STONE

The term stone refers to natural rocks after their removal from the earth’s crust. The significance of stone as a building material is illustrated by widespread prehistoric evidence and its sophisticated use in the early civilizations of the world, including the Egyptians, the Incas if Peru, and the Mayans of Central America. 

Types of Building Stone

-Building stone, also called dimension stone, derives from one of three naturally occurring rock types:

1.  Igneous 

- Hard and non-porous rock formed from the slow or quick cooling of molten magma. The best examples are granite and cast basalt.

GRANITE SAMPLES

CAST BASALT TILES

2.  Sedimentary

 - Soft and fairly porous rock formed from deposits of eroded pre-existing rock that settled in layers mostly on sea beds, and became compacted. The best examples are sandstone and limestone.

SAND STONES

LIMESTONE

3.  Metamorphic

 - Hard and non-porous rock formed from pre-existing rock that has been altered by intense heat or pressure. The best examples are marble and slate.

MARBLE SAMPLES

SLATES