What is the etymology for 'stone cold...'?

Because stones or rocks are a good example of hard things having no compromise. They are hard and unforgiving. It’s an example of an absolute, whereas all other things can be changed in some way.

Stones do not retain or transmit heat very well. Chef’s roll-out dough on a pastry stone (usually marble) because it keeps cool. Go out on a hot day and pick up a stone. The side that has not been in the sun will be cool to the touch.

I suppose that reasoning makes sense for stone cold killer, but how does that apply to stone cold fox a.k.a. very attractive person?

@rpm_pseud0name A stone cold fox is damn hot but knows it and won’t show the least bit of warmth.

As Foreigner said, You’re as cold as ice…

Right here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WukfC-6Gpc
DO NOT check out until you hear the guitar solo.

the OED has an entry for “stone-cold”: ”(also in quasi-advb. attrib. use, esp. in phr. stone cold sober = utterly sober)”

The earliest citation is 1592.