Top 10 Types of Stones Used in Construction: Properties, Uses & Benefits

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When it comes to building durable and aesthetically pleasing structures, the choice of building materials plays an important role. Of the numerous options available, natural stone stands out for its timeless elegance and durability. In this article we will explore the top 10 different types of stone used in construction, highlighting their respective pros and cons to help you make an informed decision for your next project.

Different types of Stones are used in the construction industry for different purposes, such as flooring, paving roads, masonry works, roofing, etc. Stones are manufactured from different artificial and naturally occurring substances. Stones used in construction should be rugged, durable, and free from cracks and other defects. A stone is formed from rocks after being trimmed, dressed, or polished into tiny pieces.

Granite is one of the most commonly utilized building stones. Even though granite is no longer the most often used building stone, it remains popular due to its hardness and durability. It’s a crystalline igneous rock with fine to coarse grain found deep down. This stone is incredibly valuable due to its crushing strength. It can also withstand harsh weather conditions.

Granite stones are usually cut into slabs and then polished. It can be used for stone facing slabs and floor slabs. The issue with granite is that stone has low fire resistance. It is, however, suitable for building since it can withstand acidic liquids like curds, vinegar, and lime juice. As a result, granite is a good choice for kitchen countertops.

Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of calcite or dolomite crystals. Marbles exhibit a variety of colors, and their colors vary from purest white to black. Marble is solid and durable rock, making it the perfect flooring and interior decor choice.It is a metamorphic rock which can be easily cut and carved into different shapes. It is used for ornamental purposes, stone facing slabs, flooring, facing works etc.It is found in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.

Limestone is a sedimentary rock which is mainly composed of calcium carbonate. It often contains fossilised remains of marine organisms, which contribute to its unique texture and appearance. When compared to other building stones, limestone is comparatively softer, which facilitates shaping and cutting.

Quartzite is a durable and versatile metamorphic rock prized for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Formed from sandstone subjected to high heat and pressure, quartzite boasts a unique combination of beauty and resilience.

Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs. It is characterized by its porous texture and is often used in flooring and wall cladding. Travertine’s natural beauty and warm tones make it a favorite in both indoor and outdoor settings.

It is a sedimentary rock that is formed from compacted sand grains. Sandstone has a grainy surface that is surprisingly durable. It is available in earthy colors like brown, yellow, and red. The natural textured surface offers slip resistance and longevity when properly sealed with a penetrative sealer. Sandstone pavers are widely used in paving, wall cladding, pillars, garden walkway features, and flooring.

Alabaster has been used in construction for several centuries, with the stone commonly used in altars, effigies, tombs, and religious carvings during the medieval period. However, the stone is now widely used for light to medium fittings due to its translucence.

Unfortunately, alabaster isn’t weatherproof and can disintegrate considerably if exposed to elements like heavy rainfall, strong winds, and snow over time. Some people even use alabaster to make windows due to its translucence.Therefore, due to its softness, alabaster can be easily carved into different shapes. Please note that alabaster is highly sensitive to water, and prolonged exposure to moisture will make the stone dull, rougher, and less translucent than normal.

Basalt is a dark-colored igneous rock formed from cooled lava. It is known for its high compressive strength and is commonly used in road construction. Basalt’s dense structure makes it ideal for heavy-duty applications such as railway ballast and marine constructions.

Slate is a fine-grained, foliated, homogenous sedimentary rock derived from shale rock composed of clay or volcanic ash. The original clay minerals in shale alter to micas when exposed to increasing levels of heat and pressure.

Gray in color, slate contains quartz, feldspar, calcite, pyrite, and hematite, among other minerals. It’s a desirable building stone that’s been utilized in construction since ancient Egyptian times. Today, it’s used as roofing, flagging, decorative aggregates, and flooring because of its attractiveness and durability.

Gneiss is a widely used metamorphic rock with unique and subtly different light and dark mineral bands. It is one of those types of stone used in construction that offers a distinct appearance with rugged strength. Its formation gives it a high compressive strength and a decorative texture. This makes Gneiss both practical and aesthetic for interior design. This stone is not widely common but is used in residential and commercial stone paving, flooring, walls, and ornamental works due to its strength.