Introduction

Stone is a natural material of construction. Building

stones arte obtained from a quarry be distingration of
rocks. Man has been using stones from very ancient times
for constructing foundations, walls, pillars, lintels, beams,
floors, roofs, etc. of buildings and also for major
engineering works such as weirs, dams etc. Ancient
temples and other important historical buildings in India
and abroad were built will red sand stone. The Secretariat,
Assembly Buildings and Rashtrapati Bhawan in New
Delhi were built with pink and grey sand stones the Taj
Mahal at Agra and the Victoria Memorial in Calcutta
were built with marble.

Building stone

Natural material of construction which is obtained

from rocks by any suitable method is called a stone.
The stone which is used for construction of
engineering structures is known as building stone.
Stones when derived from rocks are very irregular
in shape and size they are, therefore, dressed for
proper bedding, thin joints and speedy construction.
Stone possesses long lasting properties and is
naturally available in large quantity, it is there fore,
considered as one of the most and popular important
engineering material of contraction.

Utility of Stone

Now a days, brick-in-mortar and concrete are replacing stone as

a building material almost everywhere, because good building
stones are not easily and cheaply available in all parts of India
and are difficult to handle due to their heavy weight. Moreover,
they are costly in construction as they involve heavy
transportation and dressing charges. Their use is, therefore,
restricted to the construction of heavy and permanent
engineering structures such as dams, docks, harbors, light
houses, abutments and piers of bridges. Their use is also
recommended for building work in hilly areas, where a good
quality of stone is easily and cheaply available. Stone are being
commonly used as an aggregate for concrete, as slabs for paving
floors, as flags for paving streets, as ballast in railway tracks and
as road metal.

Types of Rocks
Igneous rocks
b. Sedimentary rocks
c.
Metamorphic rocks
a. Igneous rocks:- The rocks formed directly by
solidification of molten material, either inside or on
the surface of earth are called igneous rocks.
These are primary or first formed rocks. They are also
known as unstratifled or eruptive rocks.
Examples:-Granite, basalt, trap etc.
Formation of igneous rocks- These rocks are formed as
described below:a.

It has been established that as we go deeper, the temperature

of the materials of the earth goes on increasing. At certain
depths, this temperature may become so high that the
materials may acquire a molten state. This molten material,
believed to exit below the earths surface, is called magma
and when this molten material is erupted out surface, is
called magma and when this molten material is erupted out
on the surface of earth, it is known as lava. The magma can
exist in a molten condition so long as its physical and
chemical environments do not change but whenever there is
change in one or more of the conditions (like temperature,
pressure, chemical composition), surrounding the magma it
changes into a solid state in the form of simple or complex
solid masses, known as igneous rocks these rocks are known
as intrusive rocks when formed beneath the surface of earth
by solid fiction of magma such as granite.

Igneous Rocks

The magma along with other gases also moves

from one place to another underneath the earth and
as soon as it finds a weak portion in the earths
crust, it comes out with great pressure in the form of
Lava. The lava so erupted out solidifies due to
atmospheric action, thus they are known as eruptive
rocks when formed over the earth by solidification
of lava due to volcanic eruption such as basalt and
trap.

Igneous Rocks

(b) Sedimentary rocks:- The rocks formed by the

consolidation of particles of the pre-existing rocks
under the effects of the weathering agencies such as
wind, running water, glaciers etc. are called
sedimentary rocks.
These are secondary rocks and are also known as
stratified and aqueous rocks.
Examples:- Conglomerate, sand stone, lime stones,
etc.
Formation of sedimentary rocks:- these rocks are
formed by the process ad described below:(i) Disintegration of pre-existing rocks under the
effect of weathering agencies

Sedimentary rocks

(C) Metamorphic rocks: - The rocks formed from the pre-existing rocsks within the
earths crust under the influence of variation in temperature or both are called
metamorphic
rocks.
The existing rocks may be igneous, sedimentary or even metamorphic. The
metamorphic rocks so formed are having their original structure and composition
totally changed
Examples: Marbale, state , Gneiss etc.
Formation of metamorphic rocks:- Metamorphic rocks are formed as described below:The pre-existing rocks within the earths crust do not change their state so long as their
temperature and pressure remain unchanged whenever there is any change in the
temperature pressure of both, the equilum of the existing rocks is disturbed and
consequently change in texture structure and composition of the rock takes place. This
process of formation of new rocks is known as metamorphism and the rocks thus
formed are called metamorphic rocks./
Some metamorphic rocks with their parent rocks are given below:i. Marble changed from lime stone (sedimentary rock)
Ii. Slate changed from shale (-do)
Iii. Quartzitechanged from sand stone (-do-)
Iv. Gneiss changed from granite (Igneous rock)

Metamorphic rocks

(ii) Transportation of disintegrated sediments either in

solution or in suspension to other places.
(iii) Gradual deposition of sediments due to setting down
of the suspended particles or precipitation of the soluble
constituents.
(Iv) Compaction and consolidation for the deposited
sediments either due to pressure or chemical action i.e.
cementation with materials like silica, carbonate of lime,
iron oxide etc.
This process of consolidation turns the loose sediments
into hard masses, known as sedimentary rocks.

General Characteristics of a good building stone

The following characteristics are considered while making
selection of a good building stone for different engineering
works:1. Appearance:- The stone to be used for face work must have
a uniform and pleasing colour. It must be free from cavities,
cracks, flaws and patches of loose and soft material etc.
2. Strength:- A good building stone should have sufficient
crushing strength to withstand the load of superstructure. In
general, it should not be less than 1000kg/cm2
3. Hardness, toughness and resistance to abrasion: the stone
to be used in stairs, pavements, as railway ballast or road
metal must be sufficiency hard, tough and resistant to abrasion
i.e. it must be able to resist wear and tear.
4. Durability:- A good building stone must be durable enough to
resist the effect of weathering agencies e.g. rain, wind.
Temperature etc. It should have fine grained, compact and
crystalline stature.
.

5. Texture:- A good building stone should have a close

grained and compact texture.
6. Workability:- The stone to be used for ornamental
carvings and architectural appearance, should be easily
and economically dressed.
7. Seasoning:- The stone to be used for an important
interior work should be well seasoned. Presence of
moisture (quarry sap) makes the stone soft and it is
liable to an early decay when used in structural work.
8. Porosity:- A good building ne should be less porous it
should not absorb than 5% of water. Any stone
absorbing 10% of water should be rejected.
9. Resistance to fire:- a good building stone should be
able to resist high temperature. Its mineral constitutes
should have equal co-efficient of expansion.
10. Specific gravity: The stone to be used on heavy
engineering works, docks, harbors, gravity dams etc.
must have high specific gravity. In general, it varies
from 2.4 to 2.8.
11. Resistance to electricity:- A good building stone

(2.) Physical classification: It is based on the physical

properties i.e. structure (the arrangement of particles) of rocks.
Physically rocks are classified in the following three types
(a). Un-structure rocks:- the rocks which do not show distinct
signs of layers and can not be easily splitted up into layers are
called un stratified rocks.
Examples: Granite, basalt, trap etc.
(b) Stratified rocks:- The rocks which show distinct signs of
layers and can be easily splitted up into layers are called
stratified rocks.
Examples: Sand Stone, Lime stone etc.
(c). Foliated rocks:- The rocks which can be splitted up into
thin sheets are known as foliated rocks.
Examples:- Slate, schist etc.

When the sedimentary rocks are formed by

mechanical action transportation, deposition and
compaction of particles in suspension of weathering
agencies, they are called mechanic if formed by
chemical action by decomposition, precipitation and
crystallization of particles in solution of denuding
(weathering) agents, they are known as chemically
formed rocks such as lime stone the sedimentary
rocks formed by the activities of organism (both
plants and animals) are called organically formed
rocks such as lime stone, coal etc.

Common building stones, their

origin, composition, properties
used
and
localities
Granite

A. Origin and composition:- This stone is a common

variety of Igneous rocks. It is formed by solidification
of magma below the earths surface at the place of its
origin. It is physically unstratified and chemically
siliceous in nature. It is chiefly composed of quartz
and felspars mixed with particles of mica.
B. Properties: Following are the properties of granite:. It is hard, very strong and durable its crushing
strength is 1000 to 1400 kg/sq.cm.
It is grey, green, pink, redand some times black in
colour according to the colour of felspar.

It has got high specific gravity (2-63 to

2.65). Its weight is nearly 2640kg/cu m.
It is less porous (porosity is less then 1%)
It is fine grained and can take a good
polish.
It has got a crystalline, uniform and
dense texture which makes it more
suitable for ornamental works.
Its workability is less and it is costly to
dress.
It is not fire proof as it cracks badly under
a strong fire.

Uses Following are the uses of granite :

It is chiefly used as large building blocks for heave

engineering works, such as piers and abutments of
bridges, light houses, harbors etc.
It fine grained quality is used for decorative
monumental facing works where high polish is desired.
It is used for constructing steps, sills and columns.
It is also advantageously used as aggregate in
concrete, as ballast in railway tracks and as road
metal.
Localities :- Granite is available at the following
localities in India:Kashmir, Dalhousi and Kangra (H.P), Jhansi (U.P),
Jabbalpore
(M.P),
Ajmer
(Rajasthan),
Banglore
(Mysore), Gujrat, secundrabad , Madras etc.

Basalt and trap

Origin and Composition: these stones are the common

varieties of Igneous rocks they are formed by
solidification of lava on the earths surface due to
volcanic eruption. Some basalts develop step like
appearance and are known as traps. They are chiefly
composed of silica, alumina and felspar.
Properties:- Following are the properties of basalt and
trap
Their crushing strength is 700 to 850 kg/sq.cm.
They are hard and tough
They are greenish grey to dark grey in colour.
Their specific gravity (2-9 to 2.96) is more than that of
granite their weight is nearly 2900kg/cm3.

They are less porous their porosity is less than 0.5%

They are having compact and non-crystalline texture.
They are difficult to work
(c) uses: Following are the uses of ballast and trap: They are most suitable as road metal, railway ballast and as
aggregates in concrete. They are also used as flag stones for
paving streets and for constructing steps.
They are used in rubble masonry for building purposes where
cheaply and easily available.
(d) Localities:- They are available at the following localities in
India
They are available as a vast deposit of basaltic rock, near the
western Ghats of India, known as Deccan trap. They are also
available at Rajmahal Hills (Bihar) known as Rajmahal Trap.
Varieties of basalts jike, Bombay Basalt, Blue basalt, red
basalt and yellow basalt are found and used in Maharasatra,
Gujrat etc.

Sand Stone

Origin and composition :-This stone is a common variety of

sedimentary rocks mechanical origin. it is physically, stratified
and chemically, siliceous in siliceous in nature, it is chiefly
composed of quartz (grains of sand) bound together by a
cementing material, but other minerals such as felspars, mica,
magnetite etc. are also present.
Properties:- following are the properties of sand stone:it's crushing strength is 400 to 650 kg/cm2
it is white, grey, yellow, light brown, and red in colour.
its specific gravity is 2.3 to 2.4. its weight is nearly 2350 kg/cu m.
it is more porous (porosity is 5% to 6%)
it is fine grained to coarse grained in texture
its fine grained and compact variety ca be easily carved and
coarse grained is generally hard.
it is easy to work fire and is little affected up to a temperature of
800c

Uses:- following are the uses of sand stone:its compact and fine grained variety is used in
ashlars masonry and other works of architectural
appearance.
the sand stone composed of angular, sharp edged
sand and grains is used in heavy engineering
works such as monumental building dams, docks
etc.
Localities.:- the sand stone is available at the
following localities in India
sand stone of fine and uniform grains is found in
Mirzapur fatehpur sikri chuan rupas (U.P) Gwaliro,
Jabbalpur, Sambalpur, and Raipur (M.P.)nagpur
(maharashtra).

Marble

origin and composition :- it is a most common variety of

metamorphic rock. it is formed from crystallized limestone by
metamorphism\, chemically, it is calcareous and is chiefly
composed of calcium carbonate.
properties :- following are the propertied of marble:_
its crushing strength is from 500 to 600 kg/cm2
the usual color of marble is white, but it is also available in
different shades of colors such as grey, black, red, brown, yellow
and combination of these
it is compact and crystalline in structure due to which it can take
a fine polish
it is les durable
it can be carved easily and thus is most suited for sculpture work.
its specific gravity is 2.72 its weight 2720 kg/cum
its absorption is 1 to 3%

Marble

uses:- following are the of marble:it is mainly used for ornamental pieces, table
slabs window sills floors finishes steps etc.
it is also used for electrical switch boards wall
lining and other decorative purposes
localities :- Marble is available at the following
localities in India.
white variety is available in Johdpur and Ajmer
(Rajesthan) Jabalpur (M.P.) Green marble is
available at baroda (Gujrat) yellow marble
(rajesthan ) Marble is also available at
chhindwara, gwalior.

Slate

origin and composition :- it is a common

variety of metamorphic rock. it is formed
from clay mudstones and shale's which
are altered by heat and pressure. thus
their original plans of stratification are
completely changed and new well
defined planes of splitting nature called
cleavage plans are developed in the rock.
it can be splitter up into thin sheet along
there cleavage plans

Properties

following are the properties of slate:its crushing strength varies from 700 to
2100 kg/cm2
it is hard tough and is least absorptive
it also offers good abrasive resistance.
it is a good heat and electrical insulator.
its water absorption varies from 0.5 to
1%.

Slate

uses.:- following are the uses of slate.

it is a valuable material for roofing and black boards
thick slabs of harder variety of slates are used for flooring
steps shelves mental pieces sills of doors and window etc.
being non absorbent it is also used in baths cisterns and
urinal partitions etc.
it is also used for making electrical switch boards and
other such electrical equipment being a good insulator.
localities
slate a available at the available at the following localities
in India:_
simla, kangra, gurgaon, Gurdaspur, Alwar, Rajasthan,
(MP) (Haryana) (Gujrat)

Thanking
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