Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and Formation

Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics,
Tests, Minerals, and Formation
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi

1. Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics,
Tests, Minerals, and Formation
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi
October 13, 2023
Figure:
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

2. Introduction
What are Building Stones?
Natural materials used in construction (e.g., granite, limestone,
marble).
Importance: Durability, aesthetics, structural integrity.
Objective: Understand classification, characteristics, testing,
minerals, and formation.
Figure:
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

3. Stone
Figure:
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

4. Classification of Building Stones
Classified based on:
Geological formation
Physical properties
Chemical composition
Major types:
Igneous
Sedimentary
Metamorphic
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

5. Stratified
Figure:
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

6. FTP
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Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

7. Geological Classification: Igneous Stones
Formation: Cooled and solidified magma/lava.
Examples: Granite, Basalt.
Characteristics:
Hard, durable, crystalline structure.
Used in foundations, pavements.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

8. Granite
Figure:
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

9. Geological Classification: Sedimentary Stones
Formation: Accumulation and compaction of mineral/organic
particles.
Examples: Limestone, Sandstone.
Characteristics:
Layered structure, porous.
Used in walls, flooring.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

10. Formation
Figure:
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

11. Geological Classification: Metamorphic Stones
Formation: Transformation of rocks under heat/pressure.
Examples: Marble, Slate.
Characteristics:
High strength, polished finish.
Used in decorative works, roofing.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

12. Physical Classification
Stratified Stones: Distinct layers (e.g., sandstone, limestone).
Unstratified Stones: No layers, compact (e.g., granite, basalt).
Foliated Stones: Cleave into thin sheets (e.g., slate).
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

13. Chemical Classification
Siliceous Stones: High silica content (e.g., granite, quartzite).
Durable, resistant to weathering.
Calcareous Stones: High calcium carbonate (e.g., limestone,
marble).
Susceptible to acid attack.
Argillaceous Stones: High clay content (e.g., slate).
Dense, used for roofing.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

14. Classification
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

15. Characteristics of Good Building Stone
Appearance: Uniform color, free from stains or patches.
Strength: High compressive strength (>
structures).
Durability: Resistant to weathering, wear, and tear.
Texture: Fine-grained for cutting, coarse for strength.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

16. Characteristics of Good Building Stone (Cont.)
Workability: Easy to cut, shape, and dress.
Porosity: Low porosity to prevent water absorption.
Hardness: Resistant to abrasion (Mohs scale
Weight: Moderate specific gravity for handling.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

17. Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

18. Tests for Building Stones
Purpose: Ensure quality, durability, suitability.
Common Tests:
Compressive strength test
Water absorption test
Acid resistance test
Impact test
Hardness test
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

19. Compressive Strength Test
Procedure: Apply load on stone sample until failure.
Standard: Tested on 50 mm cube samples.
Good Stone:
Application: Determines load-bearing capacity.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

20. Water Absorption Test
Procedure: Weigh dry stone, immerse in water for 24 hours,
weigh again.
Formula: Absorption (%) =
Wet weight−Dry weight
Dry weight
×
Good Stone:.5%%
Significance: Indicates durability against moisture.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

21. Acid Resistance Test
Procedure: Immerse stone in 1% sulfuric acid for 3 days.
Good Stone: Minimal weight loss or surface damage.
Application: Tests resistance to chemical weathering (e.g.,
acid rain).
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

22. Minerals Forming Building Stones
Common Minerals:
Quartz: Hard, durable, in granite, sandstone.
Feldspar: In igneous rocks like granite.
Calcite: Main component of limestone, marble.
Mica: Adds shine, in granite, schist.
Role: Influence hardness, color, texture.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

23. Formation of Building Stones
Igneous Formation:
Magma cools slowly (intrusive, e.g., granite) or quickly
(extrusive, e.g., basalt).
Sedimentary Formation:
Sediments (sand, clay, minerals) compact over time.
Example: Limestone from marine deposits.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

24. Formation of Building Stones (Cont.)
Metamorphic Formation:
Existing rocks transform under heat/pressure.
Example: Limestone
Geological Processes: Tectonic activity, weathering, erosion.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

25. Applications of Building Stones
Granite: Foundations, bridges, monuments.
Limestone: Walls, flooring, cement production.
Marble: Decorative cladding, sculptures.
Slate: Roofing, flooring tiles.
Sandstone: Pavements, ornamental works.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

26. Advantages and Challenges
Advantages:
Natural, eco-friendly, long-lasting.
Aesthetic appeal, high strength.
Challenges:
High cost of quarrying and transportation.
Susceptibility to weathering in some stones.
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

27. Conclusion
Summary:
Stones classified by geology, physics, chemistry.
Good stones: Strong, durable, workable, low porosity.
Tests ensure quality; minerals and formation define properties.
Future Scope: Sustainable quarrying, engineered stones.
Thank You!
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023

28. title
Figure:
Dr. Aman Kumar Singh Building Stones: Classification, Characteristics, Tests, Minerals, and FormationOctober 13, 2023