Characteristics of stones

Characteristics of stones

In order to ensure suitable selection of stone of particular work, one must be conversant with its composition, characteristics, uses and place of availability.

Granite

1. Igneous rock

2. Composed of quart, felspar and mica and minerals

3. Available in grey, green, brown and pink and red

4. Hard and durable

5. High resistance to weathering

6. The texture varies with its quality

7. Specify gravity 2.7 and compressive strength 700 to 1300kg/cm2

8. Used for ornamental, road metal, railway ballast, aggregate for concrete; for construction of bridges, piers and marine works etc.

Balast

1. Igneous rock

2. It is compact, hard and heavy

3.Available in red, yellow grey, blue and greenish black color

4. Specific gravity is 3 and compressive strength varies 1530 to 1890 kg/cm2.

5. Used for ornamental, rail road ballast, aggregates for concrete etc.

Sand Stone

1.Sedimentary rock

2.It is available in variety of formations fine grained, coarse grained compact or porous

3.Available in white, green, blue, black, red and yellow.

4.Specific gravity 2.65 to 2.95

5.Compressive strength is 650kgs / cm

6.Used for ashlars works

Lime Stone

1. Sedimentary rock: It is available in a variety of forms which differ from one another in color Compaction, texture, hardness and durable

a. Compact lime stone

b. Granular lime stone

c. Magnesia lime stone

d. Kanker lime stone

f. Used for paving, road metal, etc

Artificial stones: These are also known as cast stones or reconstructed stones. Artificial stones may take up various forms such as

a. Cement concrete: This is the mixture of cement, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates and water. It may be cast in site or pre-cast if steel is used with cement concrete, it is known as reinforced cement concrete.

b. Mosaic tiles: Pre-Cast concrete tiles with marble chips at top surface are known as tiles. They are available in different shades and widely adopted at present.

c. Terrazo :This is a mixture of marble chips and cement. It is used for bathrooms residential buildings, temples etc.