Types of Building Stone

Building stones are sourced by extracting rock from natural rock deposits and shaping it into the specific forms and dimensions needed for building purposes.

Stones are classified into igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks, each formed differently.

Igneous rocks are formed by solidified magma or lava—sedimentary rocks form by accumulating sediments, which are compressed by water or overlying deposits.

Metamorphic rock originates as either igneous or sedimentary rock, but due to the influence of heat and pressure, it changes characteristics.

Different building stones, like Granite, are suitable for the portions of buildings exposed to severe weathering.

Limestone and sandstone are available in severely stratified or homogeneous forms and are used in windowsills and lintels.

Slate, which easily splits into sheets, is helpful for roofing, and paving.

Marble can be easily polished and carved and used for wall panels, column facings, window stools, and flooring.

Quartzite is a building stone used as gravel and aggregate in concrete construction.

Other types of stone used in construction include patterned travertine, alabaster, greenstone, schist, serpentine, and soapstone.