different types of stones used in building construction

Common Building Stones

The following are the some of commonly used stones:
(i) Basalt and trap (ii) Granite
(iii) Sand stone (iv) Slate
(v) Laterite (vi) Marble
(vii) Gneiss (viii) Quartzite.

Their qualities and uses are explained as

(i) Basalt and Trap: The structure is medium to fine grained and compact. Their colour varies

from dark gray to black. Fractures and joints are common. Their weight varies from 18 kN/m3 to 29 kN/m3.
The compressive strength varies from 200 to 350 N/mm2. These are igneous rocks. They are used as
road metals, aggregates for concrete. They are also used for rubble masonry works for bridge piers,
river walls and dams. They are used as pavement.

(ii) Granite: Granites are also igneous rocks. The colour varies from light gray to pink. The
structure is crystalline, fine to coarse grained. They take polish well. They are hard durable. Specific
gravity is from 2.6 to 2.7 and compressive strength is 100 to 250 N/mm2. They are used primarily for
bridge piers, river walls, and for dams. They are used as kerbs and pedestals. The use of granite for
monumental and institutional buildings is common. Polished granites are used as table tops, cladding
for columns and wall. They are used as coarse aggregates in concrete.

(iii) Sand stone: These are sedimentary rocks, and hence stratified. They consist of quartz and

feldspar. They are found in various colours like white, grey, red, buff, brown, yellow and even dark
gray. The specific gravity varies from 1.85 to 2.7 and compressive strength varies from 20 to 170 N/mm2.
Its porosity varies from 5 to 25 per cent. Weathering of rocks renders it unsuitable as building stone. It
is desirable to use sand stones with silica cement for heavy structures, if necessary. They are used for
masonry work, for dams, bridge piers and river walls.

(iv) Slate: These are metamorphic rocks. They are composed of quartz, mica and clay minerals.

The structure is fine grained. They split along the planes of original bedding easily. The colour varies
from dark gray, greenish gray, purple gray to black. The specific gravity is 2.6 to 2.7. Compressive
strength varies from 100 to 200 N/mm2. They are used as roofing tiles, slabs, pavements etc.
(v) Laterite: It is a metamorphic rock. It is having porous and sponges structure. It contains high
percentage of iron oxide. Its colour may be brownish, red, yellow, brown and grey. Its specific gravity
is 1.85 and compressive strength varies from 1.9 to 2.3 N/mm2. It can be easily quarried in blocks.
seasoning it gains strength. When used as building stone, its outer surface should be plastered.

(vi) Marble: This is a metamorphic rock. It can take good polish. It is available in different

pleasing colours like white and pink. Its specific gravity is 2.65 and compressive strength is 70–75 N/

mm2. It is used for facing and ornamental works. It is used for columns, flooring, steps etc.

(vii) Gneiss: It is a metamorphic rock. It is having fine to coarse grains. Alternative dark and

white bands are common. Light grey, pink, purple, greenish gray and dark grey coloured varieties are
available. These stones are not preferred because of deleterious constituents present in it. They may be
used in minor constructions. However hard varieties may be used for buildings. The specific gravity
varies from 2.5 to 3.0 and crushing strength varies from 50 to 200 N/mm2.

(viii) Quartzite: Quartzites are metamorphic rocks. The structure is fine to coarse grained and

often granular and branded. They are available in different colours like white, gray, yellowish. Quartz is
the chief constituent with feldspar and mica in small quantities. The specific gravity varies from 2.55 to
2.65. Crushing strength varies from 50 to 300 N/mm2. They are used as building blocks and slabs. They
are also used as aggregates for concrete.