used in the mortar having a large amount of dissolve minerals, or the absorption of water from the ground. This is in the vast majority of cases this is purely cosmetic, and may be removed by scrubbing the surface and washing with clean water.

Footing
A concrete base that is usually around four feet deep so as to put it below the frost line.

Granite
An igneous rock, most often pink, red or black, often with crystalline deposits. Common in Ontario.

Hearth
A small raised masonry floor in front of a fireplace, or under a wood stove, to protect from heat, embers, and/or sparks.

Limestone
A sedimentary rock recognized by its visible stria and grey undertones. Common in Ontario.

Mortar
The final product of mixing Masonry cement (N or S), sand, and water.

Mortar Dye
A pigment, usually liquid but can be a powder, added during the mixing of mortar to colour it.

Pad
A concrete base that floats rising up and down when frozen.

Parging
Portland cement mixed with an additive to improve adhesion, used to coat masonry. May be dyed using mortar dye.

Also see: Stucco.

Pointing
The mortar between the brick/stone/block. Also the process where the partially set mortar joints are shaped to give a finished appearance, and to ensure a good bond between the stone/brick and mortar. Also "glazes" the surface of the mortar to improve resistance to weathering.

Stucco
A specialized mortar mixed with water used to coats masonry work. Usually white in colour.

Also see: Parging

Thimble
A hollow stainless steel cylinder for joining a stovepipe to a masonry chimney. Comes in various sizes.

Trowel, Masons
A large trowel used to "throw" and place mortar.

Trowel, Pointing
A small trowel used to shape partially set mortar joints.